Underpinned by a strong financial services focus, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP fields an ‘extremely strong team covering the full range of employment law’. The practice, which is led by Paul Mander, mainly advises on restructurings, redundancies, whistleblowing issues, and senior management dismissals and boardroom disputes. The practice of Tom Walker, a ‘first port of call for boardroom disputes’, emphasises confidentiality, whistleblowing and discrimination issues. Another key name in the group, Andrew Haywood has experience advising on competitive moves and social media-related matters.
‘One-stop shop for most legal requirements due to a wide area of expertise and offices located throughout the UK and internationally. Professional approach, quick turnaround, and a good understanding of client’s business needs translated into the advice angle.’
‘Fully flexible, informative and professional in all of their dealings. the ability of PMC to provide quick and practical advice and guidance, at all times of the day (and night) has been exemplary. A great service.’
‘Hilary Aldred has unrivalled understanding of the higher education sector which enables her to understand the underlying issues and give realistic, pragmatic advice and options.’
‘For me senior associate Liz Cardy stands out. Always readily available for advice and support where needed.’
‘Mike Cole’s understanding of my business, the (what we think are) nuances of our organisation and the straightforward response and approach is of the highest quality. Reliable, knowledgeable and fully accommodating, he always delivers.’
‘Andrew Haywood was the partner I dealt with and literally after one initial conversation with him, I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. He gave me rock solid advice…’
‘Nick Humphreys gives every case his all. You get his energy, his considerable experience, his deft business judgment and his good humour.’
‘Primarily I worked with Hester Jewitt. She is an outstanding lawyer and a clearly talented professional…She is detail oriented, experienced and yet impressively efficient with time.
‘Paul Mander is a responsive, fast, knowledgeable and entertaining partner. His work for me was exemplary and fast and cost effective.’
‘I worked directly with Sarah Mant and her team. They were responsive, supportive and acted in both a timely manner with a proportional and appropriate outcome in mind.’
‘Daff Richardson leads the team [in Oxford] and absolutely sets the tone for the team approach that we find so valuable.
‘Chris Syder was excellent throughout the process. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and I felt fully appraised throughout the process.’
‘Charissa Upton is organised, efficient, and commercial, while also being strong on the technical legal issues in the case.’
‘Tom Walker is our first port of call for boardroom disputes. He is user-friendly, keeps it simple, and gets solutions for the board.’
‘Sophie Whitbread is a standout lawyer who managed the settlement agreement process admirably. Very commercial and focused. Excellent case management. She inspired confidence.’
‘Eugene Wojciechowski showed outstanding understanding of all matters he has dealt with for the business, proactive and honest.’
'Gemma Woodhouse is reliable, knowledgeable, creative and knows her subject extremely well to enable her clients to be confident in their application of her advice.’
‘I have worked regularly with Gemma Woodhouse, Chris Syder and Katie Glendinning. There is a clear thread of excellent training given to the junior members of staff at this firm and it comes across as a meticulous attention to detail with all of their cases no matter who is dealing with a case.’
The Legal 500 - 2022 edition
Jon Heuvel is a 'good listener and really flexible and creative'.
Sources describe Paul Mander as 'an iron fist in a velvet glove' and praise his commercial sense.
The 'highly responsive' Mike Cole gives clients 'clear and realistic advice'.
David Bickford is a key contact for the 'highly proactive' Hampshire-based team.
Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession - 2012 edition
The Penningtons team always seems to be ahead of the curve on new subject areas and develops close relationships with its clients,' explains one source. The firm's employment practitioners provide 'consistent advice' that builds confidence in their abilities across a wide range of issues. Clients 'value the team's ability to give pragmatic and sensible commercial responses'.
The 'solid, well-liked and meticulous' Mike Cole is a 'details man'... He has a particular expertise in the technology sector. 'If there was ever a definition of a robust employment lawyer, he's it,' suggests one source.
David Bickford is an 'experienced litigator' who 'understands business' and delivers a cost-effective service.
