Employment
The Lawyer
Recent developments in New York State wage-and-hour laws download
The New York State Department of Labor recently published proposed regulations addressing employer deductions from employee wages.
Walker Morris employment partner speaks at Yorkshire event
Andrew Rayment from Walker Morris speaks at Yorkshire event.
Employment Briefing — May 2013 weblink
The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013
References for ex-employees: an employers' guide to avoiding liability download
Drafting references can be a legal minefield for employers.
Tribunal rules against Travers in pregnancy discrimination case
Travers Smith has lost a discrimination case brought against it by a former trainee who claimed she was not given a permanent job because of her pregnancy.
Employment Post — Spring 2013 weblink
The Spring 2013 issue of Mills & Reeve’s Employment Post is available now.
China Bulletin — April 2013 weblink
The April 2013 issue of King & Wood Mallesons’ China Bulletin is available now.
Labour law
Dacheng has a profound appreciation of the importance of labour law issues to its clients and attaches high importance to the quality of its services in this area.
The workplace in 2013 and beyond download
Two new acts were passed by Parliament in April 2013 that, when brought into force, will largely complete the Coalition’s programme of employment law reform.
Walker Morris announces partner and director promotions in key growth areas
Walker Morris announces two partner promotions as well as eight director promotions.
Post-termination restrictions: how useful is a stick without a carrot? download
It is debatable how useful post-termination restrictions are and to what extent they can really provide any protection.
Employment and benefits
Recognised as one of the market’s top employment and benefits practices, we offer clients a truly integrated approach.
Data Protection Policies — update from Global Data Hub weblink
Taylor Wessing has added a fresh batch of data-protection-focused content to its Global Data Hub site.
Employment: Sir Alex Ferguson's departure shows employers need to plan for succession download
When a key employee leaves, employers can find themselves facing difficult practical and legal issues over who to replace them with.
Bring your own device: ICO publishes new guidance download
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published new guidance on ‘bring your own device’.
Disability discrimination, post-employment victimisation and employment reforms weblink
Hogan Lovells has released the 13 May edition of Employment News.
From hiring to firing: a basic guide to the Australian employment law life cycle download
For many employers, the key to having a productive and high-performing workforce is recruiting the right people.
The cat's out of the bag — Australian Coalition releases its IR policy download
The Coalition has released its workplace relations policy with a statement that the policy ‘will not re-introduce Australian workplace agreements, nor will it weaken safety nets or cause any Australian worker to go backwards’.
Exclusive remedies clauses: UAE law and the common law download
An exclusive remedies clause provides that a party’s remedy for breach of contract is restricted to the form of redress expressly prescribed in the contract to the exclusion of all other remedies that would otherwise be available at law.
European Employment Law Update — May 2013 weblink
The May 2013 edition of Addleshaw Goddard’s European Employment Law Update is available now.
Life cycle of a services contract: what goes around comes around download
When negotiating a contract for the provision of services, the legal implications of TUPE should inform the commercial position of the parties.
Growing whistleblower activity calls for close employer attention to retaliation issues download
Employers need to take enhanced care when contemplating adverse action against an employee who may qualify for whistleblower status.
New redundancy consultation requirements: some things stay the same download
Although changes to the collective redundancy consultation regime introduced last month have been well publicised, some important things are not changing.
TUPE: duty to inform and consult does not apply if transfer never takes place download
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has handed down a helpful decision on identifying the affected employees with whom information and consultation must take place on a TUPE transfer.
Heads Up! — (schools) Summer Term edition download
The Summer Term edition of Winckworth Sherwood’s Heads Up! publication is available now.
Up to Date: April 2013 — employment issues weblink
Addleshaw Goddard’s Up to Date publication (April 2013) is available to download.
DLA Piper announces partnership promotions across its US and international practice groups
DLA Piper has announced that 34 lawyers have been promoted to its partnership. The promotions are effective from 1 January 2013 in the US and 1 May 2013 for the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions.
A revolution in French employment law?
French employment law is set to change, but the proposals have caused dissent and strikes.
US EPA comments on the April 2013 Keystone NEPA review download
The US EPA has unveiled a new approach to evaluating climate change impacts under NEPA — monetising social costs of CO2.
ACH Shoosmiths moves to Edinburgh's Exchange district
ACH Shoosmiths has opened its new offices in the heart of Edinburgh’s business and financial district.
Disabled employees should have been offered part-time working download
Employers need to consider whether they can offer a disabled employee reduced working hours as a reasonable adjustment before dismissing them.
Jordan: employee share-option plans download
Jordan Securities Commission Instructions for Conferring Share Options on Public Shareholding Companies’ Employees stipulates the conditions for conferring share-option plans on employees.
Employment Up to Date — April 2013 weblink
Addleshaw Goddard has released its Employment Up to Date publication for April 2013.
Company-funded advice required for employee shareholder agreements download
Approval of the introduction of the employee shareholder status has finally been given by Parliament, but only after a number of amendments to the relevant legislation were agreed by the government.
Mourant Ozannes achieves top-tier rankings in offshore sector in Chambers Europe
Chambers Europe has recognised Mourant Ozannes as a leading law firm in the offshore sector.
Hong Kong minimum wage increase from 1 May 2013 download
The Hong Kong Minimum Wage Ordinance (Cap. 608) came into force on 1 May 2011 and introduced a statutory minimum hourly wage rate of HKD28.
Law à la Mode: Issue 9 — Spring 2013 download
Issue 9 of DLA Piper’s Law à la Mode publication is available now.
Hogan Lovells partners comment on the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill
The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill will bring unfair dismissal awards and whistleblowing claims under much stricter scrutiny, according to Hogan Lovells.
Appleby announces partner promotions and counsel appointments
Appleby has announced the promotion of three lawyers to the partnership and the appointment of five lawyers to the position of counsel.
Employment newsletter — April 2013 (changes to Serbian labour law) download
Karanovic & Nikolic has released the April 2013 edition of its Employment newsletter.
Mills & Reeve announces six new internal partner appointments
Mills & Reeve has announced six new internal partner appointments, which will take effect from 1 June 2013.
Need to Know HR Law Update — Issue 4 2013 weblink
Winckworth Sherwood has released issue four of its Need to Know HR Law Update.
Employment News — warnings, employment reforms and whistleblowing weblink
Hogan Lovells has released the latest edition of Employment News, focusing on warnings, employment reforms and whistleblowing.
Employment, pensions and benefits
Employment relations are more closely regulated than ever before. The challenge today’s employers face is how to use this legal framework to help them achieve their objectives.
FT quotes Winckworth Sherwood's Jo Keddie in Aviva redundancy package reduction article
Jo Keddie has been quoted in the Financial Times on Aviva’s decision to reduce redundancy packages.
Hogan Lovells successfully defends US Airways in Supreme Court case
Hogan Lovells has secured a victory in the Supreme Court on behalf of its client, US Airways, in US Airways v McCutchen.
Shoosmiths announces 2013 promotions
Six new partners are among 22 promotions at Shoosmiths. The partners are joined in the law firm’s 2013 round by 16 new senior associates.
ACAS publishes new guidance on collective redundancies download
Following changes to the law on collective redundancy consultation, ACAS has published guidance for employers on how to manage collective redundancies.
New housing and work law legislation download
The Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 is expected to be brought into force on 29 April this year.
Crackdown on National Minimum Wage payments as rates rise again download
The National Minimum Wage will rise again in October 2013 when both the adult and apprenticeship rates will increase.
Employment News — 15 April 2013 download
Hogan Lovells has released the latest edition of Employment News.
The latest word on changes in employment law weblink
This briefing from Walker Morris looks at the latest word on changes in employment law. It considers those changes that are already in force, those coming into force later this year, and those expected in 2014–15. The firm also looks at changes that currently face an uncertain future.
Two solicitors join Winckworth Sherwood
Winckworth Sherwood has appointed solicitors James Lynas and Hazel Anderson to the partnership.
Bring your own device: an employer’s checklist download
How you approach the issue of BYOD depends on the nature of your business, whether the practice offers you any real benefits and your IT budget and capabilities.
Pinsents to cut 13 lawyers in third post-merger layoffs round
Pinsent Masons is set to make roughly 13 lawyers redundant in its employment practice in its third round of layoffs since merging with Scottish firm McGrigors last year.
Winckworth Sherwood's David von Hagen comments on contracts in FT and Daily Mail
Winckworth Sherwood’s employment partner David von Hagen quoted in FT and Daily Mail.
Workplace Essentials — April 2013 weblink
King & Wood Mallesons has released the April 2013 edition of its Workplace Essentials publication.
Discrimination compensation, territorial jurisdiction and April changes weblink
Hogan Lovells has released the latest edition of its weekly newsletter on UK employment matters.
Appropriately processing data from individuals with mental health problems download
The Money Advice Liaison Group has released a briefing note on the best practice for appropriately processing data from individuals with mental health problems.
Fees for Intervention — six months on download
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) introduced the Fees for Intervention (FFI) scheme on 1 October 2012. Six months on, what has been the experience of clients?
Goodman Derrick seminar focuses on developments in employment law
Goodman Derrick announces employment law seminar.
Karanovic & Nikolic works with SAM and Microsoft to organise business breakfast
Karanovic & Nikolic helps organise business breakfast on ‘The New World of Work’.
Auto-enrolment in the technology sector download
Young, dynamic industries such as the technology sector have perhaps felt rather smug that they are not embroiled in the complexities that surround pension provision.
Winckworth Sherwood partner comments on edited National Planning Policy Framework
Winckworth Sherwood’s Karen Cooksley has commented on the simplified National Planning Policy Framework — which marked its first anniversary on 27 March 2013.
Shoosmiths extends its Manchester team
Shoosmiths has reached 100 employees at its Manchester office.
Employment law reforms: timetable update download
The government has announced that the timetable for some of the proposed employment law reforms expected to come into force in 2013 has changed.
Pensions News — February 2013 download
The latest developments in pensions legislation.
Linklaters partner: female quotas would rub off on law firms
A female partner in Linklaters’ employment practice has endorsed quotas for women on executive boards
Employment alert — is weight a disability issue? download
According to a 2012 NHS report, 26 per cent of the UK’s adult population is obese. Data shows an approximate one per cent annual increase in obesity.
Pensions update — March 2013 download
Nabarro’s March 2013 pensions update is available now.
King & Wood Mallesons acts for Airtrain Holdings in sale to UK pension fund
King & Wood Mallesons has acted for Airtrain Holdings in its sale to USS Axle, by way of three interconditional schemes of arrangement, for AUD109.55m (£76m).
Graduate Recruitment Awards recognise Hogan Lovells for second consecutive year
Hogan Lovells has won two awards at The Times’ Graduate Recruitment Awards 2013.
Need to Know — HR Update — Issue 3 2013 weblink
Issue 3 of Winckworth Sherwood’s Need to Know employee law update is now available.
Spring clean your employment contracts: pensions and PILONs may need attention download
Spring is an excellent time to refresh your employment contracts. Even contracts that are kept under regular review may have become a little outdated as a result of recent developments in employment law.
The Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 — seminar presentations weblink
The Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 is expected to come into force on 29 April 2013. Property lawyers from Appleby ran a seminar on 11 March outlining the key aspects of the legislation.
Simmons & Simmons announces employment partner appointments
Simmons & Simmons appoints Danny Tsang and Ian Fraser as partners within its international employment group.
King & Wood Mallesons' Employee Relations & Safety Update — March 2013 weblink
King & Wood Mallesons has released the March 2013 edition of its Employee Relations & Safety Update.
Bullies beware — new protections added to the Fair Work Act download
The federal government has introduced amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Chambers Global 2013 — DLA Piper full ranking summary download
DLA Piper has released a summary of all of the firm’s rankings and editorial commentary in Chambers Global 2013.
BYOD policies: is your organisation compliant with the ICO's new guidance? download
With an increasingly mobile workforce, the practice of bringing your own device (BYOD) is already a fact of life for many businesses.
Chambers & Partners recognises Olswang in 2013 Global edition
Olswang has been recognised by Chambers & Partners in its 2013 Global edition.
Employment News — 18 March 2013 weblink
This week’s Employment News features articles on redundancy selection, disciplinary procedures, data protection and mobile devices.
Mistaken dispositions into trust — a recent case heard before Royal Court of Guernsey download
Appleby recently acted in the matter of Dervan and MD Events v Concept Fiduciaries Ltd and Others for applicants to the Royal Court of Guernsey who sought to set aside two dispositions into an employee benefit trust on the ground of mistake.
Gender equality reporting period ends 31 March 2013 download
Employers are reminded that, for those subject to the reporting requirements under the WGE Act, the current reporting period ends on 31 March 2013.
Hiring employees: maximising your returns download
Recruitment company Manpower has reported that the UK’s employment situation is the best since the recession began and that recruitment is set to increase.
Implications for the CFPB after the DC Circuit’s recess appointments decision download
A panel of three judges in the DC Circuit stunned Washington on Friday by striking down President Obama’s recess appointments to the NLRB in Noel Canning v NLRB on a basis much more sweeping than had been anticipated.
Hogan Lovells partner and client win 2013 Alliance Flex Success Award
Hogan Lovells has announced that the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has awarded Eve Howard and Susan Herlick as an attorney-client team with one of only two Alliance Flex Success Awards for 2013.
Court rules that contractual damages cannot be recovered for manner of dismissal losses download
The Supreme Court has ruled that an employee cannot bring a breach of contract claim for losses flowing from the manner of dismissal even where the dismissal is in breach of an express contractual disciplinary procedure.
MPF Awards recognises Hogan Lovells' Leading Edge and Momentum programmes
MPF Awards recognises Hogan Lovells’ development and leadership programmes.
Case digest: (un)lawful terminations, religion discrimination and holiday rights of healthy workers download
A number of judgments, published in the last few weeks, are likely to affect the day-to-day working practices of many of our readers.
