Described as ‘experts in the field’, the team at DC Employment Solicitors is co-headed by Daryl Cowan and Laurence Dunn in Southampton. The team specialises in all forms of employment law, including immigration matters, collective redundancies, and trade union recognition. Dunn is recommended for discrimination claims, while Cowan is skilled at handling complex TUPE matters. Darren Tibble is a further standout member of the team who has extensive experience dealing with restrictive covenant issues and litigation arising out of employment disputes. Claire Helling left the firm in September 2023, and Louis Howlett left the firm in March 2024.
Employment: Hampshire in South East
DC Employment Solicitors
Practice head(s):
Daryl Cowan; Laurence Dunn
Other key lawyers:
Darren Tibble; Laura Jamieson
Testimonials
‘Daryl Cowan is a superb lawyer. His pragmatic and comprehensive style is a breath of fresh air!’
‘They are fabulous. I would recommend that people look no further than DC Employment. I strongly doubt there are any other companies with such care, passion, and strength in the field of work that they specialise in.’
‘Laurence Dunn and Darren Tibble both have a huge depth of knowledge and experience.’
Key clients
TRL Limited
Intellian Limited
Acclaim Logistics
Alpha Laboratories Limited
The YOU Trust
Redfaire Ltd
Milestone Support Services
iNetic Limited
Nursing Home Services Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for a client in relation to a long-running disability discrimination claim against London Fire Commission.
Paris Smith LLP
The ‘exceptional’ team at Paris Smith LLP regularly acts for clients in employment tribunals and securing settlements on cases concerning allegations of discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal. Leading the team in Southampton, Clive Dobbin frequently advises on TUPE claims as well as restrictive covenants and confidentiality breaches. Described as ‘outstanding’, David Roath has experience with consulting on large-scale redundancies. Claire Merritt and Charlotte Farrell are also notable members of the team; Merritt specialises in advising clients within the education sector, while Farrell is recommended for queries relating to immigration as well as common HR issues.
Practice head(s):
Clive Dobbin
Other key lawyers:
David Roath; Claire Merritt; Charlotte Farrell; Tabytha Cunningham
Testimonials
‘They give excellent practical employment advice.’
‘David Roath and Tabytha Cunningham are standout employment lawyers.’
‘Clive Dobbin is an expert employment lawyer with good tactical instincts. David Roath is great to work with. He’s a clever problem solver.’
‘Charlotte Farrell and Tabytha Cunningham are both are excellent employment lawyers. They are extremely thorough and good at getting to the heart of the issue.’
‘The team at Paris Smith are exceptional. They are a super friendly, approachable team. They quickly cut through the matter at hand with insight and expertise. Their guidance is clear and well thought through. They can absolutely be relied upon to find a way through what might otherwise seem like a problematic situation.’
‘David Roath is quite simply outstanding. He turns the complex into the straightforward.’
‘Clive Dobbin is a fantastic partner. He is incredibly friendly and supportive. He quickly identified resolutions to seemingly difficult challenges.’
‘Clive Dobbin is exceptionally good at his job. He gives pragmatic and balanced advice.’
Key clients
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
AFC Bournemouth Limited
Hampshire Cricket (Ageas Bowl PLC)
Randstad UK
Barfoots of Botley Limited
Stannah Stairlifts Limited
Churches Fire & Security Ltd
Mayflower Theatre Trust Ltd
Keltbray Limited
Draper Tools Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a service and maintenance company on a restrictive covenants action against a former employee, issuing proceedings in the High Court and obtaining an injunction by consent.
- Acted on a large discrimination claim against an NHS trust, alleging multiple acts of discrimination.
- Advised a publishing company on the exit of its managing director.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP houses a strong team in Southampton that is co-headed by Christina Tolvas-Vincent and Jon Hales. Tolvas-Vincent has a wealth of experience handling various employment issues and she is especially capable at navigating cross-border matters, and Hales regularly advises on contracts and policies as well as restructurings and redundancies. Charlotte Bloomfield and Dan Fawcett are further standout members of the team; Bloomfield is experienced at advising on TUPE and outsourcing issues, while Fawcett is recommended for sensitive discrimination cases and the enforcement of restrictive covenants.
