A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP‘s large team covers the full scope of employment law, including tribunal litigation, TUPE, immigration issues and industrial relations. The group is highly experienced in cross-jurisdictional work, and is regularly active for clients across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Team lead Gareth Walls has significant expertise advising on employment law in the financial services industry, and is a thought leader on matters such as hybrid working, modern slavery, and ESG. Aisling Byrne, who joined from Cleaver Fulton Rankin in 2021, handles contentious and non-contentious employment matters, and is a key name for data protection. Of counsel Shirley Blair specialises in complex discrimination matters. Rob Tubman and Johanna Cunningham are prominent names at the associate level.
Employment in Northern Ireland
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP
Practice head(s):
Gareth Walls
Other key lawyers:
Aisling Byrne; Shirley Blair; Rob Tubman; Johanna Cunningham
Testimonials
‘Gareth fully understands our business. He is also an expert in employment law, and advises accordingly.’
‘The ALG team provide a consistently high level of professional service to our business which, as a highly regulated business, is complex in nature and structure. The ALG respond quickly and efficiently to all of our issues and cases in a timely and highly satisfactory level.’
‘Gareth Walls is an exceptional employment lawyer providing an exceptional level of service, legal support and guidance in a practical and professional manner.’
‘What makes them stand out is their professionalism, when dealing with them. They keep you, as a client, well-informed, they run training days and impart important information.’
‘We work closely with Shirley Blair. Excellent at examining complex evidence and drafting legal responses. Extremely skilled at working with clients and witnesses unfamiliar with legal processes.’
‘Excellent to collaborate with at all times, and we have used them extensively within the realm of employment issues. I worked with some of the associates, and they were excellent, so thorough and always available.’
‘A&L Goodbody deliver a personable and professional service. They have a depth of experience and are quick to respond, making them a precious resource in the business world.’
‘Gareth Walls – knowledgable, personable and an innate ability to make complex decisions or options relatable.’
Key clients
Citigroup
SONI (Utility provider)
Harland & Wolff (Infrastrata)
Pilgrims Pride (Moy Park)
ABP
Danske
NI Water
Allstate
MeiraGTx
Spence and Partners
Work highlights
- Handling all of Citi’s employment law matters in Northern Ireland (tribunal claims, advisory work and ad hoc queries).
- Appointed in 2022 as the sole employment law adviser for SONI, a regulated systems operator in the utilities sector, advising on disciplinary, corporate, governance, contractual and data breach issues.
- Go-to employment law adviser to Harland & Wolff; represented the company in several tribunal claims and provided employment advice on demand.
Carson McDowell
Carson McDowell's team caters to prominent domestic and multinational clients, with experience in the full spectrum of employment law. The group has notable strength in contentious matters, particularly complex workplace investigations. Team lead Orlagh O’Neill has more than 20 years' experience in the practice area, and works for a diverse range of public and private sector clients. Rachel Penny, described by clients as being 'in a league of her own', is noted for her expertise in TUPE, restructuring, and senior executive recruitment, incentive, and severance arrangements. Sarah Cochrane, who is dual qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales, made partner in September 2022.
Practice head(s):
Orlagh O’Neill
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Penny; Sarah Cochrane; Hannah McGrath
Testimonials
‘Carson McDowell are a pragmatic, customer driven legal firm with exceptional talent across all disciplines. They focus on relationship management, understanding the needs of the client to provide an exceptional level of quality and service.’
‘Rachel Penny is in a league of her own. An exceptional legal mind coupled with pragmatism and a personality that is endearing. She is so focussed on the needs of the client that she has become like one of the family.’
Key clients
The English Bar Offshore
Translink
Royal Mail Group Limited
Queen’s University Belfast
Ulster University
Flybe
AXA
The Irish League of Credit Unions (via Axa)
Lynas Foodservice Limited
Omexom (Vinci Energies)
Westland Horticulture Limited
ESB / Electric Ireland
Diageo PLC
Currys PLC
Santander PLC
Davy Private Client
British Medical Association
SHS Group
Eakin Healthcare Group
Currys Group
Work highlights
- Advised Queen’s University Belfast on senior management restructuring, industrial action, the defence of numerous industrial and fair employment tribunal claims, a wide-ranging policy review, complex and sensitive investigations, whistleblowing allegations and disciplinary matters.
- Advised Bowmark Capital on the employment aspects of its investment in the Xperience Group.
- Advised SHS Group on restructuring/re-organisation projects which included collective consultation, redundancy obligations and changes to terms and conditions.
Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin‘s Belfast offering, which was formed from a merger with indigenous firm Jones Cassidy Brett in 2021, handles the full range of employment, immigration, and equality law matters across the island of Ireland. The group is jointly led by Ciara Fulton, Adam Brett, and Paul Gillen. Fulton is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and is highly experienced in advising on cross-jurisdictional matters, while Brett specialises in discriminators and regulatory matters. Gillen, who joined the group in 2022 from Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP, has a broad practice which includes restructuring, executive management, TUPE, and employment litigation. Associate Jack Balmer has experience in contentious and non-contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Ciara Fulton; Paul Gillen; Adam Brett
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Gallagher; Jack Balmer
Testimonials
‘They are a very approachable team and their style of information gathering makes life easier for the client. Collaboration between the team and the client is evident from the first call, and the factual practical advice given is delivered in an easy, straightforward manner.’
‘Responsive knowledgeable team.’
‘They respond to legal queries in a timely fashion with advice that has a pragmatic approach.’
‘Lewis Silkin can draw from a broad base of lawyers, which gives confidence that they will have an expert in the area where you need advice. The introduction of webinars, especially on the differences between Irish and Northern Irish employment law, has been really useful.’
‘Ciara Fulton provides great client service. She is engaging, knowledgeable and provides clear advice.’
‘Paul Gillen, for me, has not only great legal insight, but he also has very valuable knowledge of the people in our industry. He and his team are thorough in their investigations, and they are practical in the delivery of the legal solutions.’
Key clients
Kainos PLC
Circet Group
Ciena
Queen’s University Belfast
CME Group
Northstone (NI) Limited
Persistent Systems Limited
Gilbert-Ash Limited
Mount Charles Group Limited
Northern Ireland Electric Networks Limited
Bryson Charitable Group
Ulster Carpet Mills Ltd
Irwin’s Bakery
Ready2order GmbH
Tata Steel Limited
Northern Ireland Hospice
Texthelp
Jysk
Work highlights
- Acted for Queen’s University, Belfast in defence of several claims from a serial litigant in relation to complex discrimination and victimisation claims, including successfully defending the first claim at the Employment Tribunal and through to the Court of Appeal.
- Instructed on all employment matters across Northern Ireland and Great Britain as well as advising on global matters such as implementation of annual bonuses for Persistent Systems Limited.
- Acting for Kainos PLC on proposals, reviewing and updating employment contracts and advising on wellbeing issues.
Tughans
Tughans provides ‘professional and knowledgeable service’ across the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Areas of expertise for the team include recruitment, outsourcing, redundancy, and TUPE obligations. Team lead Anna Beggan is highly experienced in defending complex class actions, and advises on all aspects of equality and discrimination legislation. Patricia Rooney specialises in TUPE and outsourcing matters, and is dual qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, regularly acting for employers across both jurisdictions. Associate Emma Doherty joined the team from Napier Solicitors in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Anna Beggan
Other key lawyers:
Patricia Rooney; Emma Doherty
Testimonials
‘My experience of this firm has always been a positive one, with an extremely professional and knowledgeable service provided on each and every occasion.’
‘Anna Beggan has exceptional knowledge within her field of expertise and is responsive with a common sense approach to resolution.’
‘Tughans are excellent in providing comprehensive, focussed advice in a most professional manner. They respond competently and quickly, something that many firms do not.’
Key clients
Northern Ireland Water Limited
Agri Food and Biosciences Institute
Westland Horticulture Limited
Monaghan Mushrooms Group
Belfast City Airport Limited
Fourds Limited t/a Bloc Blinds
Tennants Fine Chemicals Limited
B-Secur Limited
Vyta Secure Limited
Work highlights
- Advising BGF on employment aspects of its £5m investment into Clarke Group
- Advising Vyta Secure on employment aspects of both its significant investment from private equity firm MML Growth Capital Ireland and on the subsequent acquisition of Essex-based IT disposal company FGD
Arthur Cox Belfast
Arthur Cox Belfast‘s full service offering provides clients with expertise in immigration, TUPE, and corporate transactional support, as well as contentious matters such as industrial relations disputes and tribunal representation. Rosemary Lundy has significant experience advising local and international clients on all areas of employment law, with a specialism in termination of employment. The ‘highly professional’ Chris Fullerton, who made partner in 2022, covers both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.
Practice head(s):
Rosemary Lundy
Other key lawyers:
Chris Fullerton
Testimonials
‘Provide great advice and support. Full of knowledge, and when the main contact is not available, the next person is just as helpful and knowledgeable.’
‘Great communication and explanations.’