Gemma Woodhouse demonstrates a 'good tactical approach to dealing with HR issues'. Sources say she 'has always been very swift with her advice and acts in the client's best interests'.
The 'tenacious' Hilary Aldred is well placed among the region’s leading employment lawyers.
Timothy Tyndall's 'abundant common sense' and 'considerable experience' have helped secure his reputation as a well-regarded employment lawyer.
Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession - 2013 edition
Skilled in advising clients attempting to deal with boardroom disputes. Established presence in the retail, finance and property sectors.
Technical ability: 'Their advice is really detailed and they provide us with a well-researched overview on each matter.'
Problem solving: "They send us regular e-mails giving us updates and pointing out potential problems."
Commercial awareness: 'They are extremely efficient, with a commercial approach. They help us identify the potential risks of each option available to us.'
Client service: 'I really felt like I was getting personal care and attention. Real care on both a personal and professional level.'
Notable practitioners
Tom Walker is recommended for his ability to 'handle difficult matters very well'. He is heralded as a 'very commercial and bright lawyer', whose 'proactivity in following up matters' is appreciated by clients. He specialises in advising corporate clients requiring assistance with boardroom disputes.
Paul Mander is a talented practitioner whose 'advice is always at the right level that clients need'. 'He'll always keep me updated as to what's coming up and point out any issues that might have an impact upon us in the future,' noted one client.
Jon Heuvel is said to adopt a 'bold and pragmatic approach' to matters, typically 'providing legal advice that is geared towards solving problems'. Clients also claim that he is 'very interested in the wider perspective of running a business'.
Mike Cole has a particular interest in TUPE matters and business reorganisations. Clients 'would gladly recommend him to a close friend without a moment’s pause'.
David Bickford takes a particular interest in claim prevention and proactive commercial solutions. Clients say he 'is professional, shows expertise in his subject area and has a good sense of humour'.
Gemma Woodhouse is appreciated for her ability to 'keep things simple and straightforward'.
Daff Richardson 'tends to look at things very sensibly and comes back with a pragmatic response'. Clients go on to note that she is 'personable and easily builds relationships with whoever she's dealing with'. She advises senior executives on such matters as restrictive covenants.
Hilary Aldred is a 'technically strong, tenacious litigator'. She acts for SMEs, plcs and educational clients, with one in particular acknowledging her 'in-depth knowledge of the academic world'.
Timothy Tyndall advises both individuals and employers on senior executive exits. He is also adept at handling contentious issues including whistle-blowing and discrimination.
Sophie Whitbread is praised by clients as 'clear in her communication, extremely diligent'.
Chambers UK - 2014 edition
Offers significant expertise in employment law, supported by broader knowledge of immigration, pensions and other employment issues. Its extensive caseload includes cross-border employment matters, contentious cases with significant union considerations, and senior executive departures.
Strengths: ‘Their advice has been reassuring and pragmatic and they really understand our business.’
‘The team is very very responsive, the internal communication is very good and the support is there when you need it.’
‘Outstanding. The lawyers listen to you and ask intelligent questions, and their advice is always correct.’
Notable practitioners
Paul Mander heads the team and advises employers on the full spectrum of employment law. Sources praise his work, with one calling him ‘an astute tactician.’
Tom Walker draws his clients from a range of sectors and works with both claimants and respondents. Impressed sources describe him as ‘a reactive lawyer’ who is very experienced at explaining processes.’
Hilary Aldred is held in high esteem by clients, who appreciate her experience and concise and targeted advice. One client commented: ‘She is good at giving a range of options and explaining the pros and cons.’
Timothy Tyndall is adept at both contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. Commentators say he is ‘calm and confident and very good at supporting business needs.’
Sophie Whitbread focuses on the technology and education sectors.
Mike Cole is ‘an excellent and knowledgeable practitioner' whose ‘first instinct is to find constructive solutions.’
David Bickford is described as a ‘very good technical lawyer'.
Clients consider Daff Richardson ‘very approachable and happy to help’ on employment matters, notably those involving clients from the education sector.