Employment
The Employment Department has developed a considerable experience in providing legal assistance on employment and labour law matters.
Environmental, health and safety
NCTM has developed a broad experience in Italian worker safety and environmental regulation.
From hiring to firing: a basic guide to the Chinese employment law life cycle download
It is time for employers to re-examine every step of the Chinese employment process and how it is handled, from hiring to firing, to avoid costly mistakes.
From hiring to firing: a basic guide to the Hong Kong employment law life cycle download
A guide to Hong Kong employment law for employers.
Managing ill and injured workers: best practice download
A guide to Australian employment law as it covers workers with long term medical conditions, disabilities or injuries.
Termination of employment: best practice download
The decision to dismiss an employee is an area of the employment relationship that requires an understanding of a wide range of legislative and other obligations of an employer.
From hiring to firing: a basic guide to the employment law life cycle in Australia download
A guide to Australian employment law, covering discrimination, entitlements, redundancy and more.
Employment in the Balkans: recent news highlights download
An overview of developments in employment law in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
Workplace (e)ssentials — March 2013 weblink
King & Wood Mallesons has published its Workplace (e)ssentials for March 2013.
March 2013 Employment Briefing weblink
Walker Morris has published its Employment Briefing for March 2013.
Following employment tribunal procedures: keep calm and take your time download
This briefing from Nabarro looks at a few simple steps that employers can take to reduce the risk of employment tribunal claims and to increase the chance of successfully defending them.
Employment News — March 2013 download
Hogan Lovells has released its employment news update for March 2013.
Employers subject to US FMLA should ensure they are compliant with the revised regulations download
The US Department of Labor has updated the Family and Medical Leave Act regulations.
Yahoo, Marissa Mayer and remote working: the employment law angle download
Companies looking to ban ‘remote working’ could fall foul of employment laws.
Agency workers and collective consultation: don't get caught out download
The law relating to collective consultation on a TUPE transfer and where more than 20 redundancies are proposed has changed.
Fixed-term contracts and redundancy consultation: changes from April 2013 download
The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amendment) Order 2013 is expected to come into force on 6 April 2013.
Winckworth Sherwood partner Jo Keddie comments on redundancy in Daily Telegraph
Employment partner Jo Keddie has been quoted in the Daily Telegraph in an article relating to redundancy.
Ius Laboris adds Eastern Europe and Middle East members
Employment alliance appoints Vasil Kisil & Partners as a member and makes Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen and Al Tamimi & Company affiliate members.
A plan for Australian jobs download
As part of ‘A Plan for Australian Jobs’, the government plans to roll out the Australian Industry Participation plans.
Unfair dismissal for political views: no need for qualifying service download
No need for qualifying service in cases claiming unfair dismissal for political views.
Employee shareholders: the basics download
Employee shareholder legislation is now making its way through parliament.
Children and Families Bill 2012/13 download
The UK government has been considering changes to family-friendly rights. In early February 2013, the proposals came one step closer to becoming reality with the introduction of the Children and Families Bill 2012/13.
Employment
Bowman Gilfillan is one of South Africa’s leading employment law firms and has the largest employment law practice of its kind in South Africa.
Employment law, pensions and benefits
Our Employment Law, Pensions and Benefits practice advises domestic and international institutional clients, originating in large part from the banking sector, on a range of day-to-day issues.
Managing sickness download
Goodman Derrick sets out some useful reminders on how to deal with sickness absence.
A New York court once again shields employee gratuities download
Hospitality employers have been given yet another reason to review their practices when it comes to employee gratuities and the deduction of any portion of such gratuities.
Sexual harassment in the workplace download
Sexual harassment in the workplace: the rights of the victim and obligations of the employer.
Alcohol in the workplace: what the employer can and can't do download
The Labour Code does not contain any specific provisions relating to alcohol in the workplace.
New FMLA poster required by 8 March 2013 download
On 6 February 2013, the US Department of Labor issued new Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations that take effect on 8 March 2013.
Mongolia foreign labour force ratio for 2013 download
On 22 December 2012, the government of Mongolia issued resolution #192 approving the foreign labour force quota ratio for 2013.
WFW continues German growth with employment hires
Watson Farley turns to German independent Heuking for employment partner Anne Kleffmann as it continues to expand its German offering.
Comments sought on several issues concerning work-related injury insurance download
Opinions on Several Issues Concerning the Implementation of the Regulations on Work-related Injury Insurance (Consultation Draft) has been released to solicit public comments.
Consent shall be obtained before collecting personal electronic information download
The Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and came into effect on 28 December 2012.
Amendments to employment law in the DIFC download
The DIFC Authority has introduced some key amendments to the rules regarding employment relationships for organisations operating within the DIFC.
Indemnity agreement for work-related injury revoked for obvious unfairness download
King & Wood Mallesons comments on a case where an indemnity agreement for a work-related injury was revoked for obvious unfairness.
Refusal to pay salary of 20,000 yuan constitutes a crime download
Employers warned over evading payment of employee’s wages.
Hogan Lovells employment newsletter features information on disability discrimination
Hogan Lovells has released its weekly newsletter on UK employment matters.
Labour law
We assist our clients in all aspects of labour law.
ACAS launches consultation on draft code of practice on settlement agreements download
ACAS has launched a consultation on a draft code of practice on settlement agreements that explains the government’s new legislation on pre-termination negotiations.
Love in the workplace: heartache for employers? download
Romantic relationships between colleagues are presenting various legal concerns for employers.
Travers 'discriminated against pregnant trainee', tribunal hears
Former Travers trainee claims firm discriminated against her by not granting her a permanent job because she was pregnant.
Employee share plans guide — Luxembourg download
The Practical Law Company’s Multi-Jurisdictional Guide to Employee Share Plans 2012/13 features this extract on Luxembourg.
MOLITOR focuses on employment and employee benefits in Luxembourg download
MOLITOR’s Michel Molitor and Nadine Bogelmann focus on Luxembourg in 2012/2013 employment guide.
Human resources services and labour law
Our firm deals with employment matters including lawsuits for the claim of due payments, compensation for unfair dismissal and any other benefits on behalf of our clients, employers or employees.
Employment and pensions
MOLITOR provides advice and assistance to employers in industrial disputes, staff representative elections and collective dismissals.
France's Fromont Briens launches professional training team
Employment firm picks up experienced professional training lawyer to set up a team dedicated to the field.
China — the latest guidance from the Supreme People's Court download
The latest guidance from the Supreme People’s Court in China.
Employment and benefits
We advise clients on all aspects of employment law, ranging from contracts of employment, dismissals and redundancies and employment disputes.
Employment
Our firm boasts the largest dedicated employment group of its kind in any law firm in the Middle East.
ERISA, executive compensation and employee benefits
The Curtis ERISA, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits practice represents clients including national and multinational corporations and partnerships, corporate executives, boards of directors, single- and multi-employer plans and ERISA fiduciaries.
Employment and labour
The Employment and Labor practice at Curtis advises US, European and multinational companies on employment-related policies and programmes.
Executive compensation and employee benefits
Chadbourne advises clients on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation.
Employment
Chadbourne’s employment lawyers provide legal advice on issues relating to the employer-employee relationship.
Employment and benefits
The employment and benefits group at Mayer Brown has lawyers in key business centres across the US, Europe and Asia.
Employee relations and safety
Our team helps clients manage the legal, commercial and reputational risks associated with employment, OHS and industrial relations issues.
UK employment law update: Autumn 2012 download
Employment law continues to evolve rapidly and, since our Spring 2012 Employment Law Update, there have been further significant developments, in particular as regards employer pension duties and imminent changes in relation to the employment of seafarers.
Employee Incentives Update – October 2012 download
Welcome to the October 2012 edition of our Employee Incentives Update.
Employee Incentives Update — September 2012 download
Welcome to the September 2012 edition of our Employee Incentives Update.
Employment
Our expert lawyers deliver practical and commercial solutions to often complex employment issues.
New 2013 rates and limits for employment claims and payments download
The new limits on employment tribunal awards and on statutory payments for 2013 have been announced.
Discrimination at work: part two — workplace rights for fathers download
This report examines some of the factors contributing to discrimination at work.
Discrimination at work: part one — office banter download
This report examines some of the factors contributing to discrimination at work.
Employment
Since no two people are alike, neither are two employees. We always address any employment issue as an individual set of circumstances, specific to our client.
Employment, pensions and benefits
Our Employment, Pensions and Benefits team advises on all aspects of employment and pensions law and employee incentive arrangements.
Litigation, arbitration and employment
Hogan Lovells’ Litigation, Arbitration and Employment practice has a long track record of achievement in complex, high-stakes, international disputes.
Employment and pensions
Our employment and pensions practice understands that employment and pension issues are often the most delicate and important a company has to face.
Employment
Mourant Ozannes’ employment team provides specialist employment law advice in the Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey.
Employment
The employment world’s legal landscape is changing constantly, presenting a unique challenge for businesses and their HR teams. There is not much that our team of experienced employment specialists has not seen before, meaning we are well placed to deliver cost-effective commercial advice without the ‘legalese’.
Employment
Karanovic & Nikolic’s employment team provides a complete service dealing with all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruitment to retirement, including cross-border human resources and immigration issues.
Employment
Our employment lawyers act for both employers and employees which gives us invaluable insights into workplace issues from both sides.
Employment, pensions and benefits
Employers have an ongoing need for advice, representation and in-depth knowledge of employment, reward and civil rights matters. The assessment and management of risk arising from the employment relationship is a key requirement for all organisations, wherever they are based or operate from.
Job applicants' health: can employers ask about it? download
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has issued guidance for employers and job applicants on pre employment health questions.
Religion at work: new ECHR ruling download
The European Court of Human Rights has handed down a judgment considering the right of individuals to manifest their religion in the workplace.
Collective redundancies: 90-day consultation period to be halved from April 2013 download
Government cuts large-scale collective redundancy consultation period to 45 days.
Employment and pensions
The employment and pensions teams at Walker Morris work closely together to provide a complete service for clients.
Jackson Lewis opens in Puerto Rico as gateway to Latin America
US employment firm Jackson Lewis is to open an office in Puerto Rico, marking its first base outside of mainland US.
HR frequently asked questions — January 2013 download
Employers and their Human Resources advisers face constant difficulties in trying to avoid potential pitfalls posed by current employment and discrimination law.
Employment news — hotel and leisure sector January 2013 download
Goodman Derrick LLP has acted for clients in the hotel and leisure industry for many years and the Employment Department recognises that this sector is heavily reliant on its staff.
Employment law - What to expect in 2013 download
2012 has been a very busy year in employment law, with significant changes to the law surrounding pensions, sick leave and paid holiday and the minimum wage.
Introduction to employee-ownership download
Businesses can engage people to work for them on many different terms. They may have full-time, part-time or fixed-term employees, workers or self-employed individuals.
Liquidated damages in the UAE download
International contractors from common law jurisdictions will be familiar with the concept of liquidated damages.
Bonuses in the United Arab Emirates download
Employers often use bonus schemes as incentives to reward and retain valuable employees and this is usually the time of year when employers are reviewing performance and determining whether bonuses will be issued.
Employment Legal Update - TUPE: When will it apply to outsourcings? download
Since the introduction of the TUPE Regulations in 2006, customers and suppliers have generally taken a cautious approach to the new “service provision change” test, applying TUPE to most outsourcing situations.
Employment and pensions legal update — Seldon: the end of the road for compulsory retirement age? download
The long awaited decision from the Supreme Court in the case of Seldon v Clarkson Wright and Jakes has resulted in Mr Seldon (a partner in the law firm, CWJ, forced to retire at 65) losing his appeal.
Proposed amendments to the PRC Employment Contract Law - impact on labour dispatch companies (Part 1) download
November 2012: Anticipated changes to PRC Employment Contract Law this month will affect labour dispatch companies, if approved.
Employment: “It’s the contract, stupid!” download
Looking back over 2012, we have noticed a clear trend from the cases which emphasise the ability of employer and employee to set the terms by which they will agree to work together.
FSA sanctions in team move cases download
In Spring 2010, we published an Update on the Tullett Prebon Plc v BGC Brokers LP case.
Changes to HR regulation in 2011: an Asian perspective download
Changes continue to be introduced to HR Regulation in many of the Asian jurisdictions in 2011.
Changes to European prospectus regime: will it be easier for US companies to operate employee stock plans in Europe? download
Recent amendments to the European prospectus rules may make the operation of certain employee stock plans in Europe by multinationals listed in the United States cheaper and more straightforward.
Changes to European prospectus rules offer relief to Asia-based issuers download
Recent amendments to the European prospectus rules may make the operation of certain employee stock plans in Europe, by multinationals listed outside Europe, cheaper and more straightforward.
Bonus deferral: pitfalls for the unwary download
The additional rate of tax, which applies to taxable income above £150,000, has stood at 50% since it was introduced in April 2010.
Code of Good Practice on Incentive Exercises download
A voluntary “Code of Good Practice” on Incentive Exercises (the “Code”) has been published by a Working Group drawn from organisations across the pensions industry.
November 2012: Pensions update download
An overview of issues facing the pensions sector, with attention to recent government reforms.
July 2012: Pensions update download
An overview of issues facing the pensions sector, covering automatic enrolment and age related factors in financial services.
December 2012: Pensions update download
An overview of legal issues facing the pensions sector in the new year.
IBM trustee success in rectification claim: active members entitled to an unreduced early retirement pension download
In a case brought by the trustee of the IBM Pension Plan (advised by Nabarro partners Jennifer Bell and Neal Gibson) the High Court has ruled that the scheme documents should be rectified to confirm that active members have a right to retire without employer consent from age 60.
Employee ownership – the future of the economy? download
2012 has seen the Government take steps to encourage employee ownership which, according to figures released by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), has become increasingly popular.
