What people say about us

Penningtons Manches LLP is ‘a class above most other firms and its team works well together across the country to share knowledge’.

The practice handles high-profile disputes and restrictive covenant issues for both employers and senior executives. Recent highlights include advising the London branch of an international luxury goods and fashion company on an investigation arising from false VAT reclaims made by an employee; Tom Walker led on the investigations. Walker also advised a foreign hedge fund on the employment aspects concerning the closure and reorganisation of two of the client’s London-based subsidiaries. The team is led by Paul Mander, who represents senior executives in disputes brought against major financial institutions. Andrew Haywood has significant experience handling discrimination claims.

David Bickford heads the team from the Basingstoke office; he is assisted by Gemma Woodhouse, who ‘has a professional approach as well as providing commercial and pragmatic advice’; Katie Glendinning, who ‘has an excellent eye for detail and very strong drafting skills’; and TUPE expert Chris Syder.

Team head [in Cambridge] Hilary Aldred ‘cuts through the noise very quickly and focuses on what is relevant; she has earned the trust and respect of clients with her pragmatic approach’. Aldred and ‘clear and decisive’ Sophie Whitbread ‘always respond on time and make employers feel as if they are part of an in-house team’. Clients also praise Whitbread’s ‘extremely clear, articulate and balanced advice’.

Penningtons Manches LLP [in Guildford] attracts praise for its ‘breadth of experience and knowledge of employment law and strategy’. Practice leader Michael Cole ‘particularly impresses with his ability to devise and deploy litigation strategy to great effect’. He is assisted by Elizabeth Cardy, who is ‘intelligent, hardworking and never afraid to fight her client’s corner’.

Under the leadership of Daff Richardson and the ‘particularly good’ Eugene Wojciechowski, the [Thames Valley] team has also been advising companies from the social housing sector on TUPE transfers, discrimination and trade union matters related to equal pay. Duncan Bain has the ‘ability to see the wider picture’ and Bill Smith is well versed in corporate-related work, especially transactions involving university spin-out companies.

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

‘Penningtons’ employment team is second to none.’

‘All of the individuals within the employment team are exceptional – from partner to senior associate to associate. This shows that excellent training is put into junior members of the team and this bodes well for the future of the firm.’

‘Working with Penningtons has been thoroughly refreshing. The employment team is proactive, knowledgeable, hard-working and empathetic and I feel completely confident in the advice and support that they have provided.’

‘Hilary Aldred – a ‘go-to’ partner who thinks through issues with care and skill.’

‘I worked primarily with Liz Cardy and she was outstanding in helping us bridge the UK law and US practice complexity. She also provided guidance in best practices and complex employee negotiations.’

‘Katie Glendinning has always been very supportive and listens to understand the problem. She always gives the impression she cares and gives a balanced opinion and options.’

‘Andrew Hayward is a very knowledgeable partner who has a great ability to understand and resolve complex employment issues.’

‘Nick Humphreys is a first class employment litigator. Nick is responsive, commercial and a delight to work with. Nick doesn’t pull his punches.’

‘Chris Syder is such a sensible and pragmatic operator – a superb tactician with a big heart.’

‘Charissa Upton… She is my ‘go to’ call when I need additional advice, guidance and support in the minefield which is the area of employment law.’

‘Sophie Whitbread is a fantastic lawyer, very knowledgeable, supremely organised.’

‘Everyone at the company that has had dealings with Gemma Woodhouse have commented on her outstanding professional manner and ability to get to the root of a problem and provide advice that is in keeping with the company’s direction and ethos.’

‘Gemma Woodhouse, Chris Syder, Katie Glendinning, and Sophie Humphrey work brilliantly as a team, providing a seamless and excellent service to clients and superb instructions to counsel.’ 

The Legal 500 - 2023 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's team of 'highly professional and knowledgeable' lawyers advise employers, boards and senior executives on internal restructurings, redundancies, whistleblowing claims and senior management dismissals and disputes. Head of practice Paul Mander regularly advises well-known clients in the retail, technology and construction industries on all employment law related matters, while other key partner 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 with a focus on the misuse of confidential information, social media and competitive moves.

The Cambridge office of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP 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 key contacts. Outside of education, their practices focus on life sciences, technology and charity sector clients, as well as high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.

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 [in Guildford], he advises on unfair dismissal claims, settlement agreements, and grievance and redundancy procedures.