Eugene Wojciechowski is highly active in the Reading market, offering experience in sectors such as social housing and retail.
Sally Nesbitt ‘knows her clients very, very well, and is experienced enough to offer support on anything that is thrown at her'.
Duncan Bain is a ‘measured and urbane’ lawyer who ‘always offers very pragmatic advice’ on contentious and advisory employment matters.
Chambers UK - 2015 edition
Strengths: ‘Every member of the Penningtons team provides consistent high-level advice.’
‘They always provide considered advice that explains any complex issues in an easy to digest manner.’
‘Service level is high and response times are quick - including evenings, and on occasion when required, weekends.’
Notable practitioners
Hilary Aldred: ‘Hilary is always pragmatic when it comes to employment advice and informs us of the risks involved in our decisions.’
Liz Cardy: ‘She always makes herself available and provides such all-round knowledge on employment law that we always feel confident in our positions after discussions with her.’
Mike Cole: ‘Mike consistently delivers, follows up and provides excellent support. He is a huge asset.’
‘Daff Richardson is very proactive with her practical advice and she is very responsive any time of the day.’
Chris Syder: ‘He gives clear, uncomplicated advice and he feels well supported.’
Sophie Whitbread: ‘She is always very informed on current employment legislation and is very pragmatic in her advice.’
Eugene Wojciechowski: ‘We always receive professional, pragmatic and timely advice from Eugene.’
Gemma Woodhouse: ‘Gemma is extremely responsive, very commercial and pragmatic. She challenges me to also view things differently if needed and always asks the right questions.’
Chambers UK - 2023 edition
Strengths: ‘There's great communication and they are always available to discuss matters. They explain each phase using non-legal jargon and in a way in which I can understand.’
‘They have been knowledgeable, efficient and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘They provide a high level of service and are very responsive.’
‘I truly appreciate the work that was carried out by this firm, they went above and beyond. They were always accessible and always had the information needed to hand.’
‘Their commercial awareness was extremely good, they were extremely responsive at all times, and their service levels were all we could have asked for.’
Notable practitioners
‘Binder Bansel is charming and hugely intellectual. He knows his field backwards.’
‘Anthea Christie makes it her mission to understand every corner of the case. It is so reassuring to have someone so switched on as her.’
Paul Mander: ‘Paul is a tough negotiator who gets good outcomes for his clients.’
Chambers UK - 2023 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a ‘great team with exceptional technical knowledge’ and is sought after for high-profile, complex whistleblowing cases. It has a strong track record for being able to negotiate complex exits, and defending clients against injunctions. Its clients come from multi-national and listed companies and it has considerable expertise in the financial sector.
A strong pedigree for acting for trade unions, staff associations, employees and union members. It notably excels in cases concerning industrial actions and other collective labour law issues. It is also experienced in discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Reflective of the breadth of expertise at the firm, the group in London includes practitioners with specialist knowledge of police injury pensions, issues arising from ill health retirement and judicial reviews, as well as employment tribunal claims.
‘Hilary Aldred. Very experienced, very sensible and pragmatic, extremely hard working, excellent grasp of complex situations.’
‘Binder Bansel is an excellent communicator. Easy to discuss issues with him.’
‘For me senior associate Liz Cardy stands out. Always readily available for advice and support where needed.’
‘Anthea Christie. Great team player and very switched on.’
Mike Cole: ‘Reliable, knowledgeable and fully accommodating, he always delivers.’
‘Andrew Haywood was the partner I dealt with and literally after one initial conversation with him, I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. He gave me rock solid advice…’
‘Nick Humphreys gives every case his all. You get his energy, his considerable experience, his deft business judgment and his good humour.’
‘Primarily I worked with Hester Jewitt. She is an outstanding lawyer and a clearly talented professional…She is detail oriented, experienced and yet impressively efficient with time.
‘Paul Mander is a responsive, fast, knowledgeable and entertaining partner. His work for me was exemplary and fast and cost effective.’
