The Bar - Regional Bar • Western Circuit
Guildhall Chambers‘ employment team offers ’real strength in depth, both in terms of call and expertise‘. Julian Allsop, who heads the team, is ’forensic in his approach to litigation‘ and regularly instructed in high-value cases in the High Court, often involving director-level remuneration claims, restrictive covenants, and confidentiality agreements. He recently acted for the claimant in Macanovic v Portsmouth NHS Trust, a significant case raising the issue of whistleblowing detriment and involving the cross-examination of several medical consultants. Fergus Currie, ’a highly competent and consistent advocate‘, has recently focused on claimant instructions, including wrongful and unfair dismissal actions, discrimination cases, and collective and individual redundancies. Debbie Grennan specialises in high-value whistleblowing and discrimination claims for public sector clients, including local authorities and health care bodies, while Douglas Leach ’has an excellent ability to think on his feet’ and is well-regarded for his expertise in TUPE, whistleblowing, and discrimination matters as well as in employee competition cases involving breach of confidence, restrictive covenants, and injunctive relief.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
1‘Julian is methodical, forensic in his approach to litigation, incisive and extremely talented. He knows how to cut to the core of a case, and is so wise; he is able to assess and predict with incredible accuracy how the other side will behave. This of course translates to his cross examination, which is razor sharp.'
1‘She is a clear and persuasive advocate who is is completely unfazed, even when the other advocate is extremely challenging. In the run up to a hearing, as well as providing clear advice on the area of law in dispute, she is able to give strategic and pragmatic advice regarding the conduct of litigation.'
1‘Douglas excels in his analysis of cases and in teasing out the legal issues and finding a solution. His written submissions are detailed and add real weight to a client's case. He has an excellent ability to think on his feet and has achieved some excellent results.'
‘Allan is a very gifted advocate; clear, persuasive and effective. He has an incredible ability to grasp the crux of a matter and extract the salient points, sometimes at extremely short notice. He is a calm and reasoned counsel, who is forceful at the same time meaning he is incredibly effective at what he does.'
1‘A robust advocate with an ability to create strong client relationships.'
2‘An excellent advocate who thoroughly prepares and is always clear on the issues and the strengths and weaknesses of a case. He also gets tribunals onside and ensures his cross-examination goes to the heart of the issue.'
'He quickly grasps issues and is a highly competent and consistent advocate. He is also accommodating and good to work with.'
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
1‘Julian is methodical, forensic in his approach to litigation, incisive and extremely talented. He knows how to cut to the core of a case, and is so wise; he is able to assess and predict with incredible accuracy how the other side will behave. This of course translates to his cross examination, which is razor sharp.'
1‘She is a clear and persuasive advocate who is is completely unfazed, even when the other advocate is extremely challenging. In the run up to a hearing, as well as providing clear advice on the area of law in dispute, she is able to give strategic and pragmatic advice regarding the conduct of litigation.'
1‘Douglas excels in his analysis of cases and in teasing out the legal issues and finding a solution. His written submissions are detailed and add real weight to a client's case. He has an excellent ability to think on his feet and has achieved some excellent results.'
‘Allan is a very gifted advocate; clear, persuasive and effective. He has an incredible ability to grasp the crux of a matter and extract the salient points, sometimes at extremely short notice. He is a calm and reasoned counsel, who is forceful at the same time meaning he is incredibly effective at what he does.'
1‘A robust advocate with an ability to create strong client relationships.'
2‘An excellent advocate who thoroughly prepares and is always clear on the issues and the strengths and weaknesses of a case. He also gets tribunals onside and ensures his cross-examination goes to the heart of the issue.'
'He quickly grasps issues and is a highly competent and consistent advocate. He is also accommodating and good to work with.'