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

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a strong reputation for its board-level work, such as restructuring, redundancies, whistleblowing and senior management dismissals and disputes. Team head Paul Mander regularly acts for both employers and senior executives, managing a number of the firm's long-term client relationships, while other notable team members include Tom Walker, an expert in handling board-level disputes and crisis management, and Andrew Haywood, known for his expertise in post-termination restrictions and injunctive relief work, for both employers and senior executives. The 2019 merger of Penningtons Manches and Thomas Cooper strengthened the team with the addition of Nick Humphreys, who brought expertise and clients from the shipping sector, as well as a strong sports practice.

Paul Mander is as astute as he is outcomes-driven. His eye remains firmly fixed on winning at proper cost to the client.

Andrew Haywood offers excellent support in a practical, very human way. He does what few lawyers take sufficient time to do today: deeply understanding your needs. This sets him apart in delivery terms, cutting through the noise.

Nick Humphreys is a really excellent partner. He is without doubt who I would choose in the event of an employment dispute. Fights the client’s corner very hard. Tactically astute and very knowledgeable in the area.

Tom Walker is an excellent advisor who has a wealth of employment law knowledge and a practical hands-on ability that provides confidence to the client when dealing with challenging and sensitive matters.

Led by Michael Cole, [the Guildford practice] advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters including representation in employment tribunals, TUPE aspects of transactions, and providing advice on restructurings. The team's client base includes large businesses, SMEs, charities, and UK subsidiaries of overseas companies. Cole is highly experienced in TUPE work, as well as advising directors on termination agreements. In addition to Cole, senior associate Liz Cardy is another key contact and acts in all areas of employment law, as well as providing in-house training to clients.

Liz Cardy and Mike Cole provide excellent service.

The offices in Oxford and Reading offer comprehensive employment advice to clients from sectors including social housing, education, technology and construction. Daff Richardson co-leads the education sector group and provides guidance on business protection issues, reorganisations, restructurings, and senior executive appointments and departures. Eugene Wojciechowski advises on employment tribunal hearings, including those relating to complex unlawful discrimination and whistleblowing claims. David Bickford, Chris Syder and Gemma Woodhouse all joined the team in 2019, having relocated from the Basingstoke office. Senior associate Victoria Spires is a name to note.

'The team stands out for its creativity in tackling legal problems, its organisation and its responsiveness,' says counsel of the practice in Cambridge. The firm focuses on the technology, charities and education sectors. It advises both employers and employees in boardroom disputes, and counts multinational businesses among its clients. Practice head Hilary Aldred has more than 20 years' experience in contentious matters and advisory work. Senior associate Sophie Whitbread is also recommended.

Hilary Aldred gives excellent practical advice and always gives the impression she is on top of all the issues, both legal and practical, and is considering them all in her advice.

Sophie Whitbread’s work is of very high quality. Her pleadings are good. Her witness statements are excellent – clear and detailed. She really adds value for the client.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

The team offers a comprehensive service that sees it working with clients on everything from day-to-day employment issues through to high-stakes litigation.

Strengths: One client reports: ‘The team provides clear and concise advice and fast responses.’

Another client states: ‘I would have no hesitation in recommending Penningtons Manches Cooper. The team enhances and quickly develops my own thinking in order to deliver a better final outcome.’

Notable practitioners
Hilary Aldred is best known for her work with employers and has recent experience of working on redundancy exercises, employment status issues and sensitive senior exits. ‘She's thoroughly excellent - she's extremely hard-working and practical.’

Liz Cardy: ‘Very responsive and always happy to jump on a quick phone call to resolve issues quickly.’

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: ‘Has a great understanding of the business and is able to come up with solutions that are best suited to us. 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. She challenges me to also view things differently if needed and always asks the right questions.’

Chambers UK - 2022 edition

Established team handling significant trade union issues and claims of discrimination and whistle-blowing. Noted for its specialism in police matters.

Strengths: Sources observe that the firm's 'client service is phenomenal; nothing is too much trouble.'

Others note that 'they have a unique knowledge of employment law and police regulations and have a wealth of experience.'

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.'

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 organised, incredibly good at communicating and fights very hard to get the best for her clients.'

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.

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.'

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 very considerate and practical in his advice. He has a high level of emotional intelligence as well as a good grasp of the legal areas concerned.'

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.'