‘I worked directly with Sarah Mant and her team. They were responsive, supportive and acted in both a timely manner with a proportional and appropriate outcome in mind.’
‘Daff Richardson leads the team [in Oxford] and absolutely sets the tone for the team approach that we find so valuable.
‘Chris Syder was excellent throughout the process. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and I felt fully appraised throughout the process.’
‘Charissa Upton is organised, efficient, and commercial, while also being strong on the technical legal issues in the case.’
Tom Walker: ‘He is user-friendly, keeps it simple, and gets solutions.’
‘Sophie Whitbread is a standout lawyer who managed the settlement agreement process admirably...She inspired confidence.’
‘Eugene Wojciechowski showed outstanding understanding.’
Gemma Woodhouse is reliable, knowledgeable, creative and knows her subject extremely well.’
The Legal 500 - 2022 edition
The ‘results-orientated’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP is in growth mode under the leadership of the ‘creative and thorough’ Jon Heuvel and ‘very incisive and personable’ Paul Mander.
Michael Cole, now based in Guildford, is the lead partner for employment matters in Surrey.
The ‘very commercial’ David Bickford is an active figure on the tribunal side.
Penningtons Solicitors LLP acquired the Cambridge office of Charles Russell LLP, adding the ‘very experienced’ Tim Tyndall and Hilary Aldred. Rising star Sophie Whitbread joined from Charles Russell LLP’s London office.
The Legal 500 - 2012 edition
‘The team is large and covers a wide geographical area but still manages to maintain close ties with their clients such that they are able to give a very personal and individual service.’
‘The team is unique in the breadth and width of its expertise. It has wide knowledge across the whole field of employment law but also in areas where few dare to trespass such as pensions, industrial action and judicial review. The team is superbly efficient.’
‘Candid, practical advice with a client focused attitude and good ethos.’
‘Recommended to me. Very knowledgeable, very experienced, and easy to talk with and made it easy to understand legal terms.’
‘Binder Bansel is one of the very best employment lawyers in the UK. His knowledge of police law is second to none. His ability to spot the key issues in a case is unrivalled and his legal analysis is always spot on. He is a modest but brilliant lawyer.’
‘Anthea Christie is a stand-out practitioner. Anthea is widely known for her assiduous client care and excellent legal brain. She is 100% committed to her clients and creates and holds long-term relationships with unions and qua-union institutions in the UK due to the quality of her performance.’
‘Andrew Haywood is phenomenal. I trust him fully, his expertise and all round down to earth and pragmatic nature. I really appreciated working with Andrew.’
‘Paul Mander leads the team which includes senior associates Sarah Mant, who handles all matters arising prior to, during and beyond the end of the employment relationship; and Hester Jewitt, who is ‘truly a stand out professional’.’
‘Senior associate Clare Walsh is pragmatic, efficient and a pleasure to work with.’
The Legal 500 - 2023 edition
Penningtons Manches LLP advises employer and senior executive clients. On the employer side, it advises on board disputes and large-scale redundancies, representing clients including Eurotunnel Services and the British Medical Association. Tom Walker acts for senior executives in the wealth industry and consultant NHS doctors, and Sarah Johnson has experience advising the banking and insurance sectors.
Clients of the ‘first-class’ Penningtons Manches LLP are ‘very impressed’ with the ‘excellent, clear, pragmatic’ Hilary Aldred and ‘patient, caring’ Tim Tyndall. Tyndall and the ‘extremely efficient and punctual’ Sophie Whitbread won £250,000 damages for broadcast journalist Axel Threlfall in a High Court action against ECD Insight.
Penningtons Manches LLP’s recent work includes obtaining an interim injunction for PFM Group, while other clients include BBC Worldwide and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance. David Bickford is ‘approachable and effective’.
The Surrey-based employment team saw an increase in advice to senior executives on termination agreements, and has a growing roster of technology-sector clients. Michael Cole leads the team.
