Simkins LLP has considerable experience of advising clients in the media and entertainment industries. Under the joint leadership of Susan Thompson and Victoria Willson, it advises on many issues such as seeking urgent injunctions, and defending Employment Tribunal claims. These claims range from unfair dismissal through to discrimination claims and whistleblowing. It supports on corporate restructures too. The group often advises on the exits of senior executives, and on breaches of restrictive covenants.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The employment team attracts some of the most challenging commercial employment disputes, evidenced by it successfully obtaining high court injunctions to protect the businesses and assets of its media and entertainment clients.’
  • ‘Andrew Czechowski led on the High Court Employment issues. He is a rising star in employment disputes (whether in the High Court or employment tribunal) with tremendous tactical and commercial nous.'

  • ‘Susan Thompson is a strategic thinker who consistently uses her expertise to find the way to get the very best results for her clients. Her confidence and ability gives reassurance to clients in the most stressful situations.' 

  • 'Andrew Czechowski is extremely highly regarded in High Court business protection litigation as well as multi-party Employment Tribunal disputes. He had the experience and intellect to put a case before a Court or Tribunal in the most persuasive (often unanswerable) terms. He leaves no stone unturned.'
  • ‘Humans who are approachable, professional and full of common sense.’

  • ‘Sensible, cost-effective, easy to follow advice from Susan Thompson.’

  • 'It has been an absolute delight working with the Simkins team. They are our first choice for support with all employment cases. We have always felt in safe hands with Simkins, and they are incredibly robust in giving us advice and guidance for all of our employment matters.'
  • 'Andrew Lloyd is kind, diligent, and works very hard to tailor advice and guidance to us to suit both our culture and values of the organisation to ensure that we're not only legally compliant, but are holding individuals at the heart of our decisions. Andrew is always available and on hand when needed.'

Key clients

  • Bella Figura Music Limited
  • VINCI Construction UK Limited
  • VINCI PLC
  • Magdalene Limited
  • M Group Limited
  • United Trust Bank
  • Innocent Drinks Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Vinci Construction on a claim brought by Marrianne Martin. Ms Martin was a facilities manager who brought claims of harassment related to race and victimisation. All were struck out at a three-day hearing which concluded on 10 March 2023.
  • Defending three disability discrimination claims brought by employees of Magdalene.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Susan Thompson, Victoria Willson

Other key lawyers

Andrew Czechowski, Andrew Lloyd