Ashfords LLP‘s employment law team delivers counsel across a spectrum of issues including restrictive covenants, TUPE, and restructurings. Notable for its success in tribunal claims and High Court disputes, the team possesses deep sector knowledge spanning public sector, health, energy, and retail. Practice head Stephen Moore excels in whistleblowing cases and boardroom disputes alongside handling a wide-range of non-contentious matters. ’Excellent employment lawyer’ Hayley Marles fields particular sector expertise in education and charity, while Lorna Hughes is a go-to contact for clients active in care, hospitality, and retail.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A highly professional yet friendly and down-to-earth team which dedicates time to really getting to know clients and supporting their objectives, including by undertaking fundraising and charity work.’

  • ‘Hayley Marles is a delight to work with and very knowledgeable about her clients.’

  • ‘The team are all very personable and down-to-earth, and give no-nonsense, easy to understand advice. Clients appreciate their straightforward and user-friendly approach.’

  • ‘Lorna Hughes handled a complex case involving parallel proceedings in the County Court and Employment Tribunal. Lorna was on top of the key issues in the case, and the effect of having parallel proceedings. She dealt with a difficult opponent very well.’

  • ‘Stephen Moore's team is exceptional. They are among the best employment practitioners in Bristol and they have an impressive client list.’

  • ‘Hayley Marles is an excellent employment lawyer. She's down-to-earth and exercises good commercial judgment. Lorna Hughes is also a safe pair of hands for employment advice.’

  • ‘Hayley Marles is very dedicated to her clients and has great knowledge of the charity sector. Knowledgeable on the law too.’

  • ‘Hayley Marles is phenomenal. Each time I deal with her, it is always a great learning opportunity for me. It's not just about giving me advice, it's about expanding my employment law knowledge on whatever the issue is we're dealing with.’

Key clients

  • Accelerate Cleaning Facilities Limited
  • Flow Traders
  • UK Storage

Work highlights

  • Acted for all UK-based franchisees of a global fast food restaurant, assisting in defending employment tribunal claims.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Stephen Moore

Other key lawyers

Lorna Hughes, Hayley Marles, Kirsten Currer