Partner specialising in employment law both contentious and non-contentious with a keen interest in all aspects of discrimination law. Since qualification, Gemma has been involved with a significant Court of Appeal decision and a number of Tribunal hearings and appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunals. She also regularly provides corporate support in relation to business transfers and reorganisations and day to day HR advisory support for commercial clients. Gemma has also provided guidance to clients on the implications of TUPE and the terms of commercial outsourcing arrangements. Gemma advises a number of independent schools and academies in relation to their employment law issues and was key in starting the 'Independent Schools HR Forums' operated by the firm. She presents seminars internally and externally on a broad range of employment issues and also contributes articles to both external publications and the firm’s regular employment update. She is described by clients as having “a good tactical approach to dealing with HR issues”, being “very swift with her advice” and an adviser who “ acts in the client’s best interests”.
England - South East • Employment
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is known for its strong sector-specific focus, with particular emphasis on work arising out of technology, charities, education, social housing, life sciences, and financial services. Practice leadership is shared between Daff Richardson and Eugene Wojciechowski, both of whom have longstanding experience in employment matters. Partner Gemma Woodhouse is a go-to name for discrimination issues, and acts for some of the firm’s key tech and education sector clients. Katie Glendinning focuses her practice on representing clients in the education sector including independent schools.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have been working with the employment team for a few years now and feel that they are an extension of our own team. Their understanding of our business and support with any legal updates has been crucial for the growth and development of our business.’
‘Eugene Wojciechowski has provided advice on some overseas workers - he has liaised with legal advisers in several countries meaning we had a "one stop shop" for our legal advice which was much appreciated. His advice was practical and balanced, enabling us to navigate a complex situation.’
‘They understand our sector and give you clear direction on what you should do. Gemma Woodhouse is a stand-out partner who is always there when you need her.’
- 'It's always been a pleasure to deal with Victoria Spires. She has always provided us with sound, pragmatic advice. Victoria understands the business needs which allows us to make confident decisions.’
‘Katie Glendinning provides practical and sensible advice without any fuss. She is quick to respond and her understanding of the duties of Court appointed Deputies when acting as employer for vulnerable individuals is second to none.’
‘The team in my experience give solid, pragmatic, and balanced advice, coming from a well-informed and commercially-savvy viewpoint. They are always swift and conscientious in their work, and have my complete faith.’
‘At the mild risk of being positively effusive (or effusively positive) I simply cannot give sufficient praise in respect of Gemma Woodhouse. I have worked with many solicitors in my career, and she is utterly superb. Every compliment I could make in respect of the excellent team at PMC, could easily be multiplied when applied to Gemma. A safer, more pragmatic pair of legal hands you will not find.’
‘I have worked directly with Katie Glendinnig with a particularly tricky employee relations issue. She has been responsive, supportive and with great knowledge of the law, pragmatic whilst maintaining our organisational integrity. She is a pleasure to work with, she understands our desired outcome and guides us to that in the most effective way.'
Key clients
- The Automobile Association
- Jesus College, Oxford
- Castle Trust Bank
- Playtech plc
- Farfetch
- OQEMA Limited
- 23.5 Degrees Limited (Starbucks franchise)
- Marine Stewardship Council
- Wellington College
- Haberdashers’ Schools Elstree
- CABI
- City & Guilds
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
- Not Just Cleaning
- Rayner Intraocular Lenses
- United Reform Church
Work highlights
- Advised OQEMA on a major inter-group restructure.
- Represented the AA (AA Corporation Limited) in the successful defence of a disability discrimination claim and provided general HR support.
- Advised a large housing association on the relocation to the UK of a number of employees permitted to work abroad during the pandemic, which involved consideration of the law of numerous overseas jurisdictions.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Daff Richardson, Eugene Wojciechowski