Oxford team head Daff Richardson is ‘particularly knowledgeable and very pragmatic in approach’, and Reading team head Eugene Wojciechowski is also popular with clients. Clients include One Housing Group, Huawei Technologies, and Blackwell’s. Senior associate Sally Nesbitt and associate Charlotte Logan are also recommended.
The Legal 500 - 2013 edition
The 'class act team' at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is 'incredibly knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with'. The practice stands out for its extensive experience in industrial actions and trade union law, and is also developing a track record for representing groups of employees in precedent-setting cases. Niche specialist knowledge in discrimination cases involving police officers is another notable feature of the firm. Paul Mander and Binder Bansel lead the practice, while Anthea Christie is also recommended.
Tom Walker's practice largely focuses on working with directors on strategic HR issues, internal disputes and high-level dismissals. Andrew Haywood is the key partner for senior executive work, where he assists with exit strategies and the enforcement of post-termination restrictions.
Michael Cole, who is well respected in the market, offers clients a wealth of experience in discrimination cases, TUPE, business reorganisations and various workplace disputes. Working alongside senior associate Liz Cardy, he advises on unfair dismissal claims, settlement agreements, grievance and redundancy procedures.
The Cambridge office plays a vital role in the firm’s wider national employment practice and clients remark that 'the legal advice is sophisticated and spot-on'. Hilary Aldred, who frequently advises clients in the education sector, and senior associate Sophie Whitbread are the key contacts.
The Oxford and Reading offices demonstrate 'first-class expertise' in employment law, particularly in relation to data protection/GDPR, advocacy in Employment Tribunals and senior executive disputes, among other HR issues. Daff Richardson and Eugene Wojciechowski are lead partners. David Bickford has experience of defending complex employment tribunal claims, outsourcing (including all TUPE issues), and advising on employment policies and procedures. Gemma Woodhouse is also recommended.
The Legal 500 - 2020 edition
Able to handle a wide-range of matters from single claimant cases to large-scale group claims. Noted for its ability to advise public sector clients, with a particular specialism in police matters.
Strengths: Clients appreciate the firm offers ‘a broad spectrum of expertise, so if a claim crosses the spectrum it can stay within the one firm’.
‘Fantastically efficient and a delight to work with’ is how another interviewee characterises the team.
Notable practitioners
Hilary Aldred: ‘She's thoroughly excellent - she's extremely hard-working and practical.’
Binder Bansel: ‘Binder combines that increasingly rare talent in a lawyer of being able to quickly identify the legal issues in a case with explaining difficult legal principles to non-lawyers in a manner in which those individuals can understand them.’
Liz Cardy: ‘Very responsive and always happy to jump on a quick phone call to resolve issues quickly.’
Anthea Christie: ‘She is studious in making sure that she understands the most minute detail and the most complex pieces of law. She is also very good at communicating with clients and explaining to them the difficult, big-picture matters.’
Mike Cole: ‘He is particularly good with complex group litigation, and his advice is always impeccable and spot on.’
Paul Mander leads the employment team at Penningtons Manches Cooper. He is ‘excellent and he works very well for his clients’.
Daff Richardson: ‘She is very helpful, knowledgeable, experienced and also proactive in chasing for answers and updates.’
Chris Syder: ‘He was fantastic - I can't praise him highly enough. He explained everything to me clearly and ensured that I was aware of the options at every step in the process.’
Sophie Whitbread: ‘Her organisational skills know no bounds.’ ‘In terms of strategy she's phenomenal.’
Eugene Wojciechowski: ‘An excellent lawyer who provides clear and concise advice.’
Gemma Woodhouse: ‘Gemma is extremely responsive, very commercial and pragmatic.’
Chambers UK – 2022 edition
Full-service employment team providing advice on TUPE, discrimination claims, restrictive covenant matters, and director and shareholder issues. Works with national and international clients from the media and technology, charities and education sectors.
Strengths: 'The team provides a responsive and attentive service, and they developed a quick grasp of our business and requirements.'
'This firm is very good. They're very solution-focused and understand business pressures.'
'They take a commercial but sensitive approach to the advice they provide - we feel that they genuinely understand the culture of our organisation and seek to recognise that in the advice they give.'
