Appleby works across Jersey and Guernsey to support clients active in the financial services sector before tribunal proceedings concerning allegations of discrimination and constructive dismissal, among others. The ‘excellent’ Richard Sheldon leads the team, specialising in contentious senior exits, with further expertise in regulatory investigations. Niall MacDonald appears before the tribunal for corporate clients and is also noted for his work on immigration, business licensing and restrictive covenants. James Gallimore continues to build up his Channel Islands practice, with a particular focus on discrimination proceedings.
Employment in Jersey
Appleby
Practice head(s):
Richard Sheldon
Other key lawyers:
Niall MacDonald; James Gallimore; Laura Sones
Testimonials
‘They are my go-to team in the Channel Islands. They are responsive and collaborative, and work with us on any cross-border matters.’
‘Richard Sheldon is excellent.’
‘Appleby is responsive and approachable. They effectively assess risk and provide us with options and advice.’
‘We deal predominantly with Niall MacDonald, who always ensures that we have access to services as and when we need it. Niall is very kind, understanding and through his work with my organisation has developed a robust knowledge of the sector.’
‘I highly recommend Appleby for their exemplary services in legal matters. Their depth of knowledge in various areas of law is impressive, allowing them to provide thorough and informed guidance to clients.’
‘Richard Sheldon was extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of law we required and able to allocate the best resources whilst retaining a macro role. Inspires confidence in clients and contribute to strategic decision-making.’
‘Niall MacDonald has an exceptional ability to think on his feet and excel in the courtroom. He adeptly navigated complex legal situations with ease and made persuasive arguments, resulting in the best conclusion for the client.’
‘James Gallimore has an unparalleled grasp of every aspect of a client’s case. He diligently understands and collates the intricacies to ensure detail is not overlooked. He has an ability to stay abreast of developments, keeping his finger on the pulse of the legal landscape.’
Key clients
Admenta Group
Barclays Group
Canaccord Genuity Wealth
Dandara
Eversheds Sutherland
Family Nursing & Home Care
HSBC Group
Praxis Group
Suntera Global
Work highlights
- Defended and negotiated the withdrawal of proceedings in the Royal Court of Jersey and local tribunal for an international trust and corporate services provider against claims brought by a director and senior manager respectively.
- Defended proceedings raised by a former director in the Jersey Employment and Discrimination Tribunal and managed related disputes concerning sums altogether in excess of £20m.
Carey Olsen
Carey Olsen offers a pan-Channel Islands employment practice, advising primarily financial services clients on pensions issues in addition to providing representation across contentious matters including discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. Following Siobhan Riley’s retirement in July 2023, leadership of the practice is split between Huw Thomas, who acts on the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, and Alexa Saunders, who oversees the firm’s pensions matters, working alongside Julie Currie. Tarina Le Boutillier runs a broad contentious and non-contentious practice, covering discrimination and immigration matters.
Practice head(s):
Huw Thomas; Alexa Saunders
Other key lawyers:
Tarina Le Boutillier; Julie Currie
Testimonials
‘Their technical knowledge is second to none. What is especially good is the clear, joined up approach between them. You know you are getting the depth of experience from the partner, delivered by or in conjunction with the other team members.’
‘Huw Thomas and Tarina Le Boutillier explain employment law without being pompous about the law. They are able to explain the technical details in a language HR and laymen can understand.’
‘I have worked with Huw Thomas for approx. 10 years and have always found him knowledgeable in a range of subjects within employment law. The podcasts and employment law updates that the team runs are a great way to keep up to date, and they always have some interesting topics and guests.’
‘Huw Thomas’ advice is solid, easy to follow and pragmatic.’
‘The team is proactive, client-focussed and commercially -minded. Advice is always timely and cuts through the jargon. Unlike many other lawyers, they are refreshingly concise and don’t over-engineer their responses.’
‘Julie Currie is a fantastic lawyer. It’s like dealing with a close colleague. She takes time to understand your business, so she is quick to understand the matter at hand and what advice and guidance will provide the best outcome.’
