The versatile team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well-regarded both nationally and internationally for its work across all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Its diverse client base includes major financial institutions and large corporates. It is also recommended for its advice to management on trade union disputes and negotiations. It deftly covers many other areas, such as advising on recruitment issues, privacy laws, and corporate reorganisations. Paul Griffin is the head of department. Catrina Smith is another important contact.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Catrina Smith is a rock star and stand-out professional who is extremely knowledgeable and responsive. We rely heavily on her pragmatic advice and counsel.’

  • ‘Catrina Smith is whip smart and is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in the employment law market in London.’

  • ‘Catrina is able to use her unrivalled and encyclopaedic knowledge of the law to defend her clients' interests and obtain the best results in managing either litigation or large deals.'

  • ‘It is a very strong team led by Paul Griffin, one of the most impressive employment lawyers I have worked with.’

  • ‘Paul Griffin is an outstanding commercial employment lawyer who demonstrates a complete understanding of the law whilst always keeping in mind the need to deliver practical, commercial solutions.'

  • ‘Very strong reputation in representing international employers in the cross border space. Consistently seen in the market as one of the market leading firms.’

  • ‘Paul Griffin has been operating as an elite level advisor at senior level for many years over his competitors.’

  • ‘Paul Griffin is exceptional. Calm, level-headed and insightful. Also, very supportive and good availability.'

Key clients

  • ABC Bank
  • Battersea Power Station
  • Bechtel Corporation
  • BMW
  • Bombardier
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • Credit Agricole
  • Emerald Kalama
  • GFG Alliance
  • IMI Plc
  • Kerry Group
  • Lyondel Basell
  • Maybourne Hotels Limited
  • Nedbank
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • SiriusPoint International
  • Société Générale
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • Starr Insurance Companies
  • Wyelands Capital

Work highlights

  • Advising on the client’s listing of Dar Global PLC on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. Its role involved advising on and drafting new service agreements for the executive directors.
  • Instructed to advise HSBC on the employment aspects of its agreement entered with BNP Paribas (BNPP), pursuant to which HSBC’s hedge fund administration business was to be transferred to BNPP.
  • Instructed to advise Morgan Stanley on the employment aspects of the sale to Computershare of its European public equity share plan business.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Paul Griffin

Other key lawyers

Catrina Smith