Notable practitioners
Paul Mander is the head of the firm's employment team. Sources say he is a 'fantastic strategic thinker who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.'
Tom Walker works with a range of healthcare providers and organisations engaged in the industry, handling both contentious and non-contentious employment issues. He is praised for his ability to bring 'all-round good insight' to matters.
David Bickford assists with the full scope of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. He has notable experience in the media sector and is recommended for giving 'everything you'd want from an employment solicitor.'
Mike Cole is known for his employment expertise in the IT and technology sectors. He regularly advises on TUPE and business reorganisations. Clients describe him as 'very down to earth and easy to relate to.'
Hilary Aldred has experience across the full range of employment matters. Clients state that she is 'quick to boil down a situation to its core issues and come up with a credible plan of action.'
Daff Richardson is particularly focused on advising management and senior executives in connection with executive appointments and exits, and boardroom conflicts. 'She is always readily available,' say clients, and add that 'her pragmatic approach works very well for us.'
Eugene Wojciechowski receives strong praise from market sources, who say: 'He is impressive in his ability to provide the legal grounds but also to discuss the matter at a strategic business level.' Interviewees add that 'he makes us feel as though we are the only client, which is wonderful.'
Chambers UK - 2016 edition
Advises UK-based and international companies as well as high net worth individuals in a wide variety of employment matters. Offers significant expertise in the infrastructure, technology and education sectors, among others.
Regularly works for both employers and senior executives. The team's wide ranging experience includes advising on TUPE matters and industrial relations.
Strengths: ‘The employment team is very tight-knit and highly collaborative. Their technical knowledge is a given and it is the commercial application of this knowledge which is the real benefit to us. They understand our business.’
‘Excellent - they are highly knowledgeable and personable.’
‘They have a good grasp of both business context and culture complemented with a pragmatic approach that enables our business to make effective decisions.’
Notable practitioners
Tom Walker advises employers on boardroom issues, whistle-blowing allegations and executive exits. His client base includes funds, financial institutions and private offices.
David Bickford is experienced in handling both contentious and non-contentious employment matters such as TUPE, restrictive covenants and terminations. Clients appreciate his ‘good, clear advice’ and his ‘very good business brain.’
Chris Syder is ‘extremely responsive andprovides no-nonsense commercial advice,’ reports a client. He has a broad-based employment practice, advising on discrimination claims, outsourcing and both national and international trade union issues. He is also an accredited mediator.
Gemma Woodhouse is known to be ‘very focused on providing pragmatic and practical advice which makes commercial sense.’ She is known for her expertise in handling a range of discrimination claims.
Hilary Aldred's work ‘is refreshingly pragmatic’ and ‘she is relaxed, in control of the issues, and has a really good rapport with clients.’ She is adept at handling both contentious and non- contentious matters for an impressive range of clients that include FTSE100 companies and small businesses.
Mike Cole garners recognition for his advisory work concerning workplace disputes and discrimination issues. Clients praise his ‘strong technical advice and client service.’
‘Hugely knowledgeable and experienced’ Eugene Wojciechowski has a wealth of employment law expertise. Sources say he is ‘straightforward to deal with and an impressive practitioner.’
Daff Richardson advises employers and individuals in a host of employment matters, including post-termination restrictions. Sources note that ‘she has an excellent reputation’ in the area.
Chambers UK - 2017 edition
Advises UK-based and international companies, as well as high net worth individuals in a wide variety of employment matters, covering employment litigation, discrimination claims, TUPE matters, director exits and shareholder issues. Offers significant expertise in the infrastructure, technology and education sectors, among others.
Strengths: One client describes the firm as ‘timely, very comprehensive and very knowledgeable.’
One client praises the team's ‘wide and deep range of capabilities’ which ‘enables us to create pragmatic solutions to our biggest legal problems.’
Another interviewee characterises the team as ‘very straightforward, pragmatic and available, and the advice is sensible, not theoretical.’
