A ‘strong set for employment law’, 42BR Barristers stands out for its ‘great strength in depth for employment tribunal work’. The ‘brilliant’ Iris Ferber KC is ‘impressive in the tribunal and a fantastic cross-examiner’, and is sought after for advising on complex cases involving discrimination claims, whistleblowing matters and alleged trade union detriment. Jude Shepherd is ‘an incisive cross-examiner’, and Michael Salter is well versed in handling cases involved unfair dismissals, TUPE matters and claims involving allegations of discrimination. Rebecca Thomas, who leads the employment team, specialises in advising on discrimination cases on the grounds of pregnancy, sex and equal pay, as well as alleged indirect discrimination. Laura Robinson joined the team from 12KBW in October 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Chris Collinson is excellent, very responsive.'
  • 'Steve Sheridan, Stuart Ritchie and Chris Collinson are all very attentive and responsive.'
  • 'Steve Sheridan is excellent and Toby Church is incredibly efficient and well-organised.'
  • 'Stuart Ritchie is very accommodating and helpful.'
  • 'Toby Church is always incredibly responsive, friendly and willing to assist.'
  • 'Clerks provide a friendly and efficient service.'
  • 'The clerks are very responsive.'
  • 'Strong set in relation to employment law.'

Silks

2023 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Iris Ferber KC
Iris Ferber KC
42BR Barristers
'Iris is a star. Her advocacy is measured, respectful and forensic. Superb in every way.'

Juniors

Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Jude Shepherd
1
Jude Shepherd
42BR Barristers
‘Jude's advocacy is exceptional. She is very experienced in discrimination matters, and her down-to-earth style and calm assuredness means she is a go-to for the most sensitive of matters.'
Michael Salter
2
Michael Salter
42BR Barristers
'An extremely user-friendly junior with an encyclopedic knowledge of employment law.'
Rebecca Thomas
2
Rebecca Thomas
42BR Barristers
‘Rebecca is a brilliant barrister. She is resourceful and formidable when representing clients at employment tribunals.'
Laura Robinson
3
Laura Robinson
42BR Barristers
 ‘Laura’s technical knowledge of employment law is second to none, and she is always extremely well-prepared.’
Jason Braier
3
Jason Braier
42BR Barristers
'Jason's advocacy is effortless, persuasive, compelling, sharp, clear, and succinct. His technical knowledge is second to none. An incredibly bright junior.'
Catherine Urquhart
3
Catherine Urquhart
42BR Barristers
'Catherine has an outstanding analytical mind. She is keen to do her best on behalf of the client and approaches claims with a fighting mentality. She is well balanced and thoughtful in terms of strategy.'
Jonathan Davies
3
Jonathan Davies
42BR Barristers
'He has excellent critical analysis, so you trust that if he agrees with something, it has merit.'
Aysha Ahmad
4
Aysha Ahmad
42BR Barristers
'A brilliant cross-examiner who fights her cases.'
Orlando Holloway
4
Orlando Holloway
42BR Barristers
'Orlando is a class act. He isn't afraid to pursue challenging tactical positions, puts witnesses at ease and often shines brightly against his opponents.'
Benjamin Uduje
4
Benjamin Uduje
42BR Barristers
'Benjamin is assured in his style; his calmness and considered approach makes him an asset in any case he is involved in. He is ever-responsive and provides unparalleled levels of support.'
Susan Chan
4
Susan Chan
42BR Barristers
'Susan is extremely personable and makes put her clients at ease from the start. She can deal with the most aggressive and evasive parties in a calm and intelligent manner.'
Safia Tharoo
4
Safia Tharoo
42BR Barristers
'Tribunals respond well to her advocacy. She has excellent judgement. Clients adore her.'
Tim Welch
4
Tim Welch
42BR Barristers
'A strong advocate who is able to put the client at ease.'
Amritpal Bachu
4
Amritpal Bachu
42BR Barristers
 ‘He is empathetic and incredibly knowledgeable. A skilful cross-examiner.’
Nick Bidnell-Edwards
5
Nick Bidnell-Edwards
42BR Barristers
‘He is highly personable, diligent and client-friendly.'
Nick Singer
5
Nick Singer
42BR Barristers
'A responsive junior who takes a forensic approach to the detail of each case.'
Eleanor Wheeler
5
Eleanor Wheeler
42BR Barristers
'Eleanor has a highly commercial approach, and her advice is practical and straightforward.'
Gillian Crew
5
Gillian Crew
42BR Barristers
‘She is able to think on her feet and deal with anything that the tribunal throws at her. She is pragmatic, and her advocacy is thoughtful, precise and punchy.’