The employment practice at Ashtons Legal has a deep bench of talent spread across its office network in East Anglia, and it is particularly well regarded for its work on discrimination claims, employment/worker status claims and for statutory protections such as unfair dismissal. Its work for leading national brands in the food sector is also noteworthy, though it also acts for clients in the education, manufacturing, professional services, care homes, food and drink and transport industries. The ‘extremely approachable and knowledgeable’ Ross Strowger leads the ‘accessible and personable’ practice from Norwich, where key partners Robert Hickford and Oliver Brabbins are also notable. Clare Sleep in Cambridge specialises in education sector-related work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with Rob Hickford for 15 years, he is a very commercial lawyer in that he always strikes the right balance between business commerciality and law. I trust his advice implicitly and have never had any reason to doubt it. I enjoy working with the broader team equally as much and on a wide range of advice.'
- 'The team puts together very relevant training and deliver it in a fantastic way which is easy to absorb and understand.’
‘The team we have met are all very accessible and personable. They are excellent at communication and explaining options in a clear and concise manner. We have had some very tricky situations arise over the past 12 months, which is very unusual for us as a business. The team have enabled us to navigate these issues in a practical manner and have been very clear about risk and opportunity. This has included a number of different stakeholders from our side being involved with quite different concerns and points of view. The Ashtons team have been patient and consistent in their support and advise.’
‘Our primary contact is Rob Hickford. I have found Rob to be a great partner for our business. He is responsive and thorough in his advice and is able to put me straight when self doubt or panic kicks in. Rob has been very patient as we have been through a stressful process as a business. His advice is more than just legal and he is happy to contribute towards the regular discussions we have about what the impact of decisions may be and how we can mitigate potential issues.'
- 'We feel in safe hands with Rob Hickford and he has an excellent understanding of our business and our culture. Where things have been tough recently, Rob has provided excellent support with good humour.’
‘I have worked closely with Ross Strowger on a few occasions. He is extremely approachable and knowledgeable. He has assisted me with some complex matters and I would not hesitate to recommend him.’
‘Ashtons is an extension of our business when it comes to employment law; adapting to what we need and when we need it.’
‘Claire Sleep is excellent at supporting, advising and collaborating with us as well as being open and transparent when it comes to costs.’
Key clients
- Premier Foods PLC
- Hovis Limited
- Anglian Windows (T/A Anglian Home Improvements)
- Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited/Marshall Fleet Solutions
- Capri Sun AG
- Cambridge Colleges including Magdalene College, Hughes Hall, St Catharine’s College, Pembroke College
- Krispy Kreme UK Limited
- Euro Commercial Properties NV
- Cosworth Limited
- Volvo (Services Machinery & Trucks Limited which is the exclusive dealership of Volvo Construction Equipment products)
- Kettle Foods Limited/Valeo Snackfoods Limited
- Caremark
- The Perse School, Cambridge
- Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Ltd
- Euro Parfums (Parfums de Marly)
- Thales Group
- Falcon Tower Crane Services Limited
- Haas Automation UK
- Celestion
- Princebuild
Work highlights
- Advising and assisting Premier Foods Group Plc in respect of all aspects of a closure of a site and redistribution of product lines across the UK.
- Advising a nationwide vehicle service organisation in a 10-site multi-departmental restructure, including the proposal for multiple site closures and relocations.
- Successfully defended a client in the agricultural machinery sector who was facing complicated, sensitive and multiple heads of discrimination, whistleblowing and other claims following a 8-day Final Hearing.
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Practice head
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Ross Strowger