Sickness and holiday: employees’ requests unnecessary says Court of Appeal download
The law dealing with the holiday rights of workers on sick leave taxes many HR professionals: the law has developed in a piecemeal fashion and gaps are filled haphazardly by the courts.
“Establishment” and collective redundancies – a step closer to clarity? download
One issue on which we frequently advise is the meaning of the term “establishment” for the purposes of collective information and consultation.
Changes to the collective redundancies consultation regime announced download
The government has just announced its plans to revise the UK’s collective consultation regime.
Springboard injunctions: your secret weapon against unfair competition download
An employee who wishes to compete with your business can obtain unfair competitive advantage. The so-called “springboard injunction” can come to your rescue.
A review of the JCT Constructing Excellence form of contract download
In this briefing we explore some key features of the Constructing Excellence contract and some effects and issues arising from the same.
Government announces capital gains tax savings for new employee-owners download
On 8 October 2012, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced plans for the introduction of a new form of employment relationship – the “employee-owner”.
Venture capital: Enterprise management incentive options download
The Enterprise Management Incentive (“EMI”) option regime came into effect in 2000.
As employment law reforms gather pace, what do you need to know? download
Last week, the Government announced a number of proposals for changes to employment laws.
Employment developments: looking ahead to 2013 download
Employment lawyers and HR professionals expect 2013 to be a busy year.
Tax: Employee share plans download
For both listed and unlisted companies, employee share plans can play a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of employees at all levels within their business, especially since some forms of employee share plan attract tax favourable treatment in the UK.
Taxation of post-termination employee share and share option gains: changes ahead? download
Since 6 April 2011, certain termination payments made to employees after issue of their P45 have been subject to a new tax regime implemented by the Income Tax (PAYE) Regulations 2011. “Share-based payments” (including employee shares, share options and related gains) made after the issue of the employee’s P45 were carved out of the new regime, but this is set to change.
Religion or belief discrimination: the scope and limits of employers’ duties download
A number of recent developments in the area of religion and belief discrimination merit employers’ attention. First, what types of non-religious beliefs are protected? Second, to what extent must employers comply with the law when an employee’s conduct takes the form of manifestation of his/her belief (as opposed to the simple fact of holding such a belief)?
Hot 100: Monica Kurnatowska, Baker & McKenzie video
Baker & McKenzie employment partner Monica Kurnatowska (scroll down for video interview) would be the first to admit that as a lawyer acting predominantly for employers it’s not always the case that the employees on the other side of the table reach the end of a deal feeling upbeat.
Hot 100: Joanna Blackburn, Mishcon video
Head of the employment department at Mishcon de Reya Joanna Blackburn runs one of the largest teams in London, with 27 fee-earners and seven partners.
Religious discrimination in the workplace download
The European Court of Human Rights has issued its long awaited judgment in the case of Eweida and Others v the United Kingdom.
Landis+Gyr hires Walker Morris as sole employment law adviser
Landis+Gyr, which specialises in smart metering, has appointed Walker Morris as its sole legal adviser for employment law in the UK.
Italian employment boutique launches London office
Italian labour law firm hELP - Persiani has launched an office in London in a rare move for a boutique European firm.
Japan’s new feed-in tariffs: Government’s model contract available now download
On 1 July 2012, the Act on Special Measures concerning Procurement of Renewable Energy Sourced Electricity by Electric Utilities (Act No. 108 of 2011) came into effect and a feed-in tariff system was introduced in Japan in an effort to promote the use of renewable energy.
Italian employment boutique Lablaw turns to rival for partner
Italian employment firm Lablaw has hired partner Sharon Reilly from competing boutique hELP - Persiani, boosting its strength in international matters.
Victory for Dingemans and Aughton Ainsworth in ECHR religion case
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has delivered a mixed verdict in four landmark religious liberty cases this morning, finding that British Airways (BA) discriminated against a cross-wearing employee but dismissing the other three appeals.
City sackings hit five-year high, reveals Pinsent Masons
Job losses in the City reached the highest level since the peak of the financial crisis in 2008, data obtained by Pinsent Masons has revealed.
Eversheds scoops up Salans' Shanghai employment team
Eversheds has taken on a team of four employment lawyers from the Shanghai office of Salans, which is to merge with SNR Denton in the coming months.
Veale Wasbrough takes on school employment specialist in education push
Veale Wasbrough Vizards has announced it has hired education employment specialist Alice Reeve to join the firm’s education practice group.
UK employment: increase in employment protection awards download
The compensation limits on Tribunal awards will increase as of 1 February 2013.
2012 year-end German law update download
In retrospect, 2012 likely will be remembered as another year of manifold challenges in the Eurozone and of slow consolidation rather than one of fundamental reform or renaissance.
What does 2013 have in store for employer/employee relations? weblink
This at-a-glance guide to forthcoming changes in employer/employee relations is intended to keep readers on top of developments.
Ius Laboris elects Engels as chair
Employment firm network Ius Laboris has appointed Claeys & Engels senior partner Chris Engels as its new chairman.
UK employment: how to terminate employment and exercise a payment in lieu of notice clause download
The UK Supreme Court has provided guidance about issues of importance for employers wishing to dismiss a UK employee.
Government plans to cut collective redundancy consultation period weblink
The government is set to reduce the collective redundancy consultation period to 45 days.
German labour and employment news download
In this issue (Inter alia): minimum wages in Germany; transfer of business by takeover of personnel; facilitation of immigration of specialised personnel.
European Commission publishes directive to improve gender balance of listed companies download
The European Commission recently proposed a directive with the aim of accelerating progress to greater gender equality in corporate boardrooms.
Gibson Dunn faces sex discrimination claim from former employee
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is appearing in the London Central Employment Tribunal this week in an attempt to fight off a sex discrimination claim brought by a former employee.
Italy's Lablaw moves into Naples via local association
Italian employment boutique Lablaw is entering the Neapolitan market through an association with local firm Fontana Studio Legale.
Employee stock plans 2012: year-end international reporting requirements download
This Commentary highlights some of the principal calendar and year-end reporting requirements for employee stock plans that US companies most commonly encounter when offering these programs to their employees in selected jurisdictions worldwide.
Reform to Mexico’s Federal Labor Law download
The Labor Practice Group of Baker & McKenzie Mexico has prepared this document containing a general analysis of the relevant concepts of the reform to the Federal Labor Law approved by the Mexican Congress on 13 November 2012.
Doing business in Europe: top 10 labour law issues download
In this article we list the top ten labour law issues employers operating in Europe need to understand in order to avoid employment disputes, litigation and disruption to their businesses.
ECHR finds that greater protections are required for the political beliefs of UK employees download
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has held that employment law in the United Kingdom does not adequately protect individuals from dismissal as a result of their political beliefs or affiliations.
UK government proposal to introduce employee ownership download
The UK government is proposing to amend the Employment Rights Act 1996 to create a new type of employee, the employee-owner.
Freshfields to stage three-week benefits showcase
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is to host a targeted series of events for its workforce focusing on its employee benefits programme in a bid to freshen its benefits scheme and keep staff engaged.
Latest developments in the UK government’s efforts to cut back red tape in employment law download
In the past two months, the UK government has announced a number of reforms to existing UK employment law.
US employment firm Ogletree Deakins to open in London and Berlin
US employment firm Ogletree Deakins is set to enter the European market with office launches in London and Berlin before the end of the year.
Goodman Derrick's head of employment chairs Law Society forum
Goodman Derrick’s Alison Downie is chairing the Law Society Law Management Section HR Forum 2012.
Littler Mendelson quits Ius Laboris to focus on global growth
The US member of global employment alliance Ius Laboris, Littler Mendelson, has announced it is leaving the group to focus on a globalisation strategy.
Practical pointers in respect to non-compete agreements in China download
In 2008, China’s Labour Contract Law provided uniform rules regarding non-compete issues after the termination of an employment relationship.
Tories' 'rights for shares' scheme blasted by employment lawyers
Employment lawyers have reacted with some scepticism about Chancellor George Osborne’s ‘rights for shares’ scheme proposals at the Conservative party conference.
Morgan Lewis strengthens London labour team with Pinsents hire
Morgan Lewis has appointed Pinsent Masons partner Nick Thomas as a partner in its London labour and employment practice.
Eversheds hires Paris duo from Winston & Strawn
Eversheds has recruited two employment partners from Winston & Strawn’s Paris office, just a year after the pair joined the US firm.
Stewarts employment duo quits to launch boutique
Stewarts Law employment partner duo Gareth Brahams and Arpita Dutt are set to leave the litigation boutique to launch their own practice, less than a year after Dutt joined the firm.
UK pension and employment law reform — 2012 and beyond download
Recent announcements by Business Secretary Vince Cable suggest that major employment reforms aimed at encouraging businesses to hire again might be implemented soon.
Pitfalls in implementing employee incentive plans for executives in bankruptcy cases download
To successfully reorganize in Chapter 11, a bankrupt company may need to retain key employees who understand the company’s business and who can design and implement the company’s reorganisation plan.
Jones Day looks to Nabarro for employment hire
Jones Day has appointed Nabarro’s employment head Julie Quinn as a partner in its London office, in a rare partner-level hire for the firm’s City employment team.
Financial support directions and insolvency: the Pensions Regulator’s view download
On 26 July 2012, the Pensions Regulator issued a statement on financial support directions (FSDs) with the intention of providing further guidance and comfort with regard to the circumstances in which it will issue an FSD after a company has been placed into administration.
Brussels employment boutique launched by Stibbe and FFW trio
A trio of partners from Benelux firm Stibbe and Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) have teamed up to launch a Brussels employment boutique.
DLA grows in Paris with 2Birds employment hire
DLA Piper has expanded its employment team in Paris with the hire of partner Philippe Danesi from Bird & Bird.
French employment news — what you missed during the Summer download
An update on developments in Frencj employment law, including new legislation on the tax regime concerning severance payments and sexual harassment, as well as important precedents in case law.
Confidentiality clauses: bound and gagged download
Recent publicity about confidentiality or ‘gagging’ clauses in employees’ severance agreements, especially where matters of wider public interest arise, has highlighted the issues involved in the negotiation and drafting of such provisions.
UK employment: further extension to workers’ holiday rights download
The holiday rights of workers who fall ill while on holiday, or are absent on long term sick leave, have been extended further by two recent rulings.
New compulsory pension provision in the UK from October 2012: an update download
From October 2012, the new UK pensions auto-enrolment regime will start to apply to the largest employers in the UK, being employers with 120,000 or more “eligible jobholders”.
Sick workers in UK not required to make leave request to enjoy accrued annual leave benefits download
The Supreme Court recently held in NHS Leeds v Larner that the statutory right to 28 days annual leave is not conditional upon a sick worker having made a leave request to the employer in the relevant leave year.
On your marks, get set, go — preparing for the London 2012 Olympics download
This is our 3rd Olympics briefing, dealing with how to prepare for issues that may arise once the Olympic Games are underway.
Parent companies may owe a duty of care to their subsidiaries’ employees download
The English Court of Appeal recently delivered a judgment in Chandler v Cape Plc [2012] EWCA Civ 525 which has potentially significant implications for groups of companies.
Redundancy: guidance for employers on following a fair procedure download
Continuing economic uncertainty presents employers with challenging employment decisions and on occasion the need to conduct redundancy exercises.
Age of reason
Age discrimination, the decisions in Seddon and Tiffin and the employment ramifications of firms becoming ABSs are the hot issues for the peer panel
Bee in ear for Beecroft
Specialist lawyers reject Beecroft ’sack on sight’ report, branding it unbalanced
Ex-Clydes partner turns to Matrix silk for employment dispute
Leading public law silk Richard Hermer QC of Matrix Chambers will lead the fight against Clyde & Co over whistleblowing claims launched by former partner Krista Bates van Winkelhof.
Clash of the generations — age discrimination in the UK in 2012 download
In Europe, many employers are currently caught in the middle of a conflict between older and younger employees. UK employers may lawfully use age directly or indirectly in decision-making if “justified.”
Supreme Court rejects Seldon age discrimination case
The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by lawyer Lesley Seldon, who challenged his firm’s right to retire him at the age of 65.
Supreme Court prepares to rule in Seldon age discrimination case
The Supreme Court will next week (25 April) decide what justifications a partnership can use to retire a partner when it hands down judgment in Seldon v Clarkson Write & Jakes (CWJ).
L&E Global adds Norwegian firm to employment alliance
Employment alliance L&E Global has recruited Norwegian firm Storeng Beck & Due Lund as its 13th member firm.
Freshfields loses Frankfurt employment team to boutique start-up
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s entire Frankfurt employment team has exited to launch a boutique, with the magic circle firm sending in a two-lawyer team from Cologne to plug the gap.
DWF and Shoosmiths act on caste discrimination claim against Coventry firm
A barrister from DWF is defending a Coventry-based firm in a caste discrimination claim being heard at Birmingham Employment Tribunal.
Lawyers give mixed response to Woodcock age discrimination ruling
Employment lawyers have given a mixed response to an eagerly anticipated Court of Appeal (CoA) ruling on whether discrimination can be justified by saving costs.
Veale Wasbrough loses 'Basil Fawlty' discrimination claims for RCGP
Veale Wasbrough Vizards associate Michael Hasley has unsuccessfully defended the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) against a claim of sexual harassment and discrimination from a former employee.
Simmons represents ex-Olympus chief in Employment Tribunal case
Simmons & Simmons is advising former Olympus president Michael Woodford, who was sacked after blowing the whistle on dubious deals at the company, as he takes his case to the London Employment Tribunal.
Bristol's Guildhall Chambers raids Queen Square for employment launch
Bristol set Guildhall Chambers is to launch an employment group after adding five new members from Queen Square Chambers.
Italian employment boutique merges with Studio Legale Persiani
Italian employment boutique the Employment Law Plant (hELP) has merged with labour and welfare law firm Studio Legale Persiani, doubling its size.
