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
‘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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.
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