Employment
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Midlands (Bar)
Band 1
Chambers Review
St Philips Chambers is a top choice on the Midland Circuit for complex employment law cases. The set's barristers are instructed in a whole host of issues for respondents and claimants in the private and public sectors, with particular strength in complex discrimination matters. In a recent highlight, the members acted in Williams v SGS plc, a case concerned with dismissal for gross misconduct. One client stresses: "They are always my first choice."
Oliver Edwards is senior clerk for employment.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks at St Philips were very accommodating in securing counsel for our hearing."
"The clerks are well versed in their experience."
"The clerks are always friendly and responsive and provide a great service."
"The clerks at St Philips were very accommodating in securing counsel for our hearing."
"The clerks are well versed in their experience."
"The clerks are always friendly and responsive and provide a great service."
Notable Practitioners
Edmund Beever is head of employment at St Philips and highly experienced in handling complex restrictive covenants and senior executive disputes and exits. He also has expertise in discrimination issues and whistle-blowing claims, and is frequently instructed by clients to represent them in substantial tribunal hearings. He brings added knowledge from his experience as a part-time employment judge.
"Edmund is brilliant. We love him!"
"Edmund is extremely client-friendly and is great to work with. His approach is to be 'one of the team'."
"Edmund is calm under pressure and is excellent in front of clients."
Elizabeth Hodgetts operates a wide employment practice and has extensive experience representing clients in discrimination claims, whistle-blowing matters and equal pay disputes, among many other areas. She regularly represents public sector clients, including local authorities and NHS trusts, in addition to claimant employees.
"Elizabeth is my barrister of choice for employment work."
"Elizabeth is an excellent barrister."
"Elizabeth Hodgetts is a very focused and thorough advocate."
Patrick Keith is a sought-after barrister who acts for respondents in a range of employment matters and has tribunal experience nationwide. He has notable expertise in areas including discrimination, whistle-blowing and unfair dismissal.
"Patrick is a formidable advocate. He has a forensic approach and remains calm under pressure."
"Patrick is a strong advocate. He reads the Judge well and is a robust cross-examiner."
Paul Wilson is a well-regarded employment law barrister who is experienced in matters concerning race and religious belief discrimination, and unfair dismissal.
"Paul is able to get to grips with complex issues and put across very persuasive arguments."
"I would not hesitate to instruct Paul on any tribunal claims. He is a very safe pair of hands."
"Paul is a brilliant advocate and is great with clients."
Sophie Garner maintains a highly respected employment practice. She acts in a broad range of disputes in the space, including those concerning discrimination, equal pay and whistle-blowing.
"Sophie has a calm and reassuring nature and is able to get to grips with technical points."
"Sophie has excellent client care skills and is on top of tricky legal issues."
"Sophie is extremely intelligent. She leaves no stone unturned."
Ranked Barristers at
St Philips Chambers
Juniors
Midlands (Bar)
Members
Provided by St Philips Chambers