JMW Solicitors LLP

Employment

Laura Wharton is a Partner in the Employment team.

Laura Wharton is a notable Employment Partner at JMW Solicitors with over 15 years of experience, Laura is recognised as a leading advisor in, corporate employment transactions, sports employment law and general advisory employment law.

Sports

Laura’s practice encompasses multifaceted legal challenges endemic to the world of professional sports, including contractual negotiations on behalf of football players and coaches as well as negotiating settlement agreements and exit packages between clubs, athletes and executives. Laura is also adept at advising on disciplinary proceedings, handling disputes and general advisory work related to employment rights within professional sports and representing football clubs and other sporting bodies throughout Employment Tribunal litigation claims.

Laura has also provided bespoke training to different sporting bodies from social media protocols to contentious disciplinary and grievance hearings.

Corporate

In the corporate arena, Laura is the lead contact working with the firm’s corporate team to provide strategic counsel to businesses on employment issues during the due diligence piece on mergers and acquisitions.  Laura also frequently advises corporate clients on TUPE transfers, drafting and negotiating of high level senior executive contracts, and warranties and indemnities.

Menopause

Laura is spear-heading the Menopause awareness initiative on behalf of JMW's employment clients due to the influx of enquiries and litigation within the area. Laura has also drafted tailor-made policies and provided niche advice to individuals and businesses in relation to maternity, paternity and shared parental leave and employees returning from maternity leave.

General Employment

Laura’s core client roster is SME’s but she advises, football clubs, professional athletes and basketball clubs, sports agencies, multinational corporations, and golf clubs.

Laura’s deep understanding of both employment law and the client’s needs enables her to deliver pragmatic solutions that protect her clients’ interests while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. She is distinguished by a rigorous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding her client’s commercial interests.

Laura frequently shares her expertise through speaking engagements at prestigious industry conferences and contributing to online webcasts discussing niche employment law topics making her a sought after commentator on employment topics.

Employment Lawyers Association

Sheffield Hallam University (BA Hons Law).

College of Law Chester (LPC).

Football, cycling and Pilates.  Laura is also a Trustee at Manchester Jazz Festival.