Practice head(s):
Christina Tolvas-Vincent; Jon Hales
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Bloomfield; Dan Fawcett; Ben Duxbury
Key clients
Colgate-Palmolive Group
Signet Trading Ltd
LV=
Arts University Bournemouth
Faststream Recruitment Ltd
Sunseeker International Ltd
Transdev Airport Services Ltd
National Farmers Union
The Royal College of Pathologists
Immediate Media
North Sails Ltd
Treatwell Limited
Work highlights
- Advised LV= on a broad range of matters, including advising on restructuring processes, senior hires, settlement agreements and employee relations cases.
- Advised a client on certain UK and US aspects of an acquisition within the malt industry.
- Advised a client on the employment law implications of the acquisition of a bowling site.
Blake Morgan LLP
Described as ‘efficient, responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive’, the team at Blake Morgan LLP advises on a breadth of matters spanning health and safety regulations, immigration issues, and pensions. The team is headed up by Rajiv Joshi, who splits his time between Southampton, Reading, and Oxford. Joshi has extensive experience in the field of employment law; he regularly advises on employment contracts, staff handbooks, unfair dismissals, and discrimination claims. The team in Southampton was strengthened by the arrival of Louis Howlett from DC Employment Solicitors in March 2024, and Jane Biddlecombe from Paris Smith LLP in April 2024. Vicky Schollar left the firm in January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Rajiv Joshi
Other key lawyers:
Jane Biddlecombe; Louis Howlett
Testimonials
‘Louis Howlett is a trailblazer. He can juggle multiple cases without issue and is at home with any case whether unfair dismissal, Equality Act, TUPE or whistleblowing.’
‘I would highly recommend the Blake Morgan team. They offer high quality advice that is timely.’
‘The team is efficient, responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive.’
‘Rajiv Joshi is a trusted adviser. He always provides clear and accessible legal advice.’
‘The services at Blake Morgan include regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and HR. All the members of their team have been helpful.’
Key clients
Thames Valley Police
Dunlop Footwear
Anytime Fitness
HCL Technologies Limited
Huws Gray
Fairhive Homes Limited
St Dominic’s Sixth Form College
Gosport Ferry Limited
General Optical Council
Oxford Pharmagenesis Limited
Airline Components International Limited
Langley House Trust
We Are Futures Limited
Wrightsons British Tags Limited
Westcoast Group
MEG Derby Limited
Utilita Group Plc
Work highlights
- Acting for the Westcoast Group in relation to various HR/employment law queries, including advice on TUPE, outsourcing matters, and employment exit arrangements.
- Advising the General Optical Council in relation to grievance and disciplinary matters, including HR Support on internal processes.
- Advising Thames Valley Police on various complex tribunal claims, including discrimination and whistleblowing issues.
Herrington Carmichael LLP
Herrington Carmichael LLP‘s team, led by the ‘charismatic, pragmatic and sharp‘ Alistair McArthur, is known for its ability to handle the full range of issues concerning cross-border senior exits, unfair dismissals, and whistleblowing employment tribunal proceedings. McArthur is well-versed in TUPE and post-termination issues, while Darren Smith is noted for his strong focus on the leisure and hospitality sector, often representing clients in discrimination cases. Hannah King is a key name within the team for data protection work.
Practice head(s):
Alistair McArthur
Other key lawyers:
Darren Smith; Hannah King; Tom Hyatt
Testimonials
‘They are a dynamic and charismatic team. They are very knowledgeable and work well together on cases for a coordinated approach. In the region they are amongst the top specialists for employment work and in particular high value/high risk cases. ’
‘Alistair McArthur – One of the best client focused employment specialists in the region. He is charismatic, pragmatic and sharp. He is calm when difficult issues arise in litigation and instils confidence. Clients genuinely like and trust Alistair!’
‘A very impressive team of experienced individuals with some excellent blue chip clients.’
‘Alistair McArthur is a no nonsense straight talking adviser who is very experienced. He is well supported by Hannah King, who is very able.’
‘Alistair McArthur leads an excellent employment team. The team has a good spread of exceptional practitioners and an enviable client list. His team is the one I would recommend.’
‘Alistair leads by excellent example. Darren Smith is another good partner of note.’
‘Everyone is excellent, including Alistair McArthur, Darren Smith, Hannah King and Tom Hyatt.’
‘Darren Smith has been our go-to for legal advice for several years; he understands our culture and the types of issues we face, as a business. He gives pragmatic advice and offers commercial solutions. He’s also a nice man!’
