Employment: Employer
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 5
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 20 7597 6364About
Provided by Withers LLP
Withers' respected team of employment lawyers is widely recognised for handling complex and sensitive cases for both employers and senior executives. With leading practitioners at the cutting edge of law, we pride ourselves on achieving outstanding results for our clients, whatever their unique situation.
Renowned for our work with senior executives and high-net-worth individuals across a wide array of sectors, including PR/media, luxury brands and fashion, financial services and charities, we are experts in complex international employment negotiations and disputes. Together with our regulatory specialists, we also have a notable expertise advising on regulatory employment matters for clients across the financial services sector.
We build long-standing relationships as trusted advisors with many well-known employers, private, public and not-for-profit companies. Acting as an extension of their team, clients call on us for everything from day to day advice to employment disputes, restructuring or crisis management.
Representing both employers and senior executives gives us unique insight into the tactics of the 'other side', offering practical advice from both sides of the spectrum to ensure we stay one step ahead.
Chambers Review
Withers is renowned for its employment advice to senior professionals, including those working in media, technology and financial services. The team advises these clients on contract negotiations at the beginning of their employment, right through to exit negotiations. The lawyers at Withers are also highly capable when it comes to disputes resulting from breakdowns of those employment relationships. The team also works with employer clients, focusing on representing mid-sized financial services groups and high-end brands. It also has notable expertise in advising on regulatory employment matters.
Work Highlights
- Withers advised Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team on all aspects of employment law, including its contracts, day-to-day HR issues and post-termination restraints.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Withers provided clear and timely advice."
"The team delivered pragmatic and user-friendly advice and were very responsive thereby adding to the overall exceptional client service."
"The team provided super punctual responses and proactive updates."
"Withers provided clear and timely advice."
"The team delivered pragmatic and user-friendly advice and were very responsive thereby adding to the overall exceptional client service."
"The team provided super punctual responses and proactive updates."
Notable Practitioners
Elaine Aarons is a partner at Withers who is distinguished by the depth of her experience advising senior executives. She is noted for her work on terminations and investigations, and is valued for her understanding of the financial services sector. Aarons is an advocate for women in the workplace, having founded One Loud Voice for Women, an organisation which aims to achieve workplace gender equality.
"She's a formidable lawyer who is very personable, experienced and knowledgeable."
"She was exceptionally helpful both with her time and advice."
"There is no one else you would want to have on your side of the negotiating table."
"Elaine is truly amazing, grounded and the best employment lawyer I have ever worked with."
Head of the London-based employment team at Withers, Meriel Schindler maintains an excellent reputation for her work representing senior employees. Her diverse practice sees her advising clients on exits, team moves and restrictive covenants. Schindler is also known for regularly advising employers on domestic and international employment matters.
"She is super experienced, effective and straight to the point providing strategic insights."
Co-lead of the employer practice at Withers, Claire Christy is distinguished by her wide-ranging employment practice. She is well regarded for her work with Italian-headquartered companies.
"Claire is a good listener, as well as an expert in her field. She works through the finer details before recommending her strategy."
"Claire is outstanding. I feel very lucky to have found her to support me."
James Hockin is a partner at Withers who assists clients with a variety of issues including employment terminations, whistle-blowing and disciplinary investigations. Hockin is dual-qualified in New York and England and Wales, so is well placed to advise on multi-jurisdictional matters.
"Jamesis fantastic, he always sorts out the issue as quickly as he can."
"James is extremely pragmatic, very commercial and balanced."
"He was diligent, level headed, experienced and responsive."
Alexandra Thompson is a senior associate who acts as a key resource to a number of organisations seeking guidance on general HR matters, as well as employment grievances.
"She is great. She's really commercial and quick to respond on all matters."
"She has been very good at synthesising things in a way that helps me make good decisions."
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