Supreme Court hears solicitor's age claim
The Supreme Court has convened five of the country’s most senior judges to hear a landmark case over the social justifications that can be used to justify retiring a partner.
Stewarts Law bolsters employment team with hire of RJW partner
Litigation firm Stewarts Law has further expanded its employment practice through the appointment of Russell Jones & Walker partner Arpita Dutt.
US employment firm Littler Mendelson launches in Mexico
US employment and labour boutique Littler Mendelson has joined forces with a group of 25 attorneys to launch two offices in Mexico.
Justice minister moots ways of cutting taxpayer burden in employment claims
Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly has launched a consultation aimed at lowering the £84m cost to the taxpayer of running employment tribunals.
High Court to hear equal pay claims after Birmingham City Council appeal fails
The High Court has jurisdiction to hear equal pay claims after the Court of Appeal ruled in a case brought by Birmingham City Council.
Sacked Stringfellows stripper appeals Employment Tribunal decision
A former £200,000-a-year Stringfellows stripper has been granted permission to appeal a decision by the London Central Employment Tribunal, which ruled she could not sue her former ‘employer’ as she was self-employed.
Vince Cable's employment reforms will 'put pressure' on arbitration service
Employment lawyers have generally welcomed business secretary Vince Cable’s new employment law measures but are sceptical about areas such as the reform of the tribunal system.
Come together
The Government is not standing still in its efforts to adapt employment law to today’s commercial realities, but as Tom Flanagan reports, a lack of cohesion between the various initiatives is threatening their efficacy
Partner shift
Commercially speaking, the meanings of partner are manifold. Tim Marshall cites two recent cases that indicate clearly the need for pen-and-ink clarity from the outset
DLA team breaks away to form Italian employment boutique
A team of lawyers from Italian employment specialists Toffoletto e Socio and DLA Piper have split off to form a niche labour boutique.
Lawyers slam government plans to restrict unfair dismissal claims
Employment lawyers have hit back at a leaked government paper that proposes abolishing unfair dismissal claims for ’unproductive workers’, stressing it would rob all employees of basic legal protection.
L&E Global moves into Asia Pacific with addition of Oz firm Harmers
International employment law alliance L&E Global has admitted Australia’s Harmers Workplace Lawyers to its membership, as the organisation expands into Asia Pacific.
GTM to provide all Colt's employment advice after BLP deal falters
Colt Technology Services has signed up Greenberg Traurig Maher (GTM) as its sole employment-law advisor a year after a similar deal with Berwin Leighton Paisner’s (BLP) Managed Legal Service arm collapsed.
Mexico's Natividad Abogados signs up to L&E Global alliance
Mexican firm Natividad Abogados has become the latest firm to join employment law alliance L&E Global.
Links dismisses talk of employment group rift
Employment and incentives may not be the words that get most people’s hearts pumping, but for Linklaters the practice area has been a source of strife of late.
Links plugs employment team gap
Linklaters has reshaped its employment and employee incentives practice following the departure of global practice head Janet Cooper.
Five SCJs line up for Transocean's Scottish employment dispute
The Supreme Court has convened five justices to hear a dispute over holiday entitlement for offshore workers, a case that could have implications for holiday allowance for all employees.
Blackstone barrister convinces EAT to uphold animal rights ruling
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has rejected a bid made by Orchard Park Garden Centre to challenge an unfair dismissal ruling brought by an ex-employee and animal rights activist.
Langstaff J named as head of Employment Appeals Tribunal
Mr Justice Langstaff has been appointed head of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge.
Stephenson Harwood makes another partner hire from Ashurst
Stephenson Harwood has turned to Ashurst again for a City hire, snatching employee incentives partner Barbara Allen.
Norton Rose lures Links employment specialist
Norton Rose has hired Linklaters employment partner Catrina Smith, filling the gap left by the departure of former practice head Peter Talibart.
Employment alliance L&E Global expands with addition of Kiwi firm
Employment law alliance L&E Global has expanded into Asia Pacific with the addition of New Zealand firm Swarbrick Beck Mackinnon to its group.
RJW promotes six to partner status
Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) has promoted six to its partnership, with four made up in the firm’s employment team.
Battle loyal
With litigation arising from team moves on the rise, Paul Goulding QC and Diya Sen Gupta look at how cases in this area are not providing a definitive path to judgment
Bonus of contention
Daniel Stilitz QC explains why the FSA’s new Remuneration Code for the financial services sector is likely to lead to a glut of litigation
Camerons partner drops action and walks out
CMS Cameron McKenna real estate disputes head Caroline DeLaney has quit after withdrawing a sexual discrimination claim against the firm.
Chop suey
Employers faced with the selection quandary during redundancy programmes have been given a helpful steer by a recent EAT decision. By Rachel Dineley
Electric drill
In this technologically driven age forensic accountants use a wide variety of tools to mine relevant data from the digital mountain. William Wilkinson reports
Eversheds fails to overturn sex discrimination ruling
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has rejected Eversheds’ appeal against a decision that found the firm’s redundancy programme discriminated on grounds of sex by giving too much protection to pregnant employees.
Clydes to face Employment Tribunal claim from former partner
An attempt by Clyde & Co to have Employment Tribunal proceedings against it stayed through the High Court has been rejected.
Dawsons loses partner to Payne Hicks as Penningtons talks continue
Lincoln’s Inn firm Payne Hicks Beach has hit Dawsons for employment partner Sarah Rushton.
Irwin Mitchell fills employment chief role with Pinsents hire
Irwin Mitchell has hired Pinsent Masons partner Tom Flannagan as its new employment chief.
Employment claims hit all-time high during 2009-10
The number of claims lodged at the Employment Tribunal (ET) rocketed to 236,100 during 2009-10, representing an all-time high.
America's Littler Mendelson seals Chinese alliance
US employment boutique Littler Mendelson has formed a strategic alliance with Chinese firm TransAsia Lawyers, a move designed to expand the firm’s reach outside of the Americas for the first time.
CC names head of City-based tax, pensions and employment group
Clifford Chance has named Chris Davies as head of its City tax, pensions and employment (TPE).
Employment tribunal reforms will 'impede access to justice'
Government proposals to reform the employment tribunal system will have the greatest impact on the poor and will impede access to justice, employment lawyers have warned.
Sextet of employment boutiques band together to form international network
Six boutique employment law firms from across Europe and the US have joined forces to create an international employment law alliance.
A&O hires co-head of Hogan Lovells' global employment group
Allen & Overy (A&O) has bulked up its Frankfurt office with the hire of the co-head of Hogan Lovells’ global employment practice.
New LGB network created for employment lawyers
Taylor Wessing has backed the launch of an LGB network for employment lawyers.
Leigh Day seals victory for former Countryfile host in BBC employment case
Leigh Day partner Camilla Palmer has helped secure victory for former Countryfile presenter Miriam O’Reilly in her age discrimination case against the BBC.
Employment law: has it really gone too far?
Some women cry rape, knowing the allegation to be untrue, but nobody would suggest abolishing rape laws. Likewise, some employees bring specious claims, knowing them to be untrue. That is not a reason to throw out employment rights for everybody.
Pannone employment partner follows Kingsley to JMW
JMW Solicitors senior partner Joy Kingsley has brought over a partner from her former firm Pannone to become head of employment.
Devonshires wins employment case against former secretary
City firm Devonshires has successfully fought off a victimisation claim brought by a former secretary in the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).
Lost labour
Upcoming changes to the statutory parental leave system could leave employers facing some tricky decisions, says Suzanne Horne
Jones Day loses employment litigation head to BLP
Berwin Leighton Paisner has hired the head of Jones Day’s employment litigation practice.
Equality Act will spark a ‘wave’ of work claims
Lawyers predict that he implementation of the Equality Act will lead to a rise in employment disputes as they take to the courts to test the boundaries of the legislation.
Covington turns to Paul Hastings for London employment team
US firm Covington & Burling has boosted its employment team in London with a team of lawyers from Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker.
Race-claim barrister appeal bid dismissed by EAT
The barrister who brought and lost a race discrimination claim against 4 New Square has had her appeal bid thrown out by the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).
DLA to re-defend mental health case following EAT decision
DLA Piper has failed to quash an Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) case from a former lawyer and will now have to re-defend a mental health discrimination claim in the Employment Tribunal.
Equality time
Despite the fact that equality of pay for men and women was enshrined in law 35 years ago, it’s still a long way from being a reality. Richard Leiper asks whether we have any reason to be optimistic for the future
Duo of Wragges employment partners jump ship for RPC
Two employment partners are leaving Wragge & Co for Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC).
Lewis Silkin outsources litigation to New Zealand
LEWIS Silkin has begun outsourcing sophisticated disputes work to litigation partners at a law firm in New Zealand.
DAC bags Thomas Eggar employment head
Thomas Eggar London employment head Nick Hine has joined Davies Arnold Cooper’s (DAC) employment team.
Race-claim barrister in dismissal appeal
The barrister who lost an Employment Tribunal racial discrimination case against three members of her former set and its senior clerk has launched an appeal.
Cubism bags chief for employment launch
London litigation boutique Cubism Law has hired David Buckle from Thames Valley firm BP Collins to launch its employment practice.
Dewey raids Bryan Cave to rebuild depleted employment group
Dewey & LeBoeuf has started rebuilding its employment team a week after Morgan Lewis hired practically the entire department.
Dawsons rebuilds employment team with BLP hire
Dawsons has hired Berwin Leighton Paisner partner Paul Mander to head its employment practice following the departure of Jo Keddie earlier this year.
Walkers sets up Cayman employment practice
Offshore giant Walkers has launched a dedicated employment practice in its Cayman Islands base.
Dawsons’ employment practice suffers second exit in a month
Dawsons has lost its second employment partner in a month with the departure of Jill Andrew to Marriott Harrison, it has emerged.
FFW wins meaty DWP roles on HR, employment
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has picked up the position as sole adviser on employment and HR issues for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Winckworth swoops for employment team
Winckworth Sherwood has scooped Dawsons employment head Jo Keddie together with a three-lawyer team.
New employment partner at Reed Smith
Reed Smith has hired employment partner Graham Green from McDermott Will & Emery.
End game
As the battle surrounding the default retirement age rumbles on, Kate Miles and Charles Pallott outline the latest developments
Permanent shift
Should companies now be considering increased use of permanent staff, askMartina Murphy and Peter Linstead
Pay gap
Basing pay on long service discriminates against women, says Emma Hawksworth
Advancing on the ceiling
Law firms are having a good look in the mirror in light of the EHRC’s inquiry into sex discrimination within the financial services sector. By Naomi Feinstein and Marian Bloodworth
Defame and fortunes
Be it the world of football, headhunting or banking, actions from former employees for stigma due to the actions of an employer are making a comeback. Ann Bevitt and Suzanne Horne provide some salutary examples
Travers’ employment team loses partner
Travers Smith employment partner Dorothy Henderson has resigned from the firm, leaving just six female partners in its ranks.
US duo push City employment work
Proskauer Rose and Morgan Lewis & Bockius target labour law in bids for London growth
Hammonds replaces lost employment head
Hammonds has appointed partner Matthew Lewis as its new Leeds head of employment.
Norton Rose's Paris employment chief defects to local firm Franklin
French firm Franklin has beefed up its Paris employment practice with the hire of Norton Rose’s French employment chief.
Michael Simkins hires former Addleshaws employment partner
Media firm Michael Simkins has hired a former Addleshaw Goddard partner to head its employment practice.
Brabners wins employment role for BCC
North West firm Brabners Chaffe Street has won a role advising the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) on employment matters.
Pinsents wins RSA HR, employment gig
Pinsent Masons has beaten off competition from Addleshaw Goddard and Eversheds to win an exclusive role advising insurer RSA on employment and HR issues.
Employment Special Report: Bonus of contention
Executive remuneration and the cash bonus have become one of the hot topics of this recession.
Finers turns to Addleshaws for fifth lateral this year
A former Addleshaw Goddard partner has moved over to Finers Stephen Innocent to work in the firm’s employment team.
Home truths
Locally managing part of a European-wide restructuring project is not to be underestimated. Alexander Vandenbergen explains why.
RBS pension row: a lesson learnt – but at what cost?
Radcliffe adds employment, tax barristers
Chancery set Radcliffe Chambers has boosted its ranks with two new barristers, launching an employment ;litigation practice in the process.
L&E Global moves into Asia Pacific with addition of Oz firm Harmers
International employment law alliance L&E Global has admitted Australia’s Harmers Workplace Lawyers to its membership, as the organisation expands into Asia Pacific.
Peter Stringfellow given leave to appeal stripper employment case
The legal issue over whether strippers have an employment contract with lap dancing clubs could go all the way to the UK Supreme Court.
Life after the LSA: barrister and ex-P&O counsel launch high street legal brand
The Legal Services Act (LSA) has always been associated with personal injury (PI) powerhouses Irwin Mitchell and Russell Jones & Walker, both of which have big post-LSA ambitions.
Shoosmiths to split volume, commercial
Shoosmiths is looking at separating its volume business from the commercial part of the firm, with the aim of having two standalone brands.
Opinion: Social mobility is a glass ceiling that’s yet to be smashed
The term ‘glass ceiling’ was coined to refer to situations where qualified and capable individuals are blocked from advancing through the hierarchy of an organisation.
Harbottle brings employment ace on board
Harbottle & Lewis has hired rated employment expert Howard Hymanson from Blake Lapthorn.
Force of law: Edward Solomons, Metropolitan Police
Being under constant public scrutiny is just one of the challenges facing Metropolitan Police general counsel Edward Solomons.
Freshfields wins London Olympic gold
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has been appointed the official law firm of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Evershed enlists Monro Fisher to fight New Star dismissal case
Fund manager Patrick Evershed has instructed West End firm Monro Fisher Wasbrough to launch a constructive dismissal claim against his former employer New Star Asset Management.
