Clients of Lewis Silkin remark that ‘no other firm comes close in terms of the number of brilliant and pragmatic partners’. Under the excellent direction of Richard Miskella, the team provides a ’platinum service’ on issues as diverse as redundancy and restructuring exercises (particularly in the tech sector), and dealing with industrial action. It particularly excels in advising on trade union recognition. The group has been described as the ‘crème de la crème of employment practices’. It has been busy advising on conflicts of belief in the workplace, and on other matters relating to diversity, equality and inclusion. Michael Anderson is a key member of its High Court employment litigation practice. Karen Baxter is known for her extensive investigations experience. Michael Burd covers an array of high-value disputes, and other issues relating to senior terminations. Shalina Crossley has particular expertise in advising on racial and socio-economic discrimination and cultural change. James Davies is well-regarded. Toni Lorenzo, David Hopper, Carla Watling are among the other highly recommended members of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Lewis Silkin employment team is in my view the UK's best injunctive relief / High Court firm. Toni Lorenzo has an encyclopaedic knowledge of injunctive relief litigation and strategy.’
‘Sean Dempsey's commercial mindset and input is extremely helpful as we explore cases and come up with potential solutions. He always makes himself available, often at short notice, and the discussions are always value added.’
‘Tarun Tawakley is exceptionally bright and commercial and really goes the extra mile to take care of his clients. Colin Leckey is our go-to employment lawyer. He is always available, responsive and practical. Excellent.’
‘Michael Anderson is just superb. Completely committed to his cases, he lives and breathes them every minute of every day, and brings huge energy, sophistication and great judgment (legally and factually), and is a joy to work with.'
'Toni Lorenzo - what a class act. Brilliant to work with, Toni was one of the pioneers of high court commercial employment litigation. He has seen it all so many times that he just knows how things are going to pan out. Terrific judgment.'
'Michael Burd - is there anything that this man cannot do? Astute, commercial, brilliant with clients, unflappable and just great to work with. David Samuels - on the up. Starting to plough his own furrow in the commercial/employment litigation space.’
‘Karen Baxter is a superb partner. Gets into the nub of an issue very quickly and is excellent at looking at problems from all angles so that you feel the resolution has been very carefully considered.'
‘David Hopper is exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced in industrial relations, as well as very pleasant to deal with. Richard Miskella is technically excellent and highly pragmatic in his advice.'
Key clients
- Deliveroo
- Accenture
- Chelsea FC
- ASOS
- Checkout
- United States of America
- Vivienne Westwood Group
- Oracle
- Remote
Work highlights
- Representing Deliveroo before the Supreme Court on the issue of employment status of its riders.
- Undertaking an investigation for Banijay into allegations relating to Russell Brand following the high profile news investigation.
- Advising X on a redundancy exercise.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Miskella