Head of department Gareth Wadley, along with his colleague Lizzie Field, both specialise in international employment and global mobility projects at Bristows LLP. Justin Costley is another key member of the practice, with a solid transactional practice, and considerable experience of handling sensitive contentious issues. The practice deftly covers a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. It is often called up by companies in the tech and life sciences sectors, and regularly works with academics, universities and investors to address crucial employment matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A superior, growing team with quality lawyers who are hot on the commercials.’

  • ‘Gareth Wadley and Lizzie Field are first class, commercial and just get it.’

  • ‘Working with Bristows employment law team has been a great experience. Their clear and pragmatic advice consistently helps us navigate the complexities of employment law with confidence. The team's rapid response time and impressive turnaround of requests truly sets them apart.'

  • ‘Gareth played a crucial role in our recent TUPE transfer of staff from a former supplier. Gareth's expertise isn't just in employment law; he also adeptly guided us through the commercial contract details critical for the transfer.'

  • 'Gareth's skill in managing multiple legal areas showcases the firm's cohesive approach and his outstanding leadership. His advice has kept our executive contracts competitive, compliant, and fair.'
  • ‘We have worked with Gareth Wadley for many years, and he is always responsive and provides the right level of advice based on his knowledge of our organisation. Very happy with the service he provides.’

  • ‘Justin Costley is the epitome of a safe pair of hands - thoughtful and conscientious, he makes the effort to understand client goals and is solutions-oriented with his advice.’

  • ‘Gareth Wadley is commercial and pragmatic, with excellent knowledge and experience. Lizzie Field is very knowledgeable, pragmatic, responsive and always a pleasure to deal with.’

Key clients

  • Capgemini UK plc
  • WPP
  • Diageo
  • Blue Diamond Limited
  • Flexera Software Limited
  • UniCredit Bank
  • Cashplus Bank
  • Norgine
  • Expedia Group
  • Confluence Technologies
  • Ingram Micro
  • Orca Computing
  • Water UK
  • WildBio
  • SpliceBio
  • Schroders Greencoat
  • Telix Pharmaceuticals
  • Flokk AS
  • Lumera AB
  • Smollan
  • Crisis 24
  • Alantra Bank
  • Orbis Investments
  • Fisher Investments
  • OMass Therapeutics Limited
  • Baringa Partners
  • SystemIQ Capital
  • Warner Media
  • Guardian News and Media
  • CesiumAstro Inc.
  • Girl Effect
  • Saffery Champness LLP
  • FIA Foundation
  • LiveRamp UK Ltd
  • Voice & Script International Ltd
  • Territory Studios
  • Jupiter Asset Management Limited
  • Idorsia Pharmaceuticals
  • APLL UK Ltd
  • Wellcome Trust
  • CEPI
  • Vegepod
  • Aspen Insurance

Work highlights

  • Advising Cashplus Bank on all of the employment and HR issues and actions arising from the in-sourcing of its call centre.
  • Advised Jupiter Asset Management on all if its day-to-day employment matters in addition to specific projects and litigation.
  • Advised WPP on the employment issues arising from its acquisition of the world’s leading influencer marketing agencies.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gareth Wadley

Other key lawyers

Lizzie Field, Justin Costley