Notable practitioners
Hilary Aldred is renowned for her understanding of the education sector. Clients praise her ‘excellent experience’ and also the fact that she ‘is always calm, measured and realistic in her expectations.’
David Bickford leads the team based in Basingstoke and advises on both contentious and non-contentious employment issues, including terminations, Employment Tribunal claims and outsourcing matters.
Head of the Guildford team Mike Cole has experience across all aspects of employment work, with strengths in discrimination claims, TUPE and reorganisations. Clients report that he ‘can act decisively with lawyers on the other side to gain a good outcome for us quickly.’
Sources say Daff Richardson is a ‘very good lawyer’ who is ‘very authoritative in her advice’. She advises on the full range of employment law issues including boardroom disputes, executive appointments and terminations.
Chris Syder operates a wide employment law practice, with considerable experience in TUPE. His clients are spread across the construction and infrastructure, professional services, IT and technology sectors. A client states: ‘He always understands the issues and the culture, and he gives excellent commercial advice with exceptional technical knowledge.’
Tom Walker advises on reorganisations, internal disputes and high-level dismissals. Clients say he is ‘very service-oriented’, and appreciate his ‘understanding of the commercial factors affecting business decision-marking’.
Eugene Wojciechowski has experience of a broad array of contentious and non-contentious employment law issues for large corporates and senior employees.
Gemma Woodhouse is described by sources as someone who is ‘very efficient and knowledgeable’, with another noting: ‘She is very responsive, concise and straight to the point.’ She advises on both contentious and non-contentious employment issues, with a focus on discrimination issues.
Chambers UK - 2018 edition
Advises UK-based and international companies, as well as high net worth individuals, on a wide variety of employment matters, covering employment litigation, discrimination claims, TUPE matters, director exits and shareholder issues. Also handles significant whistle-blowing, holiday pay, GDPR and international employment matters, as well as bullying and harassment claims. Offers significant expertise in the infrastructure, technology and education sectors.
Strengths: One client reports: 'I find them very practical. They understand what the law is and they give you sensible advice. They can explain things really clearly, they're great to work with and they're a great team.'
Another source notes: 'They are absolutely brilliant on employment law.'
Notable practitioners
Hilary Aldred has a respected employment practice and is praised by sources for her work in the education sector, with one source noting: 'Her knowledge of academia and employment in the academic world is second to none. She is so knowledgeable and she really understands the sector, which is quite unique.'
Binder Bansel is regularly called upon to handle industrial relations and trade union issues. He is particularly known for his representation of police and postal clients. 'He is very knowledgeable on employment and trade union law, and very personable and good with clients.'
David Bickford is a knowledgeable employment practitioner whose practice encompasses unfair dismissal claims and TUPE-related issues. His experience extends to include assisting clients with discrimination and whistle-blowing litigation before the Employment Tribunal.
Anthea Christie is commended for her wide knowledge of employment law affecting police officers. She regularly advises on significant discrimination and whistle-blowing claims. 'She's highly knowledgeable with an uncanny ability to digest large volumes of information in record timing; she provides the highest-quality counsel.'
Mike Cole is experienced with TUPE matters and business restructurings as well as discriminations and employment tribunal cases. 'He's a very experienced solicitor who is easy to approach and flexible to our company's needs.'
Paul Mander is a highly regarded employment lawyer known for his expertise representing senior executives. He is experienced across contentious and non-contentious matters.
Chris Syder is experienced in advising on TUPE transfer concerns including relocation and redundancy considerations. He also assists with a range of HR concerns such as complex grievances and settlement agreement negotiations. His practice further covers matters involving allegations of bullying and harassment in the workplace. 'He is highly pragmatic and commercial, and gives great, solid advice.'
Sophie Whitbread is noted for her extensive experience in employment tribunal matters related to discrimination and contractual disputes. One interviewee says: 'Her attention to detail is fantastic,' adding: 'She really drills into what the client wants. She keeps them at the forefront of her mind at all times, which makes her a wonderful solicitor.'
