England - South East • Employment
Lewis Silkin‘s large Thames Valley offering has been praised by clients for its ’innovative and practical approach to all employment law issues’. Core pillars of the group’s practice in the space include TUPE, complex litigation, employment aspects of transactions, and managing international projects – for which the team has a demonstrably strong track record. In terms of personnel, Russell Brimelow is a pre-eminent employment lawyer in the Thames Valley. Advising on restructurings, redundancy exercises and employment aspects of M&A transactions are the key focuses of practice leader Jonathan Carr. Carolyn Soakell is highly recommended by clients and is well versed in advising law firms on their internal employment issues. James Storke focuses on restructurings, senior executive exits and strategic projects. At associate level, James Walters is known for resolving complex employee relations issues and defending employment tribunal litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has wide-ranging capabilities and experience, including litigation where required.’
‘Carolyn Soakell is one of the best external lawyers I've instructed in 30 years' of practice. She is pragmatic and well-informed about the industry in which we operate, and of course has taken the time to get to understand us as a client.’
‘Innovative and practical approach to all employment law issues.’
‘The team is hands-on and always offers practical solution-based advice.’
‘Subject knowledge, pragmatic solutions, understanding of retail and wholesale industry.’
‘James Walters is excellent to work with.'
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Partner specialising in all aspects of employment law, including co-ordinating mergers and TUPE transfers, drafting employment documentation, dealing with all the issues arising during employment (eg disciplinary and performance matters), director and senior terminations, working time, information and consultation issues and all aspects of tribunal work.
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Jonathan is a partner and specialist employment lawyer with over 20 years of experience advising on employment law issues. Jonathan's practice has a particular emphasis on restructuring, employee relations issues, TUPE/outsourcing, transactional support and senior executive exits. His clients are similarly diverse from law firms and hedge funds to football clubs and retail brands.Although part of Jonathan's role as a partner involves managing client relationships, he is still very much a hands-on lawyer. His clients range across all industry sectors although in recent years has developed more of a focus on the financial services, legal and pharmaceutical sectors. He has been recognised for his employment law expertise in both Chambers and Legal 500 for a number of years. Jonathan is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, chair of Lewis Silkin’s TUPE group and Editor of the Sweet & Maxwell Transfer of Undertakings Bulletin. Jonathan's aim is to assist clients in managing employment issues of all kinds in a swift, commercial and pragmatic fashion, consistent with their corporate culture; to add value by properly understanding their business and through proactive engagement; and to form long term relationships built on trust, personal chemistry, and positive outcomes.
Partner specialising in employment and discrimination law. Particular interests include age discrimination, equal pay and family rights. Has extensive experience conducting complex discrimination claims and advising law firms on employee and partner disputes.
Next Generation Partners
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Carr