Alistair is an experienced employment lawyer with particular expertise in advising on and dealing with recruitment practices, terms and conditions of employment, discrimination and harassment, termination of contracts and dismissals, the enforcement of post-termination obligations, transfer of undertakings on acquisition and disposal of businesses, restructuring and redundancies. With a history of acting for banks, financial institutions, manufacturers, retailers as well as companies in the hospitality, logistics and technology sectors, Alistair is accomplished at providing commercial and pragmatic advice to leading blue chip organisations. Alistair is commercially astute, with an aptitude for negotiation. He takes on work with enthusiasm and a desire to succeed in all matters. This is, however, with the care to ensure he understands his client's aims and problems at the outset so that strategies can be developed to obtain the best outcome possible. Alistair is responsible for leading the Employment Department as it continues to provide high quality and effective advice and assistance to both employers and employees alike.
England - South East • Employment
Herrington Carmichael LLP
Herrington Carmichael LLP acts on behalf of an international client base on a full range of complex matters, including discrimination claims, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing employment tribunal proceedings, cross-border senior exits, restructurings, and GDPR projects. Partner and practice head Alistair McArthur comes highly recommended, and excels when it comes to enforcement of complex employment tribunal litigation, post-termination obligations and TUPE. Leisure and hospitality sector expert Darren Smith continues to focus on rapidly expanding the team’s client base in the area.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Alistair McArthur is an exceptional, charismatic, sharp and personable employment specialist. Alistair ensures that client's get the best possible outcomes but is very pragmatic and defends his client's position robustly.'
‘Alistair McArthur is very pleasant and professional. He always has his clients' interests at the forefront of every decision. Darren Smith is equally capable. Hannah King is very efficient and an up-and-coming partner in the making.’
‘In the Thames Valley the employment team at Herrington Carmichael stands out as an excellent one. They have some impressive clients and are efficient and knowledgeable.’
‘Alistair McArthur is a fantastic employment lawyer. He leads his team from the front. He is tenacious where you need him to be but also commercially aware and user-friendly. He also always has a good grasp of how his clients' interests would be best served.’
‘Darren Smith gives guidance as well as legal advice, based on his experience. Pragmatic. Fast to respond.’
‘I work mainly with Alistair McArthur. Alistair is, in my view, beyond compare. He knows his subject better than anyone I have ever come across and really is an expert in his field. He is always upbeat and positive, always honest and to the point, and explains things in simple, easy-to-understand language.'
‘Alistair McArthur is the best employment lawyer I have worked with. His advice and guidance is always so detailed, providing options and risks, whilst giving you his recommended course of action. He always takes the time to ensure you understand and follows up telephone advice with a detailed email.’
‘Alistair McArthur has gravitas, excellent knowledge and a flexible approach that gives our company confidence in moving our legal matters forward. He has a strong relationship style and balances key messages with appropriate humour, making our interactions informative and enjoyable.’
Key clients
- Silvesea Cruises (UK)
- Vistry Group
- Andreas Stihl
- CLEAN Linen Services
- proAV
- Royal Caribbean
- Fourwalls
- Tech 21 (UK)
- Aldermore Bank
- MotoNovo Finance
- Vineyard Group
- Infor (United Kingdom)
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Partner, Employment Law Darren Smith is a employment law solicitor with a wealth of experience advising businesses and senior executives on Employment Law and HR related issues, focusing on solutions that work for them. In 2015 and 2019 he was named as a “rising star” in the Legal 500 and a “next generation lawyer” in 2017 and 2018. Darren is also an experienced trainer and regular seminar speaker. Darren previously sat as part of the Leisure and Hospitality sector within his last firm and brings lots of experience of working with clients in that industry. He has used those experiences to ensure the right advice is tailored to the culture and needs of clients in the Leisure and Hospitality sector. Clients have previously praised Darren for being “knowledgeable, pragmatic and calm” and that he “provides invaluable support steering them through the complexities of employment legislation” and they “enjoy working” with him.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alistair McArthur