Michael Cole
Partner
Mike is an experienced partner in the employment team specialising in all aspects of employment and discrimination law. He has a particular interest in The Transfer of Undertakings Regulations (TUPE) and business reorganisations, often supporting the corporate team on transactional matters.
His work includes advising on redundancies, employee consultation, and TUPE transfers arising from outsourcing agreements and business acquisitions. He also handles internal workplace disputes with care, including grievances and disciplinary situations, aiming to avoiding litigation where possible. This approach helps position clients favourably should a claim then arise.
Having worked in employment law for many years, I have always enjoyed the diversity of the work – how it is fast paced and always changing. My focus is always on understanding my client’s needs and zeroing in on their preferred solution to any given problem.
Mike’s contentious experience spans the full spectrum of employment tribunal claims, including unfair dismissal, whistleblowing, harassment and discrimination, breach of contract and unlawful deductions. In the industrial relations sphere, he recently defended a large employer in a successful claim before the Central Arbitration Committee, where a trade union sought a recognition agreement. His clients come from a diverse range of sectors, including higher education, technology, automotive, manufacturing, and financial services
A seasoned professional, Mike is highly regarded in both Chambers and Legal 500 as a leading practitioner. He is in high demand for seminars and webinars and is a regular speaker for the Surrey and Sussex HR Forum.
Recent work highlights
Defeating a claim for trade union recognition
Defending claims of sexual harassment and discrimination
Resolving A Boardroom Dispute
Employment law support for a university
Defending employment claims for a city banking client
External recognition
What people are saying
Michael Cole is one of the most personable and approachable that I have encountered, ensuring the ability to work with him, explore all eventualities and options is maximised. A consummate professional.
Sympathetic, empathetic with a robust understanding of ‘real world’ HR and employment issues. Mike Cole has been a steadfast and reliable mentor and coach on the people-led parts of my businesses.
I have turned to Mike Cole at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP for all my business and employment guidance for many years. I am grateful to him and his team for their practical and common-sense approach to our fast-changing corporate world.
Mike dealt with the matter with expertise, efficiency and importantly, empathy, which he always demonstrated.
He is extremely professional in his manner, an eloquent communicator and has a great relationship-building rapport with everyone he meets.
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