Daff Richardson has a broad practice that spans both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. She demonstrates notable expertise in restructuring and redundancy matters. She also guides her clients through allegations of discrimination and unfair dismissal including claims before the Employment Tribunal. 'She is very well respected, business-focused and has a commercial mind.'
Eugene Wojciechowski regularly handles TUPE-related concerns, including advising on the harmonisation of terms and conditions, relocation and redundancy questions. He frequently supports his clients through employment tribunal hearings involving whistle-blowing cases and human rights-related questions. 'His communication is very clear, he's always pragmatic and the advice is consistent. He responds very quickly to requests.'
Gemma Woodhouse is known for her expert guidance on settlement agreements for senior executives and a range of TUPE-related questions. She is experienced across a range of employment tribunal matters, notably allegations of discrimination or unfair dismissal and whistle-blowing litigation. 'She is a rare commodity in the legal world combining commercial awareness of the organisation she is working with and a legal brain.'
Chambers UK - 2021 edition
Paul Mander leads the team at Penningtons Manches LLP, which represents Ocado and Links of London. Recent work includes advice on an investigation, and the practice is experienced in boardroom disputes and discrimination litigation.
Tim Tyndall (‘wonderful with clients') and the ‘experienced, versatile' Hilary Aldred lead Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘responsive, client-focused' [Cambridge] team. Tyndall and ‘real star in the making' Sophie Whitbread secured £250,000 in damages for broadcast journalist Axel Threlfall.
Recent mandates include advising Brighton & Hove Albion FC on the high-profile dismissal of former manager Gus Poyet; Chris Syder, who joined Paul Mander’s team from DAC Beachcroft LLP in November 2013, led the advice on this matter.
Praised for its ‘candour' and ‘high level of service'. The [Surrey] employment team is led by Michael Cole, and is noted for its advice to employers.
Oxford-based Daff Richardson and Reading-based Eugene Wojciechowski are key contacts along with Sally Nesbitt, and hospitality and tourism industry specialist Julian Yew is a recent addition to the Reading office having transferred from London in January 2014.
The Legal 500 - 2014 edition
Penningtons Manches LLP has a strong domestic practice, handling contentious and non-contentious matters. Individuals singled out in Paul Mander’s team include Andrew Haywood, Jon Heuvel, Sarah Johnson and Tom Walker.
David Bickford and Chris Syder advise an impressive range of clients on the full range of employment matters.
Clients pick out Hilary Aldred in Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘client-friendly team of highly experienced practitioners’. Aldred and senior associate Sophie Whitbread advised the founder of Avro Industries on employee shareholder matters.
The ‘simply outstanding’ team is led by the ‘tactically astute’ Michael Cole, and includes the ‘formidably bright’ Tim Randles who is, according to one client, ‘one of the best employment litigators out there’. Senior associate Clare Coley is also recommended.
Penningtons Manches LLP provides ‘both technical depth of knowledge and thorough, timely advice’. Eugene Wojciechowski is praised as being ‘incredibly accommodating, with a strong focus on risk management’, and Daff Richardson has strong expertise in TUPE matters.
The Legal 500 - 2015 edition
Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘excellent’ practice advises on contentious and non-contentious issues, and has a growing international focus. Paul Mander leads the practice, which includes Tom Walker (who is ‘practical and client-oriented’), Sarah Johnson and Andrew Haywood, who ‘knows his stuff’.
Penningtons Manches LLP’s [Basingstoke] team regularly handles discrimination claims and director exits. David Bickford heads the practice, which includes newly promoted partner Gemma Woodhouse.
Penningtons Manches LLP’s ‘consistently thorough, attentive, pragmatic and responsive’ [Cambridge] team includes Hilary Aldred (who is ‘a very sharp and safe pair of hands’) and senior associate Sophie Whitbread.
Michael Cole ‘always takes a dynamic approach to cases’ and associate director Tim Randles ‘is a real tour de force’.
Daff Richardson advises on employee relations issues, and Eugene Wojciechowski has handled a number of trade union disputes.
The Legal 500 - 2016 edition
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