Key clients
Silvesea Cruises (UK)
Vistry Group
Andreas Stihl
CLEAN Linen Services
proAV
Royal Caribbean
Fourwalls
Tech 21 (UK)
Aldermore Bank
MotoNovo Finance
Vineyard Group
Infor (United Kingdom)
Work highlights
Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow is especially skilled at advising corporate clients on all aspects of employment law, including employment mandates arising out of insolvency proceedings and M&A. The team is also experienced at handling employment tribunal claims relating to unfair dismissals and allegations of discrimination. Leading the team, Katherine Maxwell splits her time between the offices in Southampton and Richmond; she is a key source of advice for restrictive covenants and TUPE issues. Claire Wagstaff is another key member of the team who regularly assists clients with queries relating to redundancies and restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Katherine Maxwell
Other key lawyers:
Claire Wagstaff
Testimonials
‘They offer a highly personalised service.’
‘Katherine Maxwell has been a calm and empathetic presence throughout my interaction with the firm. She also proved very flexible to adapt to certain situations. She was always available and put service above all else.’
‘The team is very responsive, communicative, and clear in terms of dialogue and support.’
‘Claire Wagstaff was a pleasure to work with. Her style and approach, combined with her knowledge and attention to detail, was impressive.’
‘Kathrine Maxwell is a voice of calm and reason in the eye of the storm.’
‘They are very experienced with restrictive covenant matters. They have a very agile team who can quickly assemble and are able to achieve effective results for the client.’
‘Katherine Maxwell is incredible. She is very pragmatic, understands the commercial outcomes, and is brilliant at explaining the risks.’
‘Katherine Maxwell is an individual who stands out. She has taken the time not only to give us professional advice on human resource issues but has also taken the time to understand the company and its operational methods.’
Key clients
BD Network Limited
Bytes Software Services Limited
Casper & Cole
Churchill Retirement Plc
Darwin & Wallace Limited
EQ Investors Holdings Ltd
Explore Learning Limited
Gill Instruments Limited
GMK Limited
Gravity Media
Hann Tucker Associates Limited
Holland & Holland Limited
Hythe Marine Services Limited
Integrity 360 Ltd
In-Tech Telecom Limited
Jaltek Systems Limited
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Pitch Software GmbH
Sir Richard Sutton Limited
Southern Communications Limited
Symetrica Limited
Total Merchandise Limited
Transparity Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Venture Engineering Group on the TUPE and employee due diligence aspects of its disposal of HireTech to US-based American Sanders.
- Represented Mimo Connect Limited in the Court of Appeal concerning when a speedy trial should be ordered in employee competition litigation.
- Advised a client on all employment aspects in relation to the sale of a customer analytics consultancy group.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP advises its clients on the breadth of employment law matters, including restrictive covenants, discrimination claims, long-term sickness issues, and grievance procedures. With more than two decades of experience in employment law, Stuart Lawrenson leads the team in Southampton. Lawrenson routinely advises HR professionals on various legal matters, and is also recommended for cases relating to collective redundancies and TUPE issues. Sian Hoare is a go-to lawyer in the region for immigration queries, and Ashlie Cheshire is also noted for her assistance with reviewing policies and procedures as well as drafting settlement agreements.
Practice head(s):
Stuart Lawrenson
Other key lawyers:
Ashlie Cheshire; Sian Hoare
Testimonials
‘They are all very approachable and explain things in a way that can be easily understood.’
‘Sian Hoare is very practical in her approach and balances the needs of the business with keeping us on the right side of the law.’
‘The team has a diverse range of experience and is headed up by a very experienced partner. They have experts in many topics and are quick to respond and always deliver to pre agreed timescales.’
‘Stuart Lawrenson and Sian Hoare are very approachable, knowledgeable, and diligent in the work and support they provide.’
‘The team at Shoosmiths are one of the best I have worked with. They all have their own unique skill set and expert knowledge. There is always someone available to help and support.’
‘Stuart Lawrenson and Sian Hoare have a wealth of knowledge between them. They have a no-nonsense approach.’
‘Sian Hoare has a wonderful balance of professionalism, empathy, and is always so prompt to respond.’