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 heads the employment team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. The growing team has extensive experience in advising on industrial actions and trade union law and regularly acts on group claims and precedent setting claims, while the firm's defamation and privacy lawyers take action on behalf of member organisations and their members who are subject to defamatory allegations. The 'calm and supportive' Binder Bansel and 'tactically astute' Anthea Christie represent trade unions, staff associations and individual clients on issues covering trade union law, industrial disputes, collective bargaining, staff associations and member claims, with significant experience and expertise in industrial action claims, large group actions, discrimination and whistleblowing claims. The firm's recent merger with Thomas Cooper LLP saw industrial relations expert Nick Humphreys join the team.

Paul Mander is as astute as he is outcomes-driven.

Binder Bansel has great empathy and understanding. Never flustered. Always available and readily replies to enquires. A true professional who really cares for his clients.

Anthea Christie has an awesome ability to quickly master the detail of cases and to identify points of difficulty both in relation to the law and tactics.

The practice led by Michael Cole [in Guildford] advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters including representation in employment tribunals. Cole is highly experienced in TUPE work, as well as advising directors on termination agreements. In addition to Cole, senior associate Liz Cardy is another key contact and acts in all areas of employment law, as well as providing in-house training to clients.

Liz Cardy and Mike Cole provide excellent service.

The offices in Oxford and Reading offer comprehensive employment advice to clients from sectors including social housing, education, technology and construction. Daff Richardson co-leads the education sector group and Eugene Wojciechowski advises on employment tribunal hearings, including those relating to complex unlawful discrimination and whistleblowing claims. David Bickford, Chris Syder and Gemma Woodhouse all joined the team in 2019, having relocated from the Basingstoke office. Senior associate Victoria Spires is a name to note.

'The team stands out for its creativity in tackling legal problems, its organisation and its responsiveness,' says counsel of the practice in Cambridge, which advises both employers and employees in boardroom disputes, and counts multinational businesses among its clients. Practice head Hilary Aldred has more than 20 years' experience in contentious matters and advisory work. Senior associate Sophie Whitbread is also recommended.

Hilary Aldred is a brilliant lawyer, highly knowledgeable and someone you would want fighting your corner.

Sophie Whitbread is highly meticulous, a fantastic lawyer and a tenacious litigator. She goes the extra mile for her clients, and is a dream instructing solicitor.

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition

Esteemed employment practice with a strong focus on representing senior executives in relation to various employment agreements and complex TUPE transfer matters. Wider experience includes Employment Tribunal litigation, and involvement in negotiations with trade unions.

Strengths: 'Very flexible in providing the support we needed and with the right level of people at the right time. The lawyers can make the bridge between providing legal advice and how to practically apply this.' 

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.

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.'

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.'

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.'

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.'

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.' 

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

Advises clients on a full range of employment matters, with particular expertise in disputes, trade industrial relations and post-termination restrictions. Represents a broad range of clients, including those in the life sciences, education and technology sectors.

Strengths: ‘When I needed work completing to a tight schedule, it was never a problem, and fees and billing are extremely clear and fair.’

‘They are excellent - they do a very good job in managing to get great results for a wide range of clients, both corporate and individual.’

‘They do what they say they will do - and all the while provide the appropriate level of re-assurance regarding the various options and possible outcomes.’

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 clients on a full range of employment matters, with particular expertise in disputes, trade industrial relations and post-termination restrictions. Represents a broad range of clients, including those in the life sciences, education and technology sectors.

Strengths: Sources state that ‘we receive an excellent level of service’ and that ‘Penningtons Manches go the extra mile to provide the best service they can.’

Clients appreciate that the team ‘provides excellent, pragmatic legal advice that fits the business culture.’ 

Another adds: ‘They provide sound advice, they have a friendly disposition and there is a sense of mutual trust. They are also always prepared to help at short notice.’ 

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

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.

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

Penningtons Manches LLP is ‘a class above most other firms and its team works well together across the country to share knowledge’.

The practice handles high-profile disputes and restrictive covenant issues for both employers and senior executives. Recent highlights include advising the London branch of an international luxury goods and fashion company on an investigation arising from false VAT reclaims made by an employee; Tom Walker led on the investigations. Walker also advised a foreign hedge fund on the employment aspects concerning the closure and reorganisation of two of the client’s London-based subsidiaries. The team is led by Paul Mander, who represents senior executives in disputes brought against major financial institutions. Andrew Haywood has significant experience handling discrimination claims.