‘Carey Olsen Jersey has a great employment team of experienced and pragmatic lawyers with which we are pleased to partner and work on pan-Island projects and to whom we refer our offshore Isle of Man clients. They are sensible, super to deal with and innovative in their approach.’
‘The standout lawyers for us are Huw Thomas and Tarina Le Boutillier – both are excellent. Seasoned advisers and eminently sensible.’
Key clients
Committee of Management of the Public Employees’ Pension Fund
Management Board of the Jersey Teachers Superannuation Fund
RBS International Employees’ Pension Trustees Limited (Trustee of the RBS International Pension Trust)
RBS International Employees’ Pension Trustees Limited (Trustee of the RBSI Widows and Orphans Purpose Trust)
Nedbank Private Wealth
Ports of Jersey Limited
Rossborough Financial Services Limited
Fairway Pension Trustees Limited
Alex Forbes
Channel Islands Co-op
Work highlights
- Acted as lead advisers to the Committee of Management of the Public Employees’ Pension Fund and the Management Board of the Jersey’s Teachers Superannuation Fund.
- Advised Chanel Islands Co-op on the acquisition of seven Lloyds Pharmacy branches across Jersey and Guernsey.
- Provided advice in respect of the Jersey and Guernsey aspects of the RBS International Employees’ Pension Trustees Limited, a multi-jurisdiction pension scheme.
Mourant
Mourant is ‘knowledgeable in its field,’ providing assistance to the professional services sector on misconduct in regulated industries, unfair dismissals and discrimination proceedings, while on the non-contentious side advising on matters tied to the arrivals and departures of senior executives, incentive arrangements and more. Carla Benest heads the practice, frequently being instructed by financial services employers on claims before the Jersey Employment Tribunal and in relation to immigration matters and the securing of work permits. Laurie Child is sought after where collective employment issues arise, while Katie Phillips specialises in business immigration.
Practice head(s):
Carla Benest
Other key lawyers:
Laurie Child; Katie Phillips
Testimonials
‘Exceptional client service delivery from the employment law team in Jersey.’
‘Carla Benest and Laurie Child are both highly experienced practitioners, offering clear and pragmatic advice. Responsive to all queries on a timely basis. No nonsense approach, and solution driven.’
‘The team is very approachable, available when required and above all very knowledgeable in its field. They talk our language and understand our business and its culture.’
‘Both Laurie Child and Carla Benest are our go-to individuals.’
‘The employment team at Mourant is very professional, knowledgeable, know our business and always provide us the support we need.’
‘I have been working with Carla Benest for many years and I like her approach to employment matters, having a wealth of knowledge and experience. We have been working with Laurie Child for a few years as well, and he is very helpful and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Public transport operator
Occupational health services provider
Work highlights
- Defended a large local transportation operator in unfair dismissal proceedings before the Jersey Employment and Discrimination Tribunal.
- Secured a strikeout of a service provider discrimination claim against an occupational health service provider.
- Advised a client on the negotiated retirement of a senior equity partner.
Ogier
Ogier handles a variety of claims relating to breaches of fiduciary duties, complex exits and discrimination, acting for both employers and employees. On the non-contentious front, the team assists with matters of business immigration and the employment aspects of M&A. Helen Ruelle spearheads the firm’s employment efforts, representing clients across the spectrum of contentious matters and also providing support in relation to business and employee relocations. Will Austin-Vautier defends corporate clients in discrimination hearings and assists them with their restructuring efforts.
Practice head(s):
Helen Ruelle
Other key lawyers:
Will Austin-Vautier
Testimonials
‘Ogier is my go-to firm on a range of employment issues, and provides comprehensive advice.’
‘Helen Ruelle is outstanding; she is extremely knowledgeable and very commercial in her advice. Advice is always timely and she is well supported by the wider team.’
‘Strong on the law, always pragmatic, solution & outcome-driven.’