‘Arthur Cox have been excellent in this field. I’ve had several matters arise over the years that have been dealt with expert knowledge, support and calm application that generates a great deal of confidence in matters that had potential to escalate.’
Key clients
Spotify
Musgrave
Americold
Orica Limited
Sonrai Analytics
Moy Park Limited
Selazar Limited
Loughs Agency
Diaceutic PLC
Newington Housing Association
Work highlights
- We acted for a new client, Spotify (one of the largest music streaming service providers), on its acquisition of Kinzen.
- We advised Musgrave Group (Ireland’s largest wholesale business, serving more than 45,000 hotels, restaurants and small businesses) on the acquisition of Italicatessen.
- We represented Orica Limted in relation to a claim for unfair dismissal which was presented to the Industrial Tribunal in Northern Ireland.
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Cleaver Fulton Rankin's 'truly exceptional' team provides contentious and non-contentious guidance to leading public and private sector employers. Team lead Michael Black's broad practice includes discrimination law, equality, breach of contract, and disciplinary and grievance issues. Suzanne Keenan is a key individual within the team, and advises employers on all aspects of employment law. Keenan also has a history of acting for claimants, an advantage in contentious matters. Associate Nathan Campbell is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Michael Black
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Keenan; Nathan Campbell
Testimonials
‘A truly exceptional team, incredibly knowledgeable, they are all encompassing in their advice and very aware of the practicalities of the commercial workplace.’
‘Having worked with both Michael Black and Suzanne Keenan on various matters over the last year, they both bring an insightful approach to managing ER matters.’
‘Reliable, responsive organisation providing good quality employment law advice.’
‘Michael Black has always demonstrated a high level of employment law expertise. He provides practical advice that is tailored to meet the needs of our organisation, and makes himself available at very short notice as needed.’
‘CFR’s specialist HR offering is a very user-friendly service, giving peace of mind and assuring us of timely responses to queries which are, by their nature, time-sensitive.’
‘Michael Black is an extremely competent professional – combining excellent technical knowledge with first-rate commercial awareness in terms of trying to resolve issues.’
Key clients
DailyPay
Tourism NI
Belfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Hotel Belfast
Catalyst Inc
Unosquare
Artemis Technologies
IceMos Technology
Baker McKenzie
HNH Group
Work highlights
- We acted for Vela UK Holdco Ltd in the share purchase of Equiniti ICS, a Belfast based technology company.
- We acted for Global Infrastructure Partners, a leading infrastructure investor, in relation to the acquisition of a stake in Scotia Gas Networks.
- We acted for Dixons Transport Holdings Limited, a logistics client, in the acquisition of Carna Transport Limited and Brada Transport Services Limited.
Elliott Duffy Garrett
Elliott Duffy Garrett‘s team provides comprehensive employment law service to clients across the private, public, and voluntary sectors. Team lead and managing partner Adrienne Brock has more than 30 years’ experience in the practice area, and covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. ‘Fearsome litigator‘ Julie Anne Clarke is a key contact for disputes.
Practice head(s):
Adrienne Brock
Other key lawyers:
Julie Anne Clarke
Testimonials
‘They are responsive and very easy to work with and understand that we want to provide commercial and pragmatic solutions to our clients. They are on top of their brief and nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Ms Brock, in particular, provides an excellent standard of legal advice and support. She is always available for advice and takes a measured and balanced view of what is required.’
‘Julie Anne is always very quick to respond to requests for advice and is very user-friendly. She provides her advice in an easy to digest form and gets to the point quickly and without fuss.’
‘The employment team at EDG provide an excellent service, they respond within 24 hours or less and provide a balanced perspective on risks and options.’
‘We only work with Julie Anne Clarke, but she is great, great employment law knowledge. Easy to deal with, knowledgeable. Responsive. By far the best lawyer we’ve found in NI.’
‘Julie Anne Clarke is everything we could ask for in legal counsel. She is pragmatic, commercial, technically astute and very responsive. She is proactive and works with us to reach appropriate resolutions.’
‘The firm is amongst the very best in terms of quality of people, advice and conduct of commercial and employment litigation.’
‘Julie Anne Clarke- A fearsome litigator with a keen eye for detail and always looking for the very best result for the client. Exceptionally knowledgable and skilled in employment law. Sound judgment.’