Cadwalader threatens to sue London partners
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft has threatened to sue the seven London partners who are leaving for Paul Hastings, after initially promising an amicable separation.
Opinion: Firms should be shy of retiring their partners
Life expectancy is rising by 15 minutes every hour. For a 45-year-old partner it will have increased by five years by the time they retire at 65. Partners will, therefore, need to support themselves for 25 years or more after the end of their working lives.
Ex Skadden lawyer takes the firm to court
A former associate at US elite firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is suing the firm for defamation and wrongful termination of employment.
Faegre & Benson makes up one in London
US firm Faegre & Benson has promoted one partner in its departure-hit London office, as part of nine promotions across its worldwide network.
Opinion: Post-Mumbai, India’s outsourcing bubble could burst
The terrorist attacks in Mumbai have cast a dark shadow over India’s status as the world’s largest offshore outsourcing location.
Switalski: Employment Tribunal to review ruling
The Employment Tribunal is to review its ruling in the £19m sexual discrimination claim against F&C Asset Management by Gillian Switalski.
Judge slams ‘dopey’ McGrigors in Reid case
Mr Justice Mann has accused Scottish firm McGrigors of “dopiness” in the advice it gave to Reid Minty founder Andrew Reid in a High Court dispute with former employees.
Employment special report: Takeover troubles
The global credit crunch has left large financial institutions vulnerable to takeover bids on a scale that has never been witnessed before. The structuring of these acquisitions requires a number of considerations, none more so than in relation to employees, says Simeon Spencer
Eversheds helps Lloyds TSB tackle HBOS takeover
Lloyds TSB and its takeover target HBOS have turned to Eversheds to deal with the employment law issues that will arise if the banks combine.
Special report: employment
There's nothing like an economic slump to bring employment lawyers back into vogue. The CBI expects the UK to suffer its sharpest economic contraction in almost 20 years in 2009, and unemployment could hit three million before 2010.
Matrix grows to 60-barrister outfit
Matrix Chambers has passed the 60-barrister mark with the hire of four new members as the former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald QC returns to the set.
Employment special report: Rights on the money
The Court of Appeal’s rulings in a series of recent equal pay cases may force the Government and other employers to rewrite their policy documents.
Employment special report: Tupe or not Tupe?
Firms that swooped for individuals previously employed in Heller Ehrman’s London office run a minimal legal risk under Tupe. But the picture for groups of employees isn’t quite so straightforward, warn Ann Bevitt and Suzanne Horne.
Sets create think tanks to shape future legislation
London-based Landmark Chambers and North West set Kings Chambers have launched independent think tanks to develop their respective areas of law.
Ex-Dell legal director strikes out on her own
The former legal director of Dell, Belinda Eriksson, has launched an employment boutique.
Heyday: the end of the beginning
Yesterday the advocate-general to the European Court of Justice rejected the first major challenge to the right of employers to make people retire at 65. The Heday case, brought by the charity Age Concern, has been running since 2006 to clarify the laws governing age discrimination around retirement.
Storm damage
Some law firms will be able to ride out the credit crunch relatively unscathed, others will likely not survive.
Special Report: HR & Training
With lawyers and support staff reading about the looming economic black hole in their newspapers on the way to work, office nerves can be a little more frayed at present compared with this time last year.
Davenport grows via trio of partner captures
West End firm Davenport Lyons has continued its recent expansion by hiring a trio of partners for its employment, IP and property practices.
Dewey & LeBoeuf bags Fried Frank employment partner
Dewey & LeBoeuf has hired a Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson partner to co-chair its global compensation, benefits and employment department.
Time to rethink media coverage rules in employment tribunal cases
The press pack outside the London Central Employment Tribunal is a sure sign that somebody's reputation is going to be irretrievably sullied by the afternoon's media coverage.
Switalski on course for record compensation payout
F&C Asset Management's former legal chief Gillian Switalksi has defeated the company's bid to have her discrimination claim thrown out.
Satellite litigation
By common consent, the 2004 statutory dispute resolution procedures were not a success, and produced an avalanche of satellite litigation. They have been variously described as 'inappropriately inflexible and prescriptive' (Gibbons Report), 'the middle of a manky meat sandwich' (Hansard) and 'rebarbative' (Underhill J).
Eversheds, Slaughters in on $1bn Aviva outsourcing
Eversheds and Slaughter and May have bagged the lead roles on a $1bn (£502.3m) outsourcing deal for insurance company Aviva.
Appeal court makes landmark equal pay decision
Tens of thousands of low paid local council and NHS workers could claim equal pay compensation following a landmark decision handed down in the Court of Appeal today (29 July).
Eversheds muscles in on DLA’s Abbey role
DLA Piper has lost its status as Abbey’s sole employment adviser after Eversheds joined the bank’s panel.
Thring Townsend bucks recruitment trend
Bath firm Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons is set to step up its recruitment programme after hiring two partners for its London practice.
Retirement age appeal gets tribunal hearing
Thames Valley firm BP Collins has brought a case in the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) that could have ;implications ;for lawyers wanting to work beyond ;the ;statutory retirement age.
A Fairer Future – Can Equality Be Achieved?
On 26 June, Harriet Harman, Minister for Women, announced the Government’s proposals in a White Paper entitled “Framework for a Fairer Future – the Equality Bill”. While acknowledging that discrimination laws have aided progress on equality over the last 40 years, she recognises that they have become extremely complex. She has rightly declared that ...
Bredin Prat taps Freshfields for employment hire
French firm Bredin Prat has made a rare lateral hire, luring the head of the employment department at the Paris office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
Home Office faces action over sacking
A former barrister has launched a High Court action against the Home Office, claiming breach of contract.
Duane Morris London moves next door
US firm Duane Morris has moved into a new London office to pave the way for the expansion of its core practice areas. The firm is targeting litigation, insurance, corporate, IP, insolvency and employment as areas of growth in the City. London co-managing partner Susan Laws said: "The much-improved office space will allow us to continue to support the growing interest in the London legal market from our US, Singapore and Vietnam offices." The new office is next door to the old premises ...
Blackstone, Cloisters ECJ case to decide UK retirement age issue
Blackstone Chambers and Cloisters are to face off in a European Courts of Justice case that will determine if it is legal for 65 to be the standard retirement age.
Mental Health, Employment and Discrimination
The Health and Safety Executive has estimated that 13.8 million working days are lost due to work related stress each year with an annual cost to employers of £13 billion. Many more working days are lost to other mental health illnesses.
Escalating fees force Switalski to switch lawyers
Former F&C Asset Management head of legal Gillian Switalski has sidelined Withers in favour of Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons due to the spiralling legal costs of her £19m discrimination ...
Simpson Thacher advises AIG on CEO exit
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is advising the board of American International Group (AIG) on the exit of its chief executive, Martin Sullivan.
Nabarro raids A&O for employment partner
NABARRO has hired an Allen & Overy (A&O) partner to expand its employment team's non-contentious offering.
Partnerships
It is that time again in the economic cycle when things look a great deal more turbulent and the legal market starts to feel the pinch, leading firms to scrutinise their business practices with a view to tightening up processes - with 'streamlining' and 'profitability' the buzzwords of the day.
Outside influences
New law makes employers liable for the harassment of staff by third parties. How will this affect the legal profession? Rachel Dineley reports
Baby boom
Recent legislation on maternity rights gives women contractual benefits for the whole of their maternity leave.
Dundas & Wilson in landmark High Court pension win
The London office of Dundas & Wilson has won a High Court victory for the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) that will have wide-reaching implications for thousands of pensioners in insolvent companies.
£13.4m Switalski claim upheld; F&C to appeal
The challenge against the ex F&C Asset Management legal chief's multi-million pound discrimination claim has failed.
Appeal Court upholds EAT’s burden of proof decision
The court of Appeal has upheld an Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling that reversal of burden of proof should not apply to victimisation claimants under the Race Relations Act (RRA).
Fox Williams snares employment partner
Fox Williams has headhunted Charles Russell partner Joanne Owers to ramp up its employment capabilities.
Arnold & Porter snares WilmerHale London employment chief
Arnold & Porter has snared WilmerHale’s London head of employment to launch its own employment team in the UK.
Dawsons adds to litigation and employment teams
Dawsons has kick-started a recruitment campaign with the appointment of Jill Andrew as an employment consultant and Laura Harcombe as a partner in its dispute and litigation practice.
Bircham links up with HR consultancy
Bircham Dyson Bell has joined forces with an HR consultancy in a bid to up its employment capacity amid sweeping?changes?to discrimination legislation.
New immigration regime is chaotic, confusing and costly
On 5 December 2007 the UK Home Secretary announced significant changes to our immigration regime.
New corporate manslaughter act in force
The biggest shake-up of health and safety law in more than 30 years came into effect at midnight on Sunday 6 April with the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act.
Mum suing CC over sex discrimination
Clifford Chance is facing a sex discrimination claim and is due to defend itself in a Budapest court next month.
Fountain Court QC joins buddy at Cloisters
Employment set Cloisters has raided Fountain Court for its star silk Brian Napier QC.
CC New York facing $75m race discrimination suit
Magic circle firm Clifford Chance is gearing up to contest a race discrimination case brought against it in New York.
Pensions Regulator gets tough on conflicts
Firms with burgeoning pensions practices could face a threat to their client lists under conflicts of interest guidance set out by the Government's Pensions Regulator.
GC Switalski triumphs in discrimination suit against F&C
F&C Asset Management is preparing to challenge a multimillion-pound discrimination claim brought by its former head of legal services.
Sackers' Pittaway wins second term
Ian Pittaway is to serve a second term as senior partner of pensions boutique Sacker & Partners, having been asked to do so by the firm's partnership.
Former GC Switalski wins discrimination case against F&C
F&C Asset Management is preparing to challenge a multi-million pound discrimination claim brought by its former head of legal services.
Janet Gaymer appointed an honorary QC
Simmons & Simmons’ first female senior partner Janet Gaymer has been appointed as honorary QC in the latest honoris causa awards.
Shoosmiths scores Thomas Cook coup
Travel giant Thomas Cook has appointed Shoosmiths as its main adviser for all procurement, employment and property work following its £3bn merger with MyTravel.
Withers plans suit over Forsters' raid
Withers is threatening legal action against Forsters after the Mayfair firm hit the private client specialist with a second raid in six months.
The cost of equal pay
A welter of equal pay claims has piled the pressure on the public sector legal system, but reforming the way tribunals work could ease the problem
Making the bullies pay
Much fanfare accompanied the award in Green v DB Group Services (UK) Limited (2006) IRLR 764 of £828,000 to employee Helen Green, who had suffered a nervous breakdown and a relapse a year later, both brought about by the bullying behaviour of her colleagues.
Vos steps in to help clerks in dispute
Clerks and administrative staff have received Bar Council support in relation to unfair treatment they received at the hands of some chambers.
NHS braces itself as number of equal pay claims spirals out of control
The government’s equal pay programme for public sector bodies is at risk of being overwhelmed by discrimination claims.
Hammonds wins new pension client in Birmingham
Hammonds pensions team has won a new instruction from engineering company IMI, adding to a wave of high-profile instructions for the practice group.
Keeping up with Equal Opportunities
2007 was the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. According to the European Commission, the aim was "to make people more aware of their rights to enjoy equal treatment and a life free of discrimination".
Burges Salmon scoops Pensions Regulator lawyer
Bristol firm Burges Salmon has appointed Clive Pugh as partner in its pensions team.
NHS faces landmark case on equal pay agreement
The NHS is facing a landmark test case that could pave the way for more than 800,000 equal pay claims, which will run parallel to recent high-profile claims against local authorities.
Dundas looks to Clifford Chance for latest City hire
Dundas & Wilson has beefed up its employment practice with the addition of Clifford Chance partner Robert Davies to its London office.
Littleton haunts Cloisters with new raid
Littleton Chambers has raided employment set Cloisters for the second time in eight months for two more barristers.
Simmons encourages lawyers and staff to stay at home
Simmons & Simmons is rolling out a firmwide policy that will make it easier for staff to work from home.
Bloxham forgoes appeal in Freshfields defeat
Former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer insolvency partner Peter Bloxham has decided not to appeal against the judgment that found unanimously for his former firm in his age discrimination claim.
New labour
An influx of Eastern European labour is helping North East business. But it's vital that the workers' rights are upheld, says David Gibson
BLG strengthens with double hire
Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG) has re-enforced its employment team with the hire of Fladgate Fielder's head of employment Adam Lambert and has recruited associate director Emily Benson for its financial services regulatory team from the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) enforcement division.
BLG scoops Fladgate head of employment
Fladgate Fielder head of employment Adam Lambert is to join Barlow Lyde & Gilbert’s (BLG) employment practice.
Bloxham decision puts paid to Freshfields claim
The last age discrimination claim against Freshfields has been withdrawn after the firm's victory against former partner Peter Bloxham.
Pensions: Debt tough
Section 75 debts are proving a hard nut to crack for the Department of Work and Pensions. Chris Close reports
Germany's equal measures
Germany's Act on Equal Treatment brings discrimination laws under one blanket, but it will potentially increase the burden for companies, warns Michael Leue
Shearman's Moore withdraws Freshfields claim
Former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Lois Moore has dropped the age discrimination claim against her former firm, The Lawyer can reveal.
Hogan suffers double loss in London
US firm Hogan & Hartson has lost two key partners from its corporate and employment teams in London.
Eversheds loses employment rainmaker
Eversheds head of international employment Viv Du-Feu has left the firm for Welsh-based commercial firm Capital Law.
ILaw kicks off growth strategy with double hire
Technology boutique iLaw has continued its expansion drive with the creation of an employment team through the hire of two senior counsel.
