James Townsend and Peter McRoberts co-head the practice at Payne Hicks Beach LLP, which has a particular focus on the retail, sport, media and construction sectors. It supports FTSE100 companies and VC owned businesses, as well as smaller businesses. The group is known for its work on a variety of matters such as business protection relief, whistleblowing claims, in addition to advising on the transfer of undertakings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very competent in everyday employment law requirements, as well as being able to offer excellent support for more nuanced cases.’

  • ‘Regularly available at short notice, happy to prioritise us as clients, making themselves available when urgent situations arise. Good manner and approach to delivery of advice and make it relatable to our advisors.’

  • ‘They act for both employers and senior execs and represent very good value for money in the market.’

  • ‘I have worked with Chris Weaver - he has been very committed and a pleasure to work with.’

  • ‘It is great to have a firm that employs a diverse talent pool. They are always so quick to respond to any query, unlike I have seen in other firms I have worked with, I never have had to chase (rare!).’

  • ‘Domonique McRae is always available for a phone call when you need to discuss a matter that is complex. She has really taken the time to understand us as a client. She got us some amazing results whereby both parties were satisfied with the situation.’

  • ‘The strength of this practice is the ability to provide wonderful and skilled lawyers that are great in explaining the legal aspects of each case.’

  • ‘We have never been disappointed with the way James Townsend guided us through our HR issues. His strength is a tactical approach to each case and very clear and effective communication.’

Key clients

  • Unite Group Plc trading as Unite Students
  • Carey Group Limited
  • GB News Limited
  • Formula E Operations Limited
  • Motorsport Games Limited
  • Impact Food Group Limited
  • Hutchison 3G UK Ltd trading as 3
  • Haventus Limited
  • Zing Environments Limited
  • Hestia Housing and Support
  • Cityscape Recruitment Limited
  • Enotria & Coe
  • Mitchellson Framework and Civil Engineering

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Townsend, Peter McRoberts

Other key lawyers

Chris Weaver, Domonique McRae