Key clients
21 Six Limited
Allegro MicroSystems Europe Limited
Benefex Limited
Big Yellow Self Storage
Cartus Limited
Churchill China (UK) Limited
Churchill Retirement Plc
Colten Care Limited
Combined Independent Holdings
CooperVision Limited
DAS Services Limited
Delin Property Asset Management UK
Dukes Education Limited
Excellerate Services UK Limited
F Bender Limited
Fennies Day Nurseries Limited
Gattaca Plc
G.S. Associates (Scotland) Limited
Hafele UK Limited
Healthy Retail Limited (T/A Pure Foods)
Insensys Limited
Kaz Minerals
Market Harborough Building Society
Meadow Foods Limited
Next Plc
Onecom Group Limited
Semtech Limited
Stonemanor Ltd T/A Apricot
Stretchline Holdings Limited
The Fashion Group
Travelodge Hotels Limited
Tricuro Limited
Wartsila UK Limited
Wahaca Limited
Trethowans LLP
Trethowans LLP routinely advises companies on issues such as poor performance, allegations of discrimination, and whistleblowing. Spearheading the team in Southampton, Kathryn Evans has in-depth experience dealing with the employment issues arising out of mergers and acquisitions. Andrew Crudge is another core member of the team who also regularly advises on cases relating to collective redundancies and TUPE issues. Kira Mountain is also noted for her capabilities with advising clients on common HR problems; she also has experience handling claims before the Employment Tribunal.
Practice head(s):
Kathryn Evans
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Crudge; Kira Mountain
Testimonials
‘This practice is unique due to their unwavering dedication. They don’t just offer legal expertise; they genuinely care about the outcome and go above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction.’
‘Andrew Crudge is an exceptional employment law solicitor who stands out for his understanding, empathy, and clear communication.’
‘What sets Andrew Crudge apart is his unwavering availability to address any employment law questions or concerns we may have, providing reassurance and guidance whenever needed.’
‘One of Andrew Crudge’s greatest strengths is his ability to communicate complex legal concepts in straightforward language, free from jargon. His clarity and accessibility have been invaluable assets, allowing us to navigate employment issues with confidence and peace of mind.’
‘We would follow Andrew Crudge anywhere.’
‘The team at Trethowans is friendly and professional.’
‘Kathryn Evans is the consummate professional, but at the same time she explains things in easy terminology. She is definitely there to give the client the best experience and understanding of any employment situation.’
Key clients
Toni & Guy International Limited
Bacardi-Martini
Bacardi Limited
Glen Dimplex UK Limited
Farrow & Ball Limited
The Property Franchise Group plc
Pure Cremation Group Limited
Storck UK Limited
Flyct B.V.
Just Develop IT Limited
Agar Group
Millbrook Healthcare Group Limited
Skinnydip Limited
Thatcham Research
White & Co plc
Broadfield Law UK LLP
Broadfield Law UK LLP is experienced at advising on everyday employment matters such as employment contracts, policies, hybrid working issues, redundancies, and HR support. Described as ‘outstanding’, Chris Greep is located in Southampton. Greep handles both contentious and non-contentious work, and has in-depth experience advising on settlement agreements and restrictive covenants. The team is headed up by Caroline Yarrow, who splits her time between the offices in London and Cambridge.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Yarrow
Other key lawyers:
Chris Greep
Testimonials
‘A great team. They are very responsive and efficient.’
‘It was a pleasure to work with and be represented by Chris Greep. He was polite, attentive, and efficient. I felt listened to and that my concerns were addressed and clarified by him. A great experience overall.’
‘They provided really clear practical advice, which was delivered in a consistent and timely fashion.’
‘Chris Greep is industrious, helpful, and polite.’
‘They clearly have a very high degree of client care, and you can tell the client’s interest are front and centre of every stage of the case.’
‘Chris Greep is an outstanding associate. He is very clever and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The team is very prompt and professional across the board. Each person is highly motivated to achieve excellent results for their clients.’
‘Caroline Yarrow handles a busy caseload very well with great communication between her and associates.’
Key clients
Maximus UK Services Limited
Tony’s Chocolonely Limited
Highwood Group Limited
Gallowglass Limited
Global Lingo Limited
S&D Bookmakers Limited
A2Dominion Housing Group Limited
360Globalnet Limited
Health and Care Professions Council
Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology
AAA Taxis (Hatfield) Limited
Connect Assist Limited
Inspiro Learning Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Maximus UK Services Limited on the defence of an Employment Tribunal claim for varying forms of disability discrimination.
- Advised the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology on the TUPE transfer of staff to the President and Fellows of the Queens’ College of Saint Margaret and Saint Bernard.
