The ‘exceptional’ team at Paris Smith LLP regularly acts for clients in employment tribunals and securing settlements on cases concerning allegations of discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal. Leading the team in Southampton, Clive Dobbin frequently advises on TUPE claims as well as restrictive covenants and confidentiality breaches. Described as ’outstanding’, David Roath has experience with consulting on large-scale redundancies. Claire Merritt and Charlotte Farrell are also notable members of the team; Merritt specialises in advising clients within the education sector, while Farrell is recommended for queries relating to immigration as well as common HR issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They give excellent practical employment advice.’

  • 'David Roath and Tabytha Cunningham are standout employment lawyers.'

  • 'Clive Dobbin is an expert employment lawyer with good tactical instincts. David Roath is great to work with. He's a clever problem solver.'

  • 'Charlotte Farrell and Tabytha Cunningham are both are excellent employment lawyers. They are extremely thorough and good at getting to the heart of the issue.'

  • ‘The team at Paris Smith are exceptional. They are a super friendly, approachable team. They quickly cut through the matter at hand with insight and expertise. Their guidance is clear and well thought through. They can absolutely be relied upon to find a way through what might otherwise seem like a problematic situation.’

  • 'David Roath is quite simply outstanding. He turns the complex into the straightforward.'

  • 'Clive Dobbin is a fantastic partner. He is incredibly friendly and supportive. He quickly identified resolutions to seemingly difficult challenges.’
  • ‘Clive Dobbin is exceptionally good at his job. He gives pragmatic and balanced advice.’

Key clients

  • Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • AFC Bournemouth Limited
  • Hampshire Cricket (Ageas Bowl PLC)
  • Randstad UK
  • Barfoots of Botley Limited
  • Stannah Stairlifts Limited
  • Churches Fire & Security Ltd
  • Mayflower Theatre Trust Ltd
  • Keltbray Limited
  • Draper Tools Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised a service and maintenance company on a restrictive covenants action against a former employee, issuing proceedings in the High Court and obtaining an injunction by consent.
  • Acted on a large discrimination claim against an NHS trust, alleging multiple acts of discrimination.
  • Advised a publishing company on the exit of its managing director.

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.

Clive Dobbin

Other key lawyers

David Roath, Claire Merritt, Charlotte Farrell, Tabytha Cunningham