The employer-side practice at A&O Shearman, described by clients as ‘genuinely exceptional,' is recommended for its expertise in the financial services sector, while also demonstrating strong capability in other industries such as tech and pharmaceuticals. The firm has an extensive record in defending tribunal and High Court claims, including high-profile cases concerning non-compete agreements. Senior investigations and the employment aspects of M&A transactions are also covered by the team. Practice head Sarah Henchoz has a high level of experience in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional restructuring and HR projects. She is supported by financial services employment expert Robbie Sinclair and Vicky Wickremeratne, who formerly worked in-house at Goldman Sachs. Kate Pumfrey and senior associate Hannah Crisp are further names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A new generation of partners (and in particular Sarah Henchoz and Robbie Sinclair) are driving A&O's employers' practice forward. They are assured, experienced litigators.’
'Sarah Henchoz is a very assured lawyer, with very good judgment - and also an excellent leader within the employment team.’
‘The A&O employment law team is very strong, with an impressive client base. It has an excellent reputation for undertaking respondent work, particularly in respect of high value and complex cases in the financial services sector.’
‘A superb outfit, set apart by (1) the consistency in the quality of its solicitors; (2) how hard they all work; (3) their deep knowledge of their clients, especially in financial services; and (4) their commerciality and savvy.’
‘Robbie Sinclair is a star partner. He is incredibly responsive, proactive, and impressive in the way he works. Clients love him.'
‘Genuinely exceptional. If you want the best in the business as a finance firm, this is clearly the team.’
‘Robbie Sinclair is outstanding. Hannah Crisp is unquestionably operating at the partner level.’
‘Excellent, commercial advice providing exceptional support during ongoing matters. The team's advice always takes into account the wider context of the business and industry. They are also a genuinely lovely team to work with!’

Key clients

Barclays
BNP Paribas
Google
Swansea University
McCarthy & Stone

Work highlights

Defending Barclays against five complex and lengthy Employment Tribunal claims by two current and one former staff, who allege various forms of discrimination and whistleblowing detriment and seek over £52m in losses.
Advised GSK on hiring AstraZeneca’s former oncology business development head and settled a High Court claim by AZ seeking to enforce a non-compete agreement that would have delayed his start date by six months.
Defending CACIB in a high-profile employment tribunal case involving unfair dismissal, race discrimination and whistleblowing claims arising from the first COVID lockdown, and resisting an uncommon and complex application for reinstatement or reengagement in the financial services sector.