Biscoes
Biscoes houses ‘an extremely proactive team that offers a first-class service’. The team advises on the breadth of employment law matters, including unfair dismissals, disciplinary problems, and the drafting of employment contracts. Stuart Seagrove heads up the employment practice in Portsmouth; described as ‘superb’, Seagrove is experienced in handling large-scale redundancies and complex TUPE issues. Luke Brown is another integral part of the team, who routinely advises both employers and employees on a variety of employment matters.
Practice head(s):
Stuart Seagrove
Other key lawyers:
Luke Brown
Testimonials
‘I have never been through a case like this before, but if I was put in that situation again, I would feel more comfortable knowing I had Luke Brown and the team working for me.’
‘They have excellent communication and always kept me up to date.’
‘Stuart Seagrove offers valuable, practical, and commercial advice on more complex employment law matters.’
Key clients
BF Engineering Limited
Inert Recycling (UK) Limited
Boats Group/Yachtworld International Limited
Deal Direct Financial Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a client in a tribunal claim against her former employer, in which she was awarded compensation and costs.
- Advised Deal Direct Financial Solutions Ltd on an array of employment issues, including breach of restrictive covenants, breach of contract, and general employment advice.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Based in Southampton, Marc Long heads up the employment and HR team at Clarke Willmott LLP. Long is noted for being a skilled advocate, and is also recommended for TUPE matters. Nicole Adams is regularly involved in Employment Tribunal work, including cases relating to unfair dismissal and discrimination. Gina McCadden is another integral part of the team; she advises on grievance procedures, performance management issues, and settlement agreements.
Practice head(s):
Marc Long
Other key lawyers:
Gina McCadden; Nicole Adams
Testimonials
‘They are always going above and beyond what is required. Their knowledge on key matters is exemplary.’
‘They are knowledgeable and supportive.’
‘Clarke Willmott were able to put together a skilled team to support us through a complex Employment Tribunal case. They brought strong knowledge and a great depth of detail.’
‘Everyone we worked with at Clarke Willmott made the understanding of our complex tribunal case easy. They cut through the plethora of paperwork and gave expert advice.’
‘The service I get from Clarke Willmott is 10/10. They are quick to respond and very clear in their advice.’
‘I value the relationship with Marc Long in particular as I feel he has taken time to understand us and, therefore, gets the nuances of the issues we bring to him. He and Nicole Adams have both been very prompt in responding to us and very clear in their advice.’
‘They have an excellent range of skillsets, particularly when dealing with complex HR matters and TUPE.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a local authority and Special Educational Needs school in the Employment Tribunal against claims for pregnancy/maternity discrimination, a failure to make reasonable adjustments, health and safety claims and unlawful deductions from wages.
- Acted for a financial advisory firm in an Employment Tribunal case and managed to strike out the claimant’s claims ahead of the final hearing.
- Advising a national animal charity on retainer on a range of issues including a restructuring, contractual issues, formulating policies, and disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Phillips Law
Located in Basingstoke, the ‘extremely experienced and knowledgeable’ team at Phillips Law advises on immigration, recruitment, redundancy, and discrimination claims. Leading the employment practice, Jacqueline Kendal regularly represents clients in the Employment Tribunal; she is also experienced in advising on the enforceability of restrictive covenants, TUPE issues, and unfair dismissal claims. Sarah Filsell is recommended for her skills in handling settlement agreements as well as drafting staff handbooks and employment contracts.
Practice head(s):
Jacqueline Kendal
Other key lawyers:
Gill Brown; Sarah Filsell
Testimonials
‘Their care and concern for their clients is exceptional and they always go the extra mile.’
‘Phillips have a very local feel about them, making them comfortable to deal with, whilst having a knowledge and experience that is clearly way beyond local. Their strengths lie in the depth and breadth of their experience.’
‘The senior people have a deep knowledge and a breadth of experience that gives you confidence. They have this and remain personable too, which is important when dealing with delicate and serious matters.’
‘They are a professional team. They actively contact the customer to give an update. The whole process was smooth.’
‘They are responsive and very professional.’
‘Sarah Filsell was very efficient. Due to her help, I got the result I required without worrying too much about the process and case.’
‘Jacqueline Kendal is very knowledgeable and easy to deal with.’
‘They are professional, supportive, and understanding.’
Work highlights
- Advising a food distributor on all employment and worker issues, including a restructuring and its redundancy processes.
- Acted for a high-level executive in respect of his unfair dismissal and selection for redundancy.
- Acted for a company with the drafting of a bespoke staff handbook and the policies necessary for compliance with the regulator.