Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP attracts a range of high-profile clients through the combination of its ‘commercial and practical understanding’ of employment law matters and the firm's international footprint. Industrial relations, board-level exits, and tribunal work are particular strengths of the practice, as is the education sector, which is managed by its own separate team. Operating out of Leeds, practice head Paul Cotton specialises in the employment aspects of M&A transactions, particularly TUPE matters, reorganisations, and redundancies, while Chris Mordue remains eminent nationally in the higher education space, with recent activity in industrial action mandates. Other lawyers of note include Simon Rice-Birchall and his work around minimum wage compliance; Lousie Lightfoot, whose strengths are in immigration and multi-jurisdictional projects; and Ben Wood, who specialises in the education sector.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Paul Cotton is my go-to counsel when I need an attorney in the UK, EU, or Asia.'
- 'The Eversheds Sutherland Employment team at Leeds standout as a practice which puts the client firmly at the heart of what they do. They have a really stable, experienced team who make it their business to get to know their client's particular circumstances and needs so any advice is always given in context.'
- 'The professionalism of the the entire Eversheds Sutherland employment team means that whoever my team engages with, they can be sure of excellent service and advice. Specifically, I have worked closely with Simon Rice-Birchall over many years and his knowledge, experience, and commerciality make him a stand-out performer.'
- 'Louise Lightfoot is the main point of contact in my current organisation and her breadth of knowledge and experience as well as her depth of understanding of our business means she can always be relied upon to provide sound, commercial and pragmatic advice.'
- 'Their uniqueness comes down to a commercial and practical understanding of our business. Not just advising on the law but also strategy and how to navigate situations with a best for business outcome.'
- 'There is an understanding that our business is far from 9-5 and a clear willingness to act as though they are one of our own employees and see difficult matters through to a conclusion no matter the commitment required.'
- 'The team has a valuable and friendly approach towards the client and proves willing and available to listen to the client's needs and expectations in order to try to support them. The ease with which they can be reached is valuable.'
- 'In general terms, the ease with which they can be reached and the team's positive attitude towards the client and its needs are above standard.'
Key clients
- Virgin Atlantic
- Lloyds Bank
- University of Leicester
- Assura PLC
- Hallmark Cards
- University of Nottingham
- Network Rail
- University of Reading
- DHL
- Skipton Building Society
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Cotton