Key clients
Sam Hagan Leisure (UK) Ltd
Musgrave Retail Partners Ltd
McAvoy Group Ltd
Ulster Bank
United Dairy Farmers Ltd
Waterways Ireland
Special EU Programmes Body
Cooneen Group
Energia Group NI Holdings Ltd
DHL Services Ltd t/a DHL Supply Chain
Work highlights
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland caters to a high profile roster of major clients, including PayPal, Sky UK, and Sportsdirect. Team lead Ian McFarland specialises in redundancy processes, with additional expertise in TUPE, and employment aspects of commercial transactions. McFarland joined the group from Elliott Duffy Garrett in January 2023. Associate Laura McManus has particular strength in contentious issues, and acts as the group’s primary point of contact for tribunal matters in the jurisdiction.
Practice head(s):
Ian McFarland
Other key lawyers:
Laura McManus
Testimonials
‘The team offer pragmatic and commercially minded legal advice, quickly and efficiently. We sometimes find it frustrating that some law firms do not match our pace and expected delivery timelines, but Eversheds Belfast consistently delivers.’
‘Laura McManus offers expert legal advice, can work to tight timelines and is readily available.’
‘There is a personal element to the service and flexibility to look beyond straight forward advice and move into business solutions.’
‘Really professional and flexible.’
‘Laura McManus has been a profound professional throughout all dealings.’
Key clients
Aviva
BA Kitchen Components
Brinks Cash Ireland Limited
Capita Business Services Limited
CDE Global Limited
Countrywide Freight Logistics Limited
Crown Packaging
DFS
Edgewater Contracts
EshopWorld
Expedia
Global Pay
GXO Logistics
Hannon Transport Limited
ITW Limited
Johnson Controls
Kestrel Thermoplastics Limited (client for 10 years)
Kingfisher plc – B&Q (client for 5 years)
Kingspan Water & Energy Limited (client for 6 years)
Lloyds Banking Group
Marks & Spencer plc (client for 9 years)
Mediahuis
Northern Ireland Hospice
PayPal
Riggotts
Sky UK (client for 17 years)
Specsavers
Sportsdirect
Statsports Group Limited
Sysco (formally Brakes / Pallas Foods)
Walsin Limited
Westrock
Whitemountain Quarries Limited
Work highlights
- Represented CDE Global Limited in seeking an emergency interim injunction to prevent an employee joining a direct competitor.
- Advising a multinational corporation in defending a claim for unfair dismissal and age discrimination, including an appeal to the Court of Appeal and tailored advice regarding DSAR and legal/litigation privilege.
- Advised a private equity consortium on all employment aspects relating to a majority share purchase in a group of NI recycling businesses.
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP acts for local and international clients, with expertise in the retail, energy, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. The group provides businesses with comprehensive support, including both business-as-usual guidance, specialist advice on business-critical projects. Legal director Craig Patterson leads the team, and acts for public and private sector clients across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Senior associate Andrea Hewitt-Sims is noted.
Practice head(s):
Craig Patterson
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Hewitt-Sims; Rubymarie Rice
Testimonials
‘I have worked with many employment practices through my career and Pinsents are one of the best.’
‘Providing pragmatic and practical advice on complex cases as opposed to just quoting the legislation, helping to find commercially sound solutions with a clear view of any risk in doing so.’
‘Craig Patterson has been a pleasure to work with – good team work and practical responses.’
Key clients
Queen’s University Belfast
Primark Limited
Portman Healthcare Limited
Advance HE
Government Legal Department
Tata Steel Group
Survitec Group Limited
Royal London
London School of Economics
Fujitsu
P&O Ferries
SSE
Strategic Power Projects
Totalmobile
Synova
Royal Sun & Alliance
Work highlights
- Acted for Synova, a private equity firm on its investment in 3173 Limited, a NI headquartered group which includes companies providing pension scheme trustee services, bespoke pensions software, consultancy, administration, governance, actuarial and investment services.
- Acting for Portman Healthcare Limited in respect of a number of acquisitions of dental practices across Northern Ireland.
- Supported Kids Planet Day Nurseries on multiple acquisitions of childcare businesses growing Kids Planet to become one of the UK’s largest nursery operators.
Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited
Boutique firm Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited provides corporate and private clients with ‘professional and effective‘ guidance in the full spectrum of employment and equality matters. Team lead and name partner Rosemary Connolly has more than 30 years’ experience in the practice area, with a significant history of advising and representing employees and employers. Director Leanne Murphy is dual qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales.
Practice head(s):
Rosemary Connolly
Other key lawyers:
Leanne Murphy
Testimonials
‘Quite excellent. Very professional and effective.’
‘Rosemary Connolly, Leanne Murphy; both quite excellent.’
‘The team at Rosemary Connolly Solicitors are excellent. My company has always used Rosemary for all matters of employment law, as she is the best in the business.’