Guernsey: employment
Employees on Guernsey have been given extra protection thanks to recent alterations to the island’s employment laws. By Tom Crawford
Eversheds stalwart Viv Du-Feu quits for Welsh firm
Eversheds_office.jpg" alt="Eversheds stalwart Viv Du-Feu quits for Welsh firm" /Eversheds head of international employment Viv Du-Feu has left the firm for Welsh-based commercial firm Capital Law.
Hempsons lures Bevan employment ace
Healthcare specialist Hempsons has boosted its employment practice with the appointment of Bevan Brittan's head of health and public sector employment.
Sackers seeks Pensions Regulator help in saving Telent's scheme
Sacker & Partners has sealed its reputation in the pensions market, advising the trustees of Telent's pension scheme amid intervention from the Pensions Regulator.
Age concern
One year on from the introduction of age discrimination laws, the feeling persists that they have not been fully utilised. By Naomi Feinstein and Adam Turner.
Caught in the net
The boom of internet networking sites has provided a new avenue through which employers can assess job candidates. But they must ensure decisions are made on relevant criteria. By Sean Nesbitt and Camilla Marriott
People power
Is it more important to keep hold of people or simply the information they possess? Merrill April looks at cases that have highlighted the issues
Watson Burton wins multi-million pound miners' victory
Leeds firm Watson Burton has scored a multi-million pound Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision for miners against Britain’s largest producer of coal UK Coal.
DWS, Herbies handle Sainsbury's crisis
Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) and Herbert Smith are thrashing out key pensions issues that are vital if Delta Two's acquisition of J Sainsbury is to go ahead.
Former Radcliffe head settles dismissal claim
Radcliffe Chambers' former chief executive Chris Owen has settled his claim for constructive dismissal after his acrimonious exit from the chancery set last year.
Freshfields can start to look forward with Bloxham win vindicating pension reform
Nearly a year after former insolvency partner Peter Bloxham filed his age discrimination claim against Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, a judgment was finally handed down last week (10 October). It found unanimously for Freshfields.
Berryman promotes employment head
Berryman has promoted its head of employment Ginny Hallam to the partnership.
Disappointed Bloxham may appeal
The solicitors of former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Peter Bloxham have hinted that their client may appeal after losing a £4.5m age discrimination claim yesterday (10 October).
DWS and Herbies wrestle with J Sainsbury pensions
Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) and Herbert Smith are thrashing out key pensions issues that are vital if Delta Two’s acquisition of J Sainsbury is to go ahead.
Freshfields wins Bloxham age case...
...but Tribunal finds the magic circle firm proportionately discriminating in its handling of former partner Peter Bloxham.
McDermott hikes employment team
McDermott Will & Emery has reversed the flow of high-level departures in its London office by hiring a partner for its employment team.
Herbert Smith helps TfL safeguard Metronet pension scheme
Herbert Smith played a key role in ensuring the employees of tube contractor Metronet did not miss out on pension benefits when the company went into administration.
Umpire makes Cricket Council racism claim
Controversial cricket umpire Darrell Hair's race discrimination claims against the International Cricket Council (ICC) are being heard in the London Central Employment Tribunal today (1 October).
A&O secures HSBC sexual discrimination appeal victory
Allen & Overy (A&O) has scored an Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) victory against HSBC's former senior banker, who claimed he was discriminated against for being gay.
Cricket race hearing gets underway
Controversial cricket umpire Darrell Hair's race discrimination claims against the International Cricket Council (ICC) will be heard in the London Central Employment Tribunal on Monday (1 October).
Stadlen takes seat on bench
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) today (28 September) confirmed that Fountain Court barrister Nicholas Stadlen QC is to join the High Court bench.
Hextalls installs employment law chief
Hextalls has promoted Julian Cox to head its employment law team. Cox has more than 10 years' experience as an employment law specialist both in-house and in private practice. He joined the firm in March 2006. Hextalls chief executive Dominic Lang said he expected the employment practice to continue to grow. "Employment law is constantly evolving and we expect an even busier time ahead," he said.
Devereux trio fights Dresdner race case
A trio of Devereux Chambers barristers are battling it out in a £10m racial discrimination employment tribunal over a City banker who claims that he was forced out of this job because he was not German.
CC bolsters Paris with White & Case hire
Clifford Chance has raided White & Case, hiring employment partner François Farmine to ramp up its Paris office.
Sackers and Wragges launch tit-for-tat raids
Sacker & Partners and Wragge & Co have undergone a mutual recruitment drive, with each poaching lawyers from the other's pensions team.
A&O wins spot on sale of Thomson Regional Newspapers' pension fund
Allen & Overy (A&O) has played a key role in a landmark pensions deal, advising Thomson Regional Newspapers’ pension fund on its acquisition by Citigroup.
Marked increase in employment tribunal cases
Employment tribunal cases continued to rise during 2006-07, up 15 per cent on the previous year, figures from the Tribunals Service have revealed.
Unknown Freshfields claim comes to light
Star banking partner David Ereira filed a discrimination claim against his former firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer as he made the rare move across to magic circle rival Linklaters earlier this year.
LG welcomes Eversheds employment ace
LG has boosted its ranks with the hire of an employment partner from Eversheds.
FFW boost Brussels with employment hire
Field Fisher Waterhouse has appointed Oliver Rijckaert as an employment partner in its Brussels office.
Scots firm says Sir Alan to blame for tribunal overload
Scottish law firm Muir Myles Laverty (MML) has blamed bosses copying the brash style used by Sir Alan Sugar on television programme The Apprentice for the rise in the caseload of employment tribunals.
Revealed: CC pays out in sexual orientation claim
Clifford Chance has been struck by what is thought to be the first UK discrimination claim against a law firm on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Freshfields set for December tribunal
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's tribunal woes will stretch out until the end of 2007.
Pension schemes
Conversion to LLP status means firms have to reveal the full extent of their pension deficits - and do something about them. Giles Murphy and Peter Maher suggest how to go about this
Monckton forces Euro Commission into £30m payout to UK workers
MONCKTON Chambers has scored a victory at Luxembourg’s Court of First Instance (CFI) that will see the European Commission pay out almost £30m in damages to UK workers.
Employment: No smoke without fire
The smoking ban may stop claims over second-hand smoke, but will the smokers themselves start claiming it's all too unfair? ask David Harper and Anya Switalski
Employment: When in Rome…
Companies hoping to save money by outsourcing their operations abroad need to do their research, says Martin Warren
Employment: Care warn
New legislation gives carers the right to request flexible working. Jane Moorman and Howard Lewis-Nunn on a case that could push the UK's laws even further
Thompsons scores Lords victory in dinner ladies' equal pay claim
Trade union and personal injury specialist Thompsons Solicitors has won a battle for a group of dinner ladies in the war over equal pay.
Pensions: Rock and a hard place
Pension fund trustees often have to negotiate with employers, throwing up a host of conflict issues. By John Papadakis and Rosalind Connor
Thompsons secures key age discrimination win
Thompsons has won the first age discrimination case since new laws were introduced in October 2006, paving the way for a slew of similar cases.
Lovells advises BNP Paribas on sex discrimination case
Lovells is advising BNP Paribas on its defence of allegations over sex discrimination despite losing key employment partner Lisa Mayhew to Jones Day last year.
Blackstone seals diversity directive win against Govt
Blackstone Chambers has scored a major victory for the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in a judicial review against the Government.
Discretionary onus
Employers must be aware of the extent of their duty to adjust for disabled employees or risk falling foul of the Disability Discrimination Act. By Jane Mann and Charis Martyn
Beattie calls on Hill Dickinson to advise on Everton transfer
Hill Dickinson has scored a success for its sports department after advising on the £6m transfer of Premiership footballer James Beattie from Southampton to Everton .
Legal speak
Decoding what lawyers say gives us endless hours of amusement. Sometimes it’s pretty obvious. A partner leaves, and you can bet that the managing partner will comment: “We wish him well.” Occasionally, they might add: “But our practice is thriving and will continue to be successful” – a comment that always speaks volumes about what’s lurking below the surface.
Home security
As offshoring takes an ever firmer hold in the UK, Gilbert McClung examines new regulations that protect the vulnerable UK workforce
CC junior assistant fights own firm in court
A Clifford Chance junior assistant in Paris is taking on his own firm to defend his right to act as a trade union representative.
Lovells merciless in profits drive as twenty-five partners get axed
Lovells’ management has pushed through one of the biggest one-off redundancy programmes ever seen at a City law firm. As first revealed on www.thelawyer.com be-fore Christmas, the firm is to axe 25 partners in a bid to improve its flagging profitability.
Employed barristers vent their ire on the Bar Council
The Bar Council has been slammed by employed barristers who, in a new survey, accuse it of treating them like “second class citizens”.
Lovells sees off claim against Merrill Lynch
Lovells is celebrating after winning last year’s most publicised employment case, successfully defending a multimillion-pound sex discrimination claim for Merrill Lynch.
Salt in the wound?
New regulations on employment disputes are far too complicated. Andrew Chamberlain reveals how both employers and employees could lose out
Job lot
The Working Time Directive has failed to curb the UK’s long-hours culture. Rebecca Harding-Hill on the European Commission’s plans to restrict the opt-out clause
Contract killers
The legal relationship between employers and employees is constantly evolving and in the UK can be confusing, but a recent ECJ decision provides some clarity. By Tim Johnson
Lovells wins sex discrimination case for Merrill
Lovells has successfully defended a sexual discrimination claim against Merrill Lynch brought by former banker Stephanie Villalba.Villalba was claiming a record £7.5m against the investment bank, alleging that she had failed to win promotion and had been paid less because of her gender. The employment tribunal in Croydon today (22 December) dismissed the claim.The tribunal did, however, find that she had been unfairly dismissed from her job and had suffered a degree of unlawful ...
Norton Rose in Bahrain labour focus
Norton Rose is advising the Kingdom of Bahrain on new employment laws.
Freshfields paves the way to oust underperformers
Magic circle firm proposes tougher centralised process for sacking weaker partners; vote imminent
Nine top City firms to launch joint initiative on diversity
Nine top City firms are among a group of organisations launching a ‘common diversity in law’ policy tomorrow (30 November). It comes a week after David Lammy, the Minister for Constitutional Affairs, called on firms and chambers to look outside Oxbridge for recruits.
It's a class thing
Tomorrow is a big day for nine major City firms, which are going to be signing something called the Diversity In Law Statement of Intent. Some big guns will be attending: Tony Angel of Linklaters and Mike Francies of Weil Gotshal, to name but two. (As an aside, it’s interesting A&O is going to be there, given that it apparently doesn’t have a clue about which universities its UK partners went ...
Martineaus and Pinsents win Plymouth Uni
Martineau Johnson and Pinsents have won a competitive tender to secure the University of Plymouth as a new client.
B&M names Paris managing partner
Baker & McKenzie (B&M) has elected Laurent Epstein as the firm’s new Paris managing partner. Epstein replaces Eric Lasry in the top French role, following Lasry’s election to B&M’s global executive committee last month. Fellow partner Denise Broussal has been elected as co-manager and will be responsible for representing Paris on B&M’s internal international committees. Epstein has been a partner ...
Labour to take axe to government lawyers as civil service cuts bite
The government is planning to axe scores of its lawyers, reversing a rate of growth in its legal system that is 1,000 per cent higher under New Labour than under the Conservatives.
In brief
Pictons has been chosen to host the 2004 European LawPact Conference. Attending firms are due to come from as far afield as New York, California, Chicago, Mexico, Cyprus, Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic. Pictons’ IP team will launch the event. Head of IP Sarah Staines will lead the first conference session, entitled ‘Trade Mark Rights and Global Trade’. LawPact is an international affiliation of accountants and lawyers. Conferences and other business events are a key aspect of ...
People
w Wedlake Bell has appointed planning law specialist Susan Hawker to its property team. Hawker, who joins as a senior assistant from Lovells, has extensive experience working for both public and private sector clients.
Events
ioPharm Licensing – The Fastest Route to New Markets, Expanded Business Opportunities and Increased ProfitsCorporate Accountability fourth Annual Conference
Developing a taste for growth
Business development specialists are playing an increasingly important role in today’s law firms. Jonathan Newey explains why
Members only
There are important liability issues for partners to consider before their firms convert to LLP status. By Peter Garry and Peter Ashford
Man power
Star partners are increasingly likely to join a new firm with their clients in tow. Law firms need to cover their backs. By Stephen Ralph
Under pressure
LLPs – and the problems they bring with them – are becoming more common. William Wastie on the numerous hurdles to overcome
Australian firms lead the way on equal opportunities
A survey by the Australian Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency has revealed that, on average, women make up 16 per cent of partners in Australia’s leading law firms.
Trio of tie-ups boosts global arbitration
SJ Berwin has ramped up its new standalone international arbitration practice by entering into formal agreements with special counsel in India, China and Austria.
Careers: people
Freeth Cartwright has appointed Ann Critchell-Ward as an associate in its IP and IT team. Critchell-Ward joins from Martineau Johnson, where she worked for eight years.
Stress under pressure
Stress management needs the support of the whole firm – starting from the top. By Carole Spiers
Careers: people
IBB Law has strengthened its commercial property team with senior solicitor Jeff Elphee, who joins the Middlesex firm from London giant SJ Berwin. The firm has also recruited assistant Julian Booth from niche practice Collins Dryland & Thorowgood to its construction division.
Careers: in brief
Countrywide Legal Indemnities, the specialist legal indemnity intermediary, has launched what it calls “the most comprehensive self-issue legal indemnity pack available”. The pack – the result of two years’ market research throughout the legal profession – is called ‘OnCover’, and offers 16 of the most requested covers, catering for both residential and commercial properties at competitive premiums.