‘The full service multi-jurisdictional offering (including in many cases across multiple time zones) is fantastic. This includes legal, regulatory and corporate secretarial services, meaning that Ogier is a highly valued advisor to the business.’
‘Will Austin-Vautier is simply exceptional. He is very knowledgeable and experienced on employment law matters, but is also incredibly supportive and commercial in his approach.’
‘The team is always available when needed, just a phone call or email away. They are a professional, yet friendly team and take the time to listen & fully understand any queries raised. They respond promptly & comprehensive manner.’
Work highlights
Viberts
Viberts acts for both employers and employees across a range of matters, frequently acting for employees bringing matters to the tribunal, and supporting corporate clients regarding contractual issues and matters tied to the arrivals and departures of senior staff. Leading the group is Vicky Milner, a first port of call for a number of senior executives bringing claims of discrimination and psychiatric injury, with experience appearing before both tribunals and the Royal Court. Rebecca De Freitas is increasingly active on contentious employment matters, advising both employers and employees on discrimination and unfair dismissal claims.
Practice head(s):
Vicky Milner
Other key lawyers:
Paul Wilson; Rebecca De Freitas
Testimonials
‘A highly professional team, with a highly personal approach.’
‘Strong personalities, leading each meeting with sound advice. Proactive in making suggestions and coming up with innovative solutions.’
‘Whenever I call Viberts I am treated as a valued client, the team is quick to respond and follow up swiftly and one call is enough to reach the right person to get the right advice without me having to chase or follow up.’
‘Vicky Milner is always quick to respond to our queries, makes time for our call and swiftly gets to the crux of the issue however complex the situation may be and provides practical and pragmatic solutions.’
‘They are highly professional and very well versed in their field – continually focused on working in the client’s best interests throughout. They are very realistic and great at expectation management. Their people are definitely the key differentiator.’
‘Vicky Milner has boundless energy, determination and desire to get the right outcome whilst still managing expectations around possible outcomes.’
‘The team is very accessible and provides helpful over-the-telephone logistical advice, as well as constructive and high quality legal advice.’
‘The individuals are pleasant, personable and approachable, leaving those who require advice feeling supported whilst reducing their anxiety regarding their circumstances.’
Key clients
Given the sensitive and confidential nature of employment law work, all of our matters are non-publishable.
Work highlights
- Advised a trade union on action taken by a public sector employer which potentially undermined the collective bargaining process.
- Represented a financial services product provider on breaches of restrictive covenants by a former employer, and action taken by a competitor to induce breach of contract in Royal Court litigation.
- Worked across jurisdictions in connection with the move of an ultra-high net worth employee to Jersey.
Walkers
Financial services clients make up the bulk of Walkers‘ employment practice’s clients, with the firm acting for them on matters ranging from unfair dismissal and breach of covenant claims, to the employment aspects of transactions and restructuring measures. ‘Powerhouse of legal practice’ Daniel Read heads the group, appearing before tribunals on matters arising out of disciplinaries, discrimination and disputes between shareholders. Read is assisted by Katherine Utton, who arrived from Browne Jacobson LLP in November 2023, representing both public and private sector bodies before tribunals across unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claims. Jenny Brunton took up an in house role in July 2023.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Read
Other key lawyers:
Katherine Utton
Testimonials
‘Daniel Read and his team provide easy access to complex case law in a timely fashion. They keep in touch throughout the year, which makes them accessible when their assistance is needed.’
‘The team is proactive, accurate with their advice and mindful of the sensitive areas of the employment law we have to navigate. They are increasingly more commercial and ensure we are well placed to position ourselves positively.’
‘Daniel Read is the partner we work with in the main and he is our go-to person for employment advice. Dan is always available, and understands our business and our approach, which means he provides specific guidance to fit our organisation.’
‘Walkers consistently outshine all other local competitors. They invest time and financial commitment into supporting their network of contacts in my sector and are recognised as leaders in the market. Walkers’ team has a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in the sector, and can be relied upon to provide sound advice and support in any situation.’