David Bickford heads the team from the Basingstoke office; he is assisted by Gemma Woodhouse, who ‘has a professional approach as well as providing commercial and pragmatic advice’; Katie Glendinning, who ‘has an excellent eye for detail and very strong drafting skills’; and TUPE expert Chris Syder.

Cambridge team head Hilary Aldred ‘cuts through the noise very quickly and focuses on what is relevant; she has earned the trust and respect of clients with her pragmatic approach’. She and ‘clear and decisive’ Sophie Whitbread ‘always respond on time and make employers feel as if they are part of an in-house team’. Clients also praise Sophie’s ‘extremely clear, articulate and balanced advice’

Penningtons Manches LLP in Guildford attracts praise for its ‘breadth of experience and knowledge of employment law and strategy’. The firm is regularly called on to assist clients with employment tribunal and high court cases, as well as handling TUPE transfers, issues relating to long-term sickness leave and claims of employee misconduct. Practice leader Michael Cole ‘particularly impresses with his ability to devise and deploy litigation strategy to great effect’. He is assisted by Elizabeth Cardy, who is ‘intelligent, hardworking and never afraid to fight her client’s corner’.

Under the leadership of Daff Richardson and the ‘particularly good’ Eugene Wojciechowski, the Thames Valley team has also been advising companies from the social housing sector on TUPE transfers, discrimination and trade union matters related to equal pay. At senior associate level, Duncan Bain has the ‘ability to see the wider picture’ and the recently promoted Bill Smith is well versed in corporate-related work, especially transactions involving university spin-out companies. 

The Legal 500 - 2017 edition

Advises clients on a full range of employment matters, with particular expertise in disputes, trade industrial relations and post-termination restrictions. Represents a broad range of clients, including those in the life sciences, education and technology sectors. Acts for a wide client base of local, national and multinational businesses. Extensive experience advising senior executives on terms and conditions, exits and litigation.

Strengths: One client says: ‘The firm offers a comprehensive solution to our issues, including personal tax issues for overseas employees,’ while another highlights that ‘the advice given is sensible and practical.’

 ‘The team as a whole is excellent and provides seamless coverage - their big strength is the capability of the individuals within it at every level.’

 ‘They are very supportive and propose good solutions.’

Notable practitioners
Hilary Aldred leads the employment team in East Anglia and concentrates mainly on employment litigation. Clients praise the level of her technical knowledge and pragmatism.

David Bickford is head of the Basingstoke employment practice. Experienced in contentious and non-contentious employment mandates, he advises on TUPE, terminations of employment and restrictive covenants. Clients appreciate that he is ‘very responsive and comes back with clear, sensible, and accessible advice.’

Mike Cole heads the Guildford employment team. He is particularly adept in TUPE matters and business reorganisations, and is appreciated by clients for his ‘ability to assess the situation, and offer comprehensive guidance while remaining down to earth and pragmatic about our company's businesses needs.’

Daff Richardson, who leads the team in Oxford, frequently acts for charities, educational institutions and senior executives. A client says her advice is ‘hugely practical, commercial and technically precise.’

Chris Syder is a strong mediator in employment matters, with a significant presence in the construction, infrastructure, professional services and engineering sectors. He advises on gender pay, TUPE, and disciplinary matters, and he is commended for giving ‘clear advice with a human side to it.’

Eugene Wojciechowski leads the firm's employment offering in Reading, acting for a clients in the banking, IT, retail and property sectors. Clients say he is ‘careful and considered in his advice.’

Gemma Woodhouse is focused on the education and technology sectors, and is held in high regard for her employment litigation advice. An interviewee comments: ‘Her work ethic is second to none. She's straight-talking, she advises well, and we have a good relationship with her.’

Chambers UK - 2019 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP provides 'an excellent cradle-to-grave service with a particular emphasis on client care' and is 'very strategic and unflappable in even the most complex employment disputes'.

Paul Mander leads the team, which was bolstered by the recruitment of Binder Bansel and Anthea Christie in 2017. Bansel is praised as 'extremely knowledgeable' and 'an exceptional discrimination lawyer'; he also handles class actions, collective labour issues and trade union law. Christie, who is 'a force to be reckoned with', handled a judicial review application for a Police Federation representative and is acting for three Police Federation members in claims for unpaid overtime.