Homing in on home working
Home working is now more popular, and freelance lawyers are a flexible option. By James Knight
Beachcrofts attracts Hammonds employment ace
Beachcroft Wansbroughs has scooped an employment partner from Hammonds. Harmajindar Hayre joins Beachcrofts from Hammonds’ Leeds office, where he was a partner for a year. His arrival strengthens Beachcrofts’ growing employment practice both nationally and in Yorkshire. The firm now has 13 employment partners nationwide and a large team of assistant solicitors. Hayre does both contentious and non-contentious work and has appeared as a solicitor-advocate in employment tribunals across ...
Inns-based chambers risk falling foul of disability laws
Chambers housed in the Inns of Court are struggling to comply with new laws governing the treatment of disabled people that were introduced this month.
Firm profile: Hempsons
Established in 1890, Hempsons is anything but an old-fashioned firm. In the 115 years since it was created, when its partners broke away from Slaughter and May, the firm has remained independent, preferring, as managing partner Janice Barber puts it, to “slip the baton and ...
Firms face greater hurdles when trainee contracts end
Law firms failing to implement new employment regulations correctly could see a rise in unfair dismissal claims from trainees who are not kept on upon qualification.
Fair dues
The Government hopes its Pensions Bill will deal with final salary pension scheme deficits. Ken Titchen and Francois Barker report
Careers: people
Manby & Steward has hired a new partner for its dispute resolution division. Brian Aikman, a recently-appointed deputy district judge, joins the firm from Birmingham’s Martineau Johnson, where he was a partner in the litigation department.
Morgan Cole ponders Croydon fate as Rees quits
Morgan Cole is reviewing the viability of its Croydon office as news emerges that the firm’s head of employment has quit for Eversheds.
Good hearing
Tim Russell gives the lowdown on the forthcoming changes to employment tribunal regulation
Willing and disabled
From October, the Disability Discrimination Act will apply to businesses with fewer than fifteen employees. Christopher Fisher reports on two important and relevant cases
Taylor Walton
The philosophy at Taylor Walton is simple: regional is best.
2003 sees £4m paid out to discrimination victims
Compensation of more than £4m was paid out by employers last year in compensation for sex, race and disability discrimination cases. The figures are published in the Equal Opportunities Review, which examines discrimination cases in England and Wales. There were 376 successful cases brought to employment tribunals, 37 less than in 2002. Total compensation was also less, although 2002 saw record payments. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 6 September 2004
UK government attempts to avoid impact of EU on employment legislation fail
An EU law expert will next week tell trade unions that the government’s attempts to avoid the effect of the European constitution on employment legislation have failed.
Sex, race and disability claim payouts total £4m
Compensation totalling more than £4m was paid out by employers last year in compensation for sex, race and disability discrimination cases.
Watson Farley parries pay claim from Orrick defectors
Watson Farley & Williams has successfully fended off a claim for holiday pay from the Paris team that defected to Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe.
Whistling an unhappy tune
The Steve Moxon case shows that whistle-blowing legislation may not protect employees if they go to the press. By Jon Robins
In-house teams tackle new employment laws
In-house lawyers and HR teams are gearing up for a raft of new employment legislation coming into force on 1 October, with those that do not comply facing increased claims from disgruntled staff.
Lovells and Lewis Silkin return to fray in Villalba
Lovells and Lewis Silkin were back in action in Croydon last week as Merrill Lynch began its defence of former banker Stephanie Villalba’s £7.5m claim for sex discrimination.
Cisco poised for move to DuPont legal model
Tech company latest to adopt one-firm partnering scheme pioneered by DuPont
Bindmans leads Lloyds TSB union in data battle
Renowned human rights firm Bindman & Partners is advising Lloyds TSB’s workers’ union on its legal attack on the bank’s offshore outsourcing, which could threaten the future of the practice.
Unfair dismissal claim questions reach of Sarbanes-Oxley
The international implications of Sarbanes-Oxley were being examined last week as two former employees of the Swatch Group claimed for unfair dismissal under ‘whistleblower’ protection provisions.
Wal-Mart wins right to lodge appeal against class action
US retail giant Wal-Mart was thrown a temporary lifeline last week (Friday 13 August) as a court gave it permission to appeal against a class action order granted in June.
Rowleys goes head-to-head with A&O over Turner & Newall pension conflict
Trade union specialists Rowley Ashworth is facing up to Allen & Overy (A&O) in continued negotiations over Turner & Newall pensions.
Careers: people
Davies Arnold Cooper has announced a trio of promotions and a new appointment at associate partner level. Janie Castle joins the commercial litigation team in London from Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker, while Gillian Dada, Mark Shaya and Crispin Tomlinson have all been promoted to associate partner level in the product liability, insurance and property divisions. The promotions follow the recent announcement of five new equity partners at the firm.
Svengate players appoint counsel
The army of lawyers involved in the Football Association (FA) scandal has grown to include Barker Gillette, Fox Williams and McGrigors, all acting for the individuals at the centre of the controversy.
SRT sex tribunal ‘misguided’
The tribunal that found the Sinclair Roche & Temperley (SRT) partnership guilty of sex discrimination was “misguided” and failed to read crucial pieces of evidence.
Careers: people
Canterbury firm Furley Page has bolstered its family law division with the hire of solicitor Anne Blenkinsop from Maidstone’s ASB Law. Blenkinsop has 14 years’ experience in family law and is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.
EY Italian overhaul forces mass exodus and closures
EY Law Italy is in the final throes of a strategic review, which has seen several offices close, up to 50 lawyers depart and the realignment of key practice areas.
Nabarros acts pro bono on claims against BA
Nabarros acts pro bono on claims against BA" /Nabarro Nathanson is acting on a pro bono basis for the British Airways (BA) stewardesses suing the airline for sex discrimination. The Nabarros team, led by head of employment Sue Ashtiany (left), is advising 12 of the 14 stewardesses in their claim. Two more women ...
Careers: people
Gateley Wareing has recruited a new associate to bolster the corporate services division in its Birmingham HQ. Chris Reed, who specialises in acquisitions and disposals as well as joint ventures, joins from Wragge & Co.
Simmons partner files race claim against his own firm
City firm hit by unprecedented discrimination claim as senior equity partner alleges anti-Semitism
Employment tribunals in 17 per cent hike
The Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) this week announced a rise of 17 per cent in the number of employment cases it handled. The ETS’s annual report show that 115,042 applications were registered in 2003-04, compared with 98,617 the previous year. A third of applicants were claiming for unfair dismissal from work, while 17 per cent brought sex, race and disability discrimination claims.
Opinion
Law firms, like investment banks, have been facing a succession of high-profile discrimination claims. Why? And what can firms do to prevent future employment tribunal litigation? Sex discrimination and equal pay claims in particular have proliferated for many reasons. Since 1993, compensation for sex discrimination has been unlimited and, as lawyers tend to be highly paid, tribunal ...
Careers: people
Langleys Solicitors has appointed a new partner to bolster its commercial team. Andrew Argyle has joined the firm’s Lincoln office, where he will specialise in commercial litigation. Argyle arrives from Birmingham firm Shakespeares, where he was a partner in the commercial litigation department.
DMH
South East firm DMH likes to impress as soon as a client walks through the door, and in quite a stylish manner – the firm’s Brighton and Crawley offices double as art galleries. The firm is unusual in having a dedicated gallery manager, and exhibitions showcasing the work of predominantly local artists are held regularly.
Toilet tactics
“We’d love to hire you, but we simply don’t have the toilet capacity for your type,” is unlikely to suffice as a legitimate reason for non-recruitment by an equal opportunities employer. However, that may be the only option if law firms don’t pay close attention to their toilet strategies.
Sinclair Roche discrimination case ordered back for review
The largest sex discrimination claim against a law firm in modern times – brought by two female ex-partners of former City firm Sinclair Roche & Temperley – has been ordered back to the Employment Tribunal for review.
Lords decision increases disabled rights
The House of Lords last week strengthened employment rights for the disabled in a landmark ruling.
Sex discrimination goes cross-border
Former Merrill Lynch employee tests new water by comparing her pay with other jurisdictions in record £7.5m claim
ius laboris creates free benefits advice website
International employment law alliance ius laboris has launched a free online compensation and benefits service in response to calls from employers for access to free advice. The Knowledge Base, as it will be known, will provide companies with information on legal developments in compensation and benefits throughout Europe.
Paul Hastings to fight Wal-Mart sex discrimination accusations
Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker is this week understood to be gearing up to defend Wal-Mart in the largest civil rights action ever brought against a private employer in the US.
SAS Lawyers
Philip Smith, the managing partner of Cheshire firm SAS Lawyers, is not one to hide his firm’s light under a bushel. “We’re very assertive on PR,” he says.
Opinion
On 21 May, Regulation 4 of the Amended Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 came into force. The regulations introduced the duty to manage and will mean that the UK has some of the most stringent controls on asbestos in the world.
Lee & Pembertons
“Commercially active high-net-worth individuals demand expert legal advice,” says Julian Whately, senior partner of Westminster firm Lee & Pembertons. Whately claims that his firm provides that advice, and not just in the traditional private client sectors of, for example, trusts and personal tax planning. “What we aim to be is a one-stop shop for all our clients’ needs,” he says.
Careers: people
South East firm Thomas Eggar has appointed Alan Parsons as a chartered tax adviser and Carl O’Shea as an assistant solicitor in its tax solutions group. Parsons was formerly advising on the management of offshore structures for wealthy individuals with both Deloitte & Touche and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Awards preview: niche firm of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Awards preview: employment team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Lewis Silkin challenges Merrill Lynch
Lewis Silkin’s employment team is battling its largest ever employment tribunal matter, with the firm taking the lead for former Merrill Lynch banker Stephanie Villalba in her sex discrimination claim against the bank.
Stevens & Bolton turnover up 13 per cent
Turnover at Stevens & Bolton rose 13 per cent last year to £11.1m, with profits edging up 3.5 per cent to £240,000. The firm has recruited a number of heavyweight partners in the past year, including Stephanie Dale, former head of employment at Denton Wilde Sapte, and Ken Woffenden, former head of corporate at Simmons & Simmons.
CFA success fee rate nailed down
The Civil Justice Council has agreed the level of success fees payable under conditional fee arrangements in employer liability accident cases.
Morgan Cole loses employment head to Wedlake
Morgan Cole has lost its London head of employment in another blow for the firm. Ravinder Mahal, formerly an associate at Morgan Cole, has joined Wedlake Bell as a senior solicitor as part of an ongoing recruitment drive at the London and Guernsey firm, where fee-earners now number eight. Morgan Cole has lost five partners ...
Flexible working clause to be added to barristers’ contracts
Far-reaching employment rights are to be written into barristers’ contracts when they join chambers, under new guidelines issued by the Bar Council last week.
Lovells wins KPMG partner
Lovells has taken on a KPMG partner as a senior consultant in its employee share incentive team. David Tuch led KPMG’s executive compensation practice and built up the Big Four accountant’s remuneration consulting practice. At Lovells he will concentrate on the executive pay structure at main board level. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 25 May
Dewey gets private equity back on track
Dewey Ballantine has poached Norton Rose corporate partner Markus Federle, who will restart its private equity push following the departure of the founder of the firm’s German practice Geza Toth.
Careers: people
Editor of Taxation magazine Malcolm Gunn joined the London tax team at Haarmann Hemmelrath as a tax consultant on 25 May. Gunn will focus on personal income and capital taxation.
Lovells dips into accountancy for new recruit
Lovells has taken on a KPMG partner as a senior consultant in its employee share incentive team. David Tuch led KPMG’s executive compensation practice and built up the Big Four accountant’s remuneration consulting practice. At Lovells he will concentrate on executive pay structure at main board level.
Regional firms come good as City counterparts suffer profits slump
Regional law firms have shrugged off the economic malaise affecting their City contemporaries by reporting solid figures for the last financial year.
Addleshaws promotes to fill partnership gap
Addleshaw Goddard is promoting 11 lawyers after losing three partners earlier this month. Three will become partners, including employment lawyer Ruth Davies, finance and projects lawyer Andrew Pettinger and corporate restructuring and insolvency lawyer Daniel Redstone. Another eight lawyers will step into legal director roles, which have been designed to provide a career development path for ...
Olswang makes management rejig as group heads step down
Olswang has undertaken a management shake-up after three of its four practice group heads decided not to stand for re-election.
Linklaters employment head appointed ELA chair
Linklaters head of employment Raymond Jeffers has become the first magic circle partner to be voted chair of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA). Jeffers was appointed at the ELA annual general meeting last Wednesday (12 May). He takes over the reins from Osborne Clarke’s Julian Hemming.
Beachcrofts makes triple partner hire
Beachcroft Wansbroughs has recruited three partners for its property, employment and corporate finance teams in London, Bristol and Manchester. Monica Blake joins the London commercial property team from Mishcon de Reya, Frank Morton has quit Osborne Clarke for Beachcrofts’ employment team in Bristol and Leila ...
Careers: In brief
Last week the House of Lords upheld unanimously a transvestite’s claim to become a police officer. It held that it was unlawful sex discrimination by the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire to refuse to employ ‘A’ as a police officer. The case was supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission.
Doing the deed
Partnership – no longer till death do us part. By Ronnie Fox and Michelle Levin
Beachcroft Wansbroughs in triple partner hire
Beachcroft Wansbroughs has recruited three new partners for its property, employment and corporate finance teams in London, Bristol and Manchester.
Ius laboris signs up Czech member
Worldwide employment alliance ius laboris has signed up Czech firm Prochazka Randl Kubr just in time for last week’s EU enlargement. The Czech Republic is the second firm from the new EU member states to join ius laboris, after Polish practice Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak was added last year. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 4 May
Henderson Chambers offers free mediation through FRU
The Free Representation Unit (FRU) has launched a scheme that offers free employment mediation to those unable to afford the dispute resolution process. Henderson Chambers, Freshfields, Linklaters and the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) have teamed up with FRU to set the FRU Employment Relations Mediation (FERM) initiative in motion.
Kemp Little recruits former Norton Rose employment head
Kemp Little has taken on former Norton Rose partner Tim Russell as part of the niche firm’s bid to expand its employment practice.