‘Walkers is a cut above the rest. The experience and quality of their advice is unparalleled in the Jersey employment market – our go-to firm. They are very client-focused and willing to go the extra mile to achieve the best outcome for their clients.’
‘Daniel Read is a powerhouse of legal practice. He is an experienced legal professional, which is clearly demonstrated in his ability to take complex legal matters and simplify them – a masterful skill that very few legal practitioners can do well. His delivery/presentation skills are superlative.’
‘They are an expert team, but also a close-knit one – they are very visibly mutually supportive of each other, creating opportunities and playing to each other’s strengths.’
‘They are experts in their field and I trust their advice implicitly. Walkers are proactive at building a strong relationship with their clients so that they become an extension of your team. I highly recommend Daniel Read in particular.’
Key clients
LGT Wealth Management
Rugby Football Union
Rugby Players’ Association
Work highlights
- Advised LGT Wealth Management on the employment aspects of its £140m acquisition of abdrn’s fund management business.
- Represented the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Players’ Association following the collapse of the Jersey Reds Rugby Football Club, including guidance to the professional rugby players on their employment rights and statutory payments in light of the insolvency of their employer.
Advocate Davida Blackmore
Advocate Davida Blackmore ‘provides a professional but personal service’ to senior executives in relation to contentious departures, including matters of unfair or constructive dismissal, in addition to assisting in the event of redundancy. Davida Blackmore is also well versed in discrimination proceedings and is noted for her expertise in cases concerning workplace psychiatric injuries.
Practice head(s):
Davida Blackmore
Testimonials
‘The practice provides a professional but personal service.’
‘Davida Blackmore is professional, friendly and provides practical advice. She always makes herself available where possible. You build a strong relationship of trust with her, so that she becomes an extension of your team.’
‘Davida Blackmore is excellent. Responsive, friendly, straightforward.’
Key clients
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner
Hightide HR
Work highlights
- Provided advice and assistance to Durrell Wildlife Conservation in respect of all manner of employment and data protection related matters.
- Represented a regulatory body in respect of a claim before the Employment and Discrimination Tribunal
- Acted for several senior individuals in respect of employment exits, including claims for constructive dismissal, unfair dismissal, redundancy, and defamation.
BCR Law LLP
BCR Law LLP provides clients with both a contentious and non-contentious employment service, acting for both employees and employers in unfair dismissal proceedings, and also assisting clients with the departure of senior staff and in mitigating the risk of staff departures resulting in tribunal hearings. Dispute resolution specialist Jeremy Heywood oversees the practice, frequently appearing at tribunal hearings alongside John Borg. Ashley Quenault was admitted as a Jersey advocate at the end of 2023, acting for local businesses in relation to contractual matters and a variety of disputes, with particular expertise in the construction industry.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Heywood
Other key lawyers:
John Borg; Ashley Quenault
Testimonials
‘The legal team are honest and transparent. We feel we can trust them 100% and have not felt like this with other firms in jersey. They work hard for clients and their communication is excellent.’
‘John Borg and Jeremy Haywood have supported our team through 2023. They represented us at an employment tribunal excellently. They spoke with our team and provided reassurance during a stressful situation.’
‘Excellent and very responsive in employment matters. Discrete and reassuring when dealing with C-suite matters.’
Key clients
The Jersey Care Hub
Andium Homes
Jersey Heritage
Work highlights
- Represented a former employee in his claims against his former employer, Design Foods, and resisted every ground of appeal in the Tribunal and the Royal Court.
- Acted for The Care Hub Jersey in a defence of claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and other matters.
Seymour Law LLP
Senior executives form the core of Seymour Law LLP‘s employment client base, with the firm advising them in the event of redundancy or contentious exits. Practice head Jean-Marie Renouf acts for both employers and employees in relation to employment contracts and high profile departures, including advising partners at other law firms on employment challenges.
Practice head(s):
Jean-Marie Renouf