Employment: Employer
UK Guide 2025 : Northern Ireland
Band 2
About
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
The Employment & Immigration team, headed by Director Michael Black, act for both public and private sector employers. Michael is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and is also qualified to practise in England and Wales. Director, Suzanne Keenan specialises in all aspects of employment law. The team are further supported by Associate Director, Florence Smith, Associate, Nathan Campbell, and Solicitor, Philippa Herron.
The employment team is experienced in advising public sector employers including those with industrial relations issues and has acted on behalf of employers regarding allegations of discrimination. The team also have particular expertise in dealing with third sector and education sector clients. Our lawyers have acted for employers in contentious employment law disputes in the Industrial & Fair Employment Tribunals and are experienced in dealing with County Court and High Court litigation, having acted on behalf of employers in significant cases involving allegations of discrimination. On the non-contentious sude, the team is highly regarded for advice on transactional issues, drafting contracts and policies and procedures; are well-known for their advice on TUPE issues; and advise on employment issues in procurement situations.
Chambers Review
Cleaver Fulton Rankin has a recognised employment and equality practice operating in the public and private sectors. The firm demonstrates experience acting for employers in tribunal disputes relating to unfair dismissal, discrimination and unlawful wage deduction. The team is noted for expertise with regard to the education, charity and tourism sectors. It possesses additional expertise in business immigration advice in relation to non-EEA visas.
Work Highlights
- Cleaver Fulton Rankin advised RSK Environment on the Northern Ireland employment-related aspects of its acquisition of Larsen Water Management.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Responses to urgent queries are very timely and always approached in a professional, tactful and considerate manner. Cleaver Fulton Rankin genuinely care and want to be there to support."
"I appreciate the firm's expertise, professionalism and responsiveness. No question is too small or large and I can always rely on them to give a timely, thoughtful, comprehensive and practical answer."
"Cleaver Fulton Rankin is an excellent firm that handles complex and sophisticated matters in a professional, efficient and speedy manner. There is always someone available to answer any queries."
"The team's response times are excellent and they listen attentively. They have vast experience, and this gives me comfort when working with them."
"Cleaver Fulton Rankin's guidance is always relevant and effective, helping us navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence. I am fully supported and always very satisfied with the advice."
"Responses to urgent queries are very timely and always approached in a professional, tactful and considerate manner. Cleaver Fulton Rankin genuinely care and want to be there to support."
"I appreciate the firm's expertise, professionalism and responsiveness. No question is too small or large and I can always rely on them to give a timely, thoughtful, comprehensive and practical answer."
"Cleaver Fulton Rankin is an excellent firm that handles complex and sophisticated matters in a professional, efficient and speedy manner. There is always someone available to answer any queries."
"The team's response times are excellent and they listen attentively. They have vast experience, and this gives me comfort when working with them."
"Cleaver Fulton Rankin's guidance is always relevant and effective, helping us navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence. I am fully supported and always very satisfied with the advice."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Black leads Cleaver Fulton Rankin's employment and immigration team. He advises clients across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters.
"Mike is quick and pragmatic, and I really like how responsive he is. He truly goes the extra mile."
"Michael provides consistently sound and practical advice. He is a resource upon which we rely."
"Michael is a highly competent legal adviser with a good eye for detail and a desire to seek pragmatic solutions."
"Michael's personalised approach is invaluable in helping us navigate complex legal challenges and helping us make informed decisions."
"Michael has a down-to-earth, practical approach. He can be approached about any topic and will have a viable, achievable path to the desired outcome."
Nathan Campbell is an associate in the employment team with experience spanning the public, private and third sectors. He is capable of advising on a host of contentious and non-contentious matters from drafting and reviewing contracts and policies to senior exits and grievance processes.
"Nathan is a trusted resource, providing consistently sound advice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Northern Ireland
Members
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Florence Smith
Head of Department
Nathan Campbell
Philippa Herron
Suzanne Keenan
Industries
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Banks
Charities / Not for Profit
Commercial & Professional Services
Construction & Materials
Education
Energy
Financial Services
Government
Health Care
Industrial Engineering
Media
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Private Clients / Individuals
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Telecommunications
Transportation
Utilities