Andrew Haywood acted for Curzon Street Partners in a constructive dismissal claim brought by a former chef. Tom Walker is also a key name to note.

At Penningtons Manches LLP [in Basingstoke], 'the overall level of service is phenomenal, the advice given is tailored to the business and has a view to the commercial' issues at stake. David Bickford heads a department that acts largely for employer clients and handles cases concerning whistleblowing, liability for holiday pay, discrimination actions and senior employee exits. Chris Syder, whose expertise includes gender pay matters, is 'very responsive' and has a 'pragmatic' approach. Gemma Woodhouse and associate Katie Glendinning are 'knowledgeable and personable and meticulous with their case preparation'.

The [Cambridge] practice is ‘very quick to respond and keeps clients well informed'. 'I have been really impressed with the quality of both the legal knowledge and case preparation' remarks one barrister. Hilary Aldred, who regularly acts for clients in the education sector, is recommended for her 'excellent customer service ethic, her personal touch and her unrivalled, in-depth knowledge of the sector'. Sophie Whitbread is ‘very professional and explains things well, so non-legal people can understand the terminology‘. Counsel notes that 'her legal knowledge is excellent, she takes a very good analytical view of the case, she is incredibly thorough and she is a good tactical litigator.

The 'highly regarded' [Guildford] team is valued for its 'responsive and pragmatic' approach. Michael Cole is 'exceptionally talented on all fronts, with tactical nous and a willingness to test the frontiers of settled law'. He undertakes the resolution of all types of employment issues assisted by associate Elizabeth Cardy.

Daff Richardson and Eugene Wojciechowski are the key partners servicing the Thames Valley market out of the firm’s Oxford and Reading offices respectively.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP provides 'an excellent cradle-to-grave service with a particular emphasis on client care' and is 'very strategic and unflappable in even the most complex employment disputes'.

Paul Mander leads the team, which was bolstered by the recruitment of Binder Bansel and Anthea Christie in 2017. Bansel is praised as 'extremely knowledgeable' and 'an exceptional discrimination lawyer'; he also handles class actions, collective labour issues and trade union law. Christie, who is 'a force to be reckoned with', handled a judicial review application for a Police Federation representative and is acting for three Police Federation members in claims for unpaid overtime.

Andrew Haywood acted for Curzon Street Partners in a constructive dismissal claim brought by a former chef. Tom Walker is also a key name to note.

At Penningtons Manches LLP [in Basingstoke], 'the overall level of service is phenomenal, the advice given is tailored to the business and has a view to the commercial' issues at stake. David Bickford heads a department that acts largely for employer clients and handles cases concerning whistleblowing, liability for holiday pay, discrimination actions and senior employee exits. Chris Syder, whose expertise includes gender pay matters, is 'very responsive' and has a 'pragmatic' approach. Gemma Woodhouse and associate Katie Glendinning are 'knowledgeable and personable and meticulous with their case preparation'.

The [Cambridge] practice is ‘very quick to respond and keeps clients well informed'. 'I have been really impressed with the quality of both the legal knowledge and case preparation' remarks one barrister. Hilary Aldred, who regularly acts for clients in the education sector, is recommended for her 'excellent customer service ethic, her personal touch and her unrivalled, in-depth knowledge of the sector'. Sophie Whitbread is ‘very professional and explains things well, so non-legal people can understand the terminology‘. Counsel notes that 'her legal knowledge is excellent, she takes a very good analytical view of the case, she is incredibly thorough and she is a good tactical litigator.

The 'highly regarded' [Guildford] team is valued for its 'responsive and pragmatic' approach. Michael Cole is 'exceptionally talented on all fronts, with tactical nous and a willingness to test the frontiers of settled law'. He undertakes the resolution of all types of employment issues assisted by associate Elizabeth Cardy.

Daff Richardson and Eugene Wojciechowski are the key partners servicing the Thames Valley market out of the firm’s Oxford and Reading offices respectively.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

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John Smith

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's environment team acts for clients active in industries such as engineering, energy, chemical production, manufacturing and waste management. The scope of its experience includes environmental due diligence, warranties and indemnities, as well as advice on the full range of commercial transactions and contentious issues. Water pollution, hazardous waste and landfill are among other areas of specialisation.

The Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's team acts for clients in the engineering, energy, chemical production, manufacturing and waste management sectors. Water pollution, hazardous waste and landfill are among other areas of specialisation. 

The Legal 500 - 2021 edition