Key clients
Braham Group Limited
FPM Accountants Limited
Healy Brothers Funeral Directors Limited
Environmental Products and Services Limited
Intertrade Ireland
Lenalea Electronics Limited
Bayview Contracts Limited
Anachem Limited
Water Solutions Ireland Ltd
Lenalea Electronics Ltd
Worthingtons
Worthingtons acts for a diverse range of domestic SMEs, and is particularly strong in the insurance sector. Team lead Louise McAloon has expertise in complex areas such as public interest disclosure, equal pay, discrimination, and unfair dismissal. Toni Fitzgerald Gunn is a key name for TUPE, equal pay claims, and negotiations with trade unions.
Practice head(s):
Louise McAloon
Other key lawyers:
Toni Fitzgerald Gunn; Katie Buchanan
Testimonials
‘Worthingtons are very professional and efficient. I contact their employment law advisors and am able to receive clear advice relevant to Northern Ireland legislation.’
‘Our advisor is efficient, patient, dependable, and very clear in explaining options to resolve queries.’
‘The team within Worthingtons bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise which has been invaluable.’
Key clients
Derry City & Strabane District Council
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
Newry Mourne & Down District Council
Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
Advice North West
North West Regional College
Northern Regional College
South Eastern Regional College
Southern Regional College
AIB (NI)
Work highlights
Millar McCall Wylie LLP
Millar McCall Wylie LLP acts for local and international clients, with experience across numerous sectors. Department head Jan Cunningham handles TUPE matters, and is noted for his expertise in sporting law. Associate director David Mitchell covers unfair dismissal and discrimination law, and advises on employment aspects of mergers, acquisitions and takeovers.
Practice head(s):
Jan Cunningham
Other key lawyers:
David Mitchell
Testimonials
‘Jan Cunningham is first-class; he provides excellent commercial, pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Irish Rugby Football Union – Ulster Branch
FP McCann Ltd
Hexagon
Keystone Lintels Ltd
Tobermore Concrete Products Ltd
Inter Terminals Denmark Ltd
Northern Ireland Screen
Avon Cosmetics Ltd
Arthur J Gallagher & Co.
Games Workshop Ltd
Work highlights
- Drafting a new contract for contracted player Will Addison, on behalf of the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football union.
- Advising Scottish Power on the change of a service provider carrying out maintenance work at one of its sites in Northern Ireland.
- Assisted Tobermore Concrete Products Limited with a matter which involved a former employee being in breach of restricted covenants and soliciting customers on behalf of their new employer.
Mills Selig
Mills Selig‘s team covers all areas related to employment, and specialises in advising large companies and SMEs on complex TUPE arrangements. Team lead Kiera Lee, described by clients as ‘friendly, professional and knowledgeable’, is experienced in restructuring and redundancies, and assists with strategic decisions. Solicitor Andrew Edwards covers both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Kiera Lee
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Edwards
Testimonials
‘Personal and professional.’
‘Kiera Lee – Friendly, professional and knowledgeable and most importantly factual. Has always made time to discuss the situation and was extremely patient.’
Key clients
First Derivatives Plc
DCC Plc
Virgin Media Plc
Golf Holdings Limited
Bamford Bus Company t/a Wrightbus
Dunnes Stores Limited
Van Werven Holdings Limited
Galgorm Hotel Group
Savage and Whitten Wholesale
Ulster Shredders Engineering
Board Failte
Work highlights
- Advised Board Failte on the cross border implications of employees in the Republic of Ireland working from home in Northern Ireland, while employed under an ROI contract.
- Advised a recruitment client on sabbatical policy after the client received an application from a long term employee.
- Advised a logistics and supply client on the application of TUPE to employees carrying out a contract in change of a service provision situation.
TLT
TLT‘s Belfast group is known for its multi-jurisdictional capabilities, which are supplemented by the firm’s other offices across the country. Legal director Leeanne Armstrong leads the department. Armstrong is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales, and is experienced advising both public and private sector clients. Senior associate Amy Collins, who joined from MKB Law in March 2021, handles employment litigation.
Practice head(s):
Leeanne Armstrong
Other key lawyers:
Amy Collins
Key clients
Strand Holdings Ltd
Augusta & Co
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd
Ageas UK Limited
Biffa Waste Services Limited
T J Morris t/a Home Bargains
Unitrunk Limited
Work highlights
- Provided advice and representation to Augusta & Co on a range of employment matters across their UK operation.
- Operates a number of McDonalds franchises in Northern Ireland. We provide a range of ad hoc business as usual employment advice to this client, including on employee disciplinary and grievance matters.