If you’re facing challenges at work such as redundancy, a dispute over restrictive covenants, concerns about discrimination, or something else entirely, getting top-quality legal advice could be crucial. The right support can make all the difference, not just financially but also in terms of safeguarding your professional reputation. But how do you find a top employment lawyer who is right for your situation?
Here’s a practical guide to help you make an informed choice.
- Start with recommendations and reviews
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful ways to find a top employment lawyer. Ask friends, colleagues, and industry contacts if they can recommend someone. Sector expertise matters – a lawyer who regularly advises finance professionals, for example, will understand the nuances of bonus disputes, restrictive covenants, and gardening leave.
Online platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and legal directories such as The Legal 500 are also valuable resources. These directories independently rank employment lawyers based on client feedback and casework.
- Look for relevant expertise
When searching for a top employment solicitor, experience is everything. Employment law covers a broad range of issues from unfair dismissal and redundancy through to discrimination, harassment, and whistleblowing so you need to find someone who is right for your situation.
To assess expertise:
- Review the lawyer’s biography on their firm’s website.
- Check their LinkedIn profile for career history and endorsements.
- See whether they’ve written articles or been quoted in the press – this often indicates a high level of authority in their field.
- Sector specific experience – do they know your industry/specialism?
Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions such as:
“Have you handled cases similar to mine and in my industry?”
“What outcomes have you achieved in similar situations?”
Another key consideration is whether the solicitor specialises in advising employees. Many employment lawyers focus on employer clients because of the ongoing work they provide. The firm may be in conflict if they regularly advise employers. So even if a lawyer appears experienced in, say, redundancy, ask whether that experience is mainly on the senior executive employee side? You will want someone who is experienced in advising employees and who has a proven track record of negotiating enhanced settlements.
- Book an introductory call
Most top employment lawyers offer a free initial consultation. This is a valuable opportunity to assess not only their knowledge but also their communication style and whether you feel you could work well together.
During this call, consider:
- Do they explain legal issues clearly, in plain English?
- Do they listen actively and respond empathetically?
- Have they asked you about your aims?
- Do they outline a clear, practical path forward?
- Who are you speaking to – a paralegal or an experienced lawyer?
- Have they been generous with their time or are they quick to tell you their hourly rate?
A strong rapport and clear communication are just as important as technical legal expertise. Moving jobs can be stressful, especially if it wasn’t your choice, so it’s important to work with someone empathetic, particularly in sensitive or emotionally charged situations.
- Consider the ethos of the solicitor and their team
When you’re on the call, ask about the solicitor’s ethos. Some employment law teams are known for being extremely aggressive. While the partners at Bloomsbury Law are experienced in handling tribunal cases, we focus on achieving the best resolution for our clients as efficiently as possible, without a protracted legal battle. This not only reduces stress during what is often a challenging time but also helps manage legal costs, while still securing the best outcome.
- Consider location but don’t be limited by it
While many clients still value in-person meetings, geography is less of a barrier today. Top employment lawyers frequently advise clients across the country via video calls, phone, and email.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right employment lawyer is about trust, understanding, and having someone on your side who knows the law inside and out. You want someone who can achieve the best outcome for you as quickly as possible, so you can move forward, whether that means searching for a new job or transitioning into your new role if you already have something lined up.