Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises on a wide range of employment law issues, often advising large corporate and public organisations. Paul Cotton leads the group, and is known for his expertise in the employment aspects of acquisitions and mergers, TUPE-related issues, redundancies and reorganisations. Simon Rice-Birchall is known for his tribunal advocacy, particularly concerning complex discrimination cases, holiday pay and national minimum wage issues. Christopher Mordue and Ben Wood lead the educational establishment team; Mordue specialises in providing employment advice to universities and handling industrial relations issues, while Wood specialises in sensitive issues regarding corporation members and senior postholders within the higher education sector. Louise Lightfoot has particular experience in advising on the employment aspects of domestic and international commercial transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Eversheds Sutherland takes a very pragmatic and commercial approach to their work. They recognise the level of in-house expertise and seek to complement this, tailoring their approach accordingly.’
‘Simon Rice-Birchall has vast experience, which is used to achieve the best outcomes with minimum fuss and an understated approach. Absolutely brilliant client relationship skills. He is confident in the bench strength of the team and, therefore, able to match resource to need, which results in a win-win all around.'
- 'Louise Lightfoot is highly experienced, diligent and resourceful. She is very knowledgeable of the sector and applies the law pragmatically, giving clear advice framed in the context of our business.’
‘Wide range of knowledge, expertise and sensible advice given in a language that is easy to comprehend and work with.’
‘Paul Cotton gives excellent advice that is easy to understand, and he is very knowledgeable and relatable.’
‘Chris Mordue is the go-to guy for complex legal issues affecting the higher education sector. He is technically excellent but is also able to give sensible, pragmatic advice.’
‘The team has many strengths, with the key one being the partnership approach, which makes you feel like issues are shared and solved together. Response times are excellent, and an appreciation of when it is pressured.’
‘Simon Rice-Birchall is exceptional. I would not want to work with anyone else or another firm. He is creative, supportive, concise and balanced. He is perceptive, smart and can deal with any stakeholder, amending his style as needed. I have worked with him for many years and have seen how he has evolved his style and approach depending on social changes and pressures.'
Key clients
- DHL
- Parker Hannifin
- Global Oil Company
- Xylem Inc
- Marmon Group
- University of Leicester
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Lawyers
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Simon Rice-Birchall
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Cotton