The ‘exceptional employment lawyers’ at TLT in Manchester boast broad expertise in both contentious and non-contentious employment work, including in whistleblowing, large scale re-organisations, TUPE issues, equal pay, restrictive covenants, and industrial relations. The group is particularly knowledgeable in the retail and leisure, financial services, engineering and manufacturing, and transport and logistics sectors. The ‘first-rate employment lawyer’ Ed Cotton advises on all areas of employment law, with particular experience in restrictive covenants, team moves, and reputational issues, and Liz Cotton has expertise in providing strategic advice to the board and is also seasoned in Employment Tribunal claims involving discrimination and whistleblowing. Amy Stokes joined the group from Forbes Solicitors in June 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very accessible and responsive.’

  • ‘Ed Cotton is commercially minded, helpful, and sensible in any negotiation.’

  • ‘TLT have a good, structured approach to giving timely advice, which is well thought out and presented in a way that is easy to understand given the complex nature of legal advice. There is a good feeling of team work within TLT, not only with each other but as a client, as they they are working with us and are truly interested in doing what's right for the organisation.'

  • ‘Amy Stokes was exceptional in dealing with a number of difficult employment issues which were all successfully concluded within the timescales. Amy also provided invaluable advice on those issues, allowing the client to take an informed view of best way to progress the particular matters and expertly guided the client through the process, achieving a positive outcome for the client in all matters.’

  • ‘The team work well across practices to deliver joined up legal services. They are professional and technically good, yet commercial.’

  • ‘Ed Cotton is responsive, collaborative, and technically strong.’

  • ‘TLT are exceptional employment lawyers. They are very commercial and make every effort to fully understand our business and sector.’

  • ‘Ed Cotton is a first-rate employment lawyer.’

Key clients

  • Manchester Airport Group
  • College of Policing
  • Greater Manchester Police
  • Cumbria Constabulary
  • Boohoo Group PLC
  • TJ Morris Limited
  • Finning UK & Ireland Limited
  • Alstom
  • Servoca plc
  • Keolis Amey Metrolink
  • Nichols plc
  • J Sainsbury plc
  • BT Group
  • WH Smith Plc
  • Savills plc
  • Biffa plc
  • Smiths News
  • Care Quality Commission

Work highlights

  • Representing Home Bargains in employment tribunal litigation.
  • Advised Hoodrich on all employment aspects of the sale of the company, including a transfer of employees as part of the deal structure.
  • Assisting Greater Manchester Police with internal employment matters.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ed Cotton, Liz Cotton, Amy Stokes