Maclays, Mourant team up as Jersey employment law looms
Jersey firm Mourant du Feu & Jeune has established a joint venture with Scottish firm Maclay Murray & Spens in order to tap into the mass of work arising out of the island’s first employment legislation.
Sinclair partners landed with £900,000 compensation bill at quantum hearing
Top SRT partner’s comments in discrimination case branded ‘malicious’; leads to £3,000 extra aggravated damages
Morgan Lewis targets Paris with De Pardieu haul
Morgan Lewis is pressing ahead with plans to open a Paris office after recruiting a 15-strong team from De Pardieu Brocas Maffei & Leygonie.
Firm profile: White and Bowker
Hampshire firm White and Bowker has been around longer than many of its competitors. Established in 1750, the firm has existed “in a number of guises ever since”, according to chairman Niall Brook.
No 5 Fountain Court raid creates 150-tenant set
Birmingham mega-set No 5 Fountain Court has become the first set to reach 150 tenants with the hire of a five-strong personal injury (PI) team from local rival St Philips. The set is also poised to launch a Bristol office, its third site in the UK after London and Birmingham. Graham Cliff, formerly head of the PI team at St Philips, Stephen Campbell, David Tyack and William Pusey are all to join No 5’s highly-rated PI practice. In turn, St Philips has taken on rated employment barrister ...
Weil Gotshal litigation devolves power after record expansion
The management of Weil Gotshal’s global litigation practice is being decentralised following 100 per cent departmental growth in the past five years.
DLA secures ex-Linklaters employment chief
DLA has hired Linklaters’ former Spanish head of employment Luis Peinado. A managing associate, Peinado was head of employment at Linklaters until he left in December. He has advised national and international companies in Spain and recently advised HSBC on the restructuring and downsizing of its commercial and investment branches there. Linklaters managing associate Naiara Rodríguez-Escudero took over ...
Gianni wins Cisco contract
Gianni Origoni’s close association with Linklaters has helped it score Cisco Systems as a new client.
DLA raids Linklaters for Spanish employment head
As its European invasion continues, DLA has hired Linklaters’ former Spanish head of employment Luis Peinado.
Police sexual harassment claims to go ahead
A host of sexual harassment claims made by police officers look set to proceed following a decision by a Croydon Employment Tribunal in the case of Hands v the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
Firm profile: Rawlison Butler
Tim Sadka, managing partner of West Sussex practice Rawlison Butler, uses a boxing metaphor to sum up his sense of the firm. “We punch well above our weight,” he claims. Proudly, he quotes testimonials from clients praising the way in which he and his colleagues deliver a City service. Indeed, with its expansionist drive, Rawlison Butler looks well placed to be ...
Office of Deputy Prime Minister picks Bird & Bird for unemployment project
Bird & Bird has secured first-time instructions from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Lawyer posse rounds on Govt retirement age limit
Two retired tailors fighting a cutting-edge employment case against the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will not pay a penny for their Court of Appeal claim, thanks to a cabal of barristers and solicitors working on the matter free of charge.
Ashtiany reappointed to EOC
Nabarro Nathanson’s head of employment Sue Ashtiany has been reappointed as Commissioner to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).
Telling it how it is
Whistleblowing: Rob Riley and Richard Port clarify the law on the meaning of ‘disclosure’
The human cost
Legislation protecting employees has thrust employment lawyers into playing a much greater role in commercial transactions. Peter Holt reports
DTI ditches ‘Rewards for Failure’ white paper
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has decided to scrap the possibility of publishing a white paper on excessive payouts to departing directors.
Harper MacLeod wins SLC contract
McGrigor Donald has been ditched by the Student Loans Company (SLC) in favour of Harper MacLeod. The Scottish firm beat seven others to win the three-year contract, believed to include MacRoberts and Shepherd+ Wedderburn.
When worlds collide
Employment law and tort: will you specialise in both? asks Brian Langstaff QC
EAT decision overturned on appeal due to drunken nap
The Court of Appeal has overturned an Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) decision that refused a sacked worker a new hearing despite concerns that one tribunal member had been drunk and asleep at the original hearing.
Employment Law Summit
In March, The Lawyer launches its inaugural Employment Law Summit.
BA attacks ‘back door’ age bias case
British Airways (BA) has accused a group of former staff members bringing a claim for sexual discrimination of trying to bring an age discrimination case “by the back door.”
Lady of luck
Simmons senior partner Janet Gaymer says she has achieved her position purely by chance. But Emma Vere-Jones doesn’t believe her
Lewis Silkin opens Oxford office after swoop on Boodle Hatfield
Lewis Silkin opens Oxford office after swoop on Boodle Hatfield" /Lewis Silkin is to open an Oxford office after prising a corporate employment team out of Boodle Hatfield, led by highly-rated partner Russell Brimelow.
Master of the Rolls sticks up for accident victims
The Master of the Rolls has attacked the UK’s record on looking after accident victims. Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers (left) asked the Government to back the rehabilitation of those affected in its plans to deal with the spiralling costs of employers’ liability insurance. He told delegates at the Forum of Insurance Lawyers annual conference ...
JSM in HK employment skirmish
A former teaching consultant at the University of Hong Kong has stepped up his campaign against his former employer and law firm Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM).
CC withholds partners' profit share as overheads escalate
Clifford Chance partners could be facing a leaner Christmas as the firm debates whether to pay or delay on two chunks of profits before the year-end.
Boodle employment chief joins Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird has shored up its employment team by poaching Boodle Hatfield's head of employment Warren Wayne.
George Davies's football seminars see employment practice score new clients
Manchester firm George Davies Solicitors has won a host of new employment work after launching a scheme to help football clubs nationwide with employment issues.
Mace & Jones hires HR specialist
North West employment firm Mace & Jones has exp-anded its specialist HR consultancy with the hire of HR consultant Vince Housecroft.
Finland's Roschier signs up with ius laboris alliance
Employment law alliance ius laboris has expanded into Finland with the addition of Finnish firm Roschier Holmberg, taking the total number of firms in the alliance to 20.
Discrimination policies get short shrift from employers
Survey shows only 22 per cent of companies prepared for forthcoming age discrimination legislation
Staying powers
The Government’s initiative to confound illegal workers could prove a hindrance to those who choose to do it legally. Nicola Tiffen reports
The truth about friction
Andrew Chamberlain investigates the role of the 'eight-week rule' in the Friction Dynamics dispute
Hard labour
Will the EOC investigation into discrimination against pregnant women help those most in need, or will it just add to the legal minefield? Jessica Learmond-Criqui reports
Flexible trend
The Government's 'softly softly' approach to introducing flexible working rights for employees seems to be a success.
The way we work
The Information & Consultation Directive, due in 2005, has been heralded as one of the most significant pieces of employment legislation ever introduced in the UK. John Clinch and Fraser Younson go head-to-head to offer their views on what it will mean for unions and employers
Dept of Work and Pensions snubs Arnold & Porter for DLA's Bonnar
DLA's prolific IT partner Richard Bonnar has triumphed over Arnold & Porter, Bird & Bird, Masons and Simmons & Simmons in a beauty parade of legal advisers for a series of projects which aim to rejuvenate the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
Addleshaws boosts employment team
The arrival of former Manches senior partner and employment head Alasdair Simpson at Addleshaw Goddard last week will kickstart an expansion in the national firm's London employment team, a spokesman claimed.
Merricks eases financial problems by staggering staff salary payments
Merricks is staggering the payment of staff wages to deal with its ongoing cash flow problems.
Law Soc plans second A&O investigation
The Law Society is planning to launch its second investigation into Allen & Overy (A&O), this time on the back of a successful victimisation claim made against the firm by project manager Shazia Wahab.
Ex-lawyer forced to resign after conviction
A former solicitor who was struck from the roll has resigned as company secretary of legal services provider Willmakers of Distinction.
Lawrence Graham fights claim for constructive dismissal
Lawrence Graham is facing a claim of constructive dismissal brought by a former assistant who resigned from the firm at the end of July.
Wordly-wise
Making the Channel 4 board is just reward for Nabarros employment ace Sue Ashtiany - but she isn't making a song and dance about it. By Julia Cahill
Cadwalader trousers millions in New York grants
Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft has accepted a federal handout to remain in Lower Manhattan, despite earning millions of dollars in profits last year.
CC set to take axe to dead wood partners
Voting threshold for expulsion to be lowered as management flexes its muscles
Hextalls gains employment head from NGJ
Nicholson Graham & Jones has lost its head of employment Jane Liddington to Hextalls. She will join Mark Shulman at Hextalls as the joint head of the employment department. Senior partner Paul Connolly said Liddington's arrival was another part of the significant growth of the firm in the past 12 months. Emma Vere-Jones
The Home boys
Home Office lawyers are critical to the Government's new initiative on unfounded asylum applications, says the Home Office Immigration Team
Time crisis
The Government has proposed time limits on legal aid immigration work, heralding it as an attempt to improve quality. But Alison Stanley says it's all about the money
Wragges establishes permanent London employment practice
Wragge & Co has launched a permanent employment team in London following a six-month trial in the City and is aiming to carve out a top five position for the team by 2005.The firm plans to build the team in London to 12 lawyers, led by partners Patrick Brodie and Andrew Hodge. In the meantime, Brodie and Hodge will be supported by three other fee-earners and an HR consultant, ...
Wedlake Bell hoping for airline work after hire of BA's employment lawyer
Wedlake Bell is hoping to get a share of airline industry work after hiring British Airways (BA) senior employment lawyer Jo Pawley.
Fathers’ rights group occupies Family Court
Hundreds of angry fathers dressed in black and brandishing purple flags have staged a demonstration at the High Court in London as part of a Fathers’ Day protest against their treatment at the hands of Family Division judges. Between 60 and 70 men made it past security guards on Friday (13 June) to occupy the Family Court building itself, while the protesters claim that up to 500 others staged a non-violent protest outside. The court is believed to have been in session at the time and, ...
Asb Law sees profits surge 20%
South-East firm Asb Law has continued its rapid expansion of the past 24 months, taking on small Kent-based practice Mere-dith Smith and Pratt (MSP) as well as announcing an increase in turnover of almost 20 per cent.
Mishcons scoops Watford FC work from Eversheds
Watford Football Club has ditched Eversheds for Mishcon de Reya to fight the £2m claim brought by former coach Gianluca Vialli.
Chief executive quits Bevan Ashford
Bevan Ashford’s non-lawyer chief executive Ann Conway-Hughes has resigned after just 18 months in the role.
O2 legal chief set to sack 25 firms
Two-thirds of external advisers to go as Sanna overhauls entire legal function
Mayer Brown promotes seven to partnership
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw has made up seven partners in London, taking the partnership to 100. The new partners are Michael Brown in litigation and dispute resolution, Gary Cooper and Richard Smith in corporate, Christopher Fisher in employment, Nick Henchie in construction and engineering, Jonathan Moody in pensions and David Morrison in corporate/restructuring and insolvency. This is the second round of ...
Labour of love
Julia Cahill meets Salans' Barry Mordsley, the man who lured Peter Cooke from Theodore Goddard after the firms' merger talks collapsed
Arguably stern
Head of chambers at Cloisters Laura Cox QC may have a fearsome reputation, but the only people she argues with these days are her children
Berrymans in bid to rebuild employment law department
Berrymans Lace Mawer is implementing plans to reassert employment as a national practice area, after its sole employment partner left for Reading firm Boyes Turner.
Cleaning up their act
Some believe Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva is giving the society a spring clean, while others believe she is denting it all out of shape
Appellants to pay for 'misconceived' claims
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has taken the unusual step of ruling that an appellant should pay costs for bringing an appeal that should never been brought, in line with forthcoming and long awaited Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regulations.
Mace & Jones hires tribunal chairman
Liverpool and Manchester firm Mace & Jones has recruited a former Employment Tribunal chairman to its employment law team.
Cardinal blow as Cloisters swells ranks
Cloisters chambers has hired three more barristers, bringing the number of recruits to six since its criminal section split off.
Employment practice breaks away from Negri-Clementi
The employment practice of leading Italian law firm Negri-Clementi Toffoletto Montironi & Soci (NCTM) has demerged from the rest of the firm as pursues its role in European employment law alliance Ius Laboris.
Constitutional Court puts off new employment ruling
The German Constitutional Court has suspended a decision by the German Supreme Court, which ruled that when lawyers switch firms, the new firm must drop instructions in which the lawyer's previous firm has represented the other side.
Manches swoops for Argles employment head
South East firm Argles Stoneham Burstows has lost its head of employment to the London office of Manches.
Employment exchange
Simmons head of employment Janet Gaymer is tipped to be the firm's next senior partner. But does she have enough energy to take on the role?
Gouldens matches US trainee salaries
Gouldens has propelled itself into the realms of the US firms by increasing its trainees' entry-level salaries to £30,000.
Deacons team quits to join PwC Legal's employment law group
Top 10 Australian firm Deacons has been rocked by the departure of its national head of workplace relations, along with his team and a number of clients.
Can't cook, won't cook
After spending a year out discovering her dislike for cooking and rediscovering her love for law, Nicola Walker has returned to work at Hogan & Hartson. Fiona Callister investigates
NAB chooses McGrigor Donald as sole UK employment adviser
McGrigor Donald has been appointed sole mainland UK employment provider to banking giant National Australia Bank (NAB).
Norton Rose wins PFI employment partner
Norton Rose has bolstered its employment pension and incentives department with the hire of Barnett Alexander Chart's head of employment.
Geoffrey Mead
Warner Cranston has recently appointed Geoffrey Mead as its head of employment. Anne Mizzi chats to the man who is not daunted by the depleted team he now has to oversee
Fraser Younson
One of the gurus of employment law in the City, Fraser Younson is setting up his own department at McDermotts. Sean Farrell examines the details.
