ELLINT’s members have been recognized as Leading Employment Law Firms & Lawyers by Chambers Europe 2018 – one of the most important independent international guides of lawyers and law firms around the world.
In their words:
ITALY
Notable employment boutique that assists clients with a variety of issues including health and safety, discrimination, trade union negotiations, workplace crime, pensions and industrial relations. Very active recently in restructuring actions and collective dismissals, as well as the litigation related to such activities. Also well versed in employment advice relating to pensions and social security as well as IP-related issues. Represents national and multinational clients belonging to a range of industry sectors including transportation and travel.
Strengths
Clients are effusive in praising the firm’s excellent partners and their service, with one commenting: “The firm stands out for its top-quality partners, who are all committed to providing the highest labour law advice. The firm is also active in setting out changes in the employment law in Italy, providing guidance and updates on rules.”
Another source says: “It is a very strong firm with a particular focus on being always up to date on its areas of expertise.”
Notable practitioners
Sergio Barozzi is well regarded by clients for his experience in the Italian market and for “his thorough, specific and well-grounded knowledge of the employment world,” as well as “his attention to cultural differences and exquisite sensitivity in dealing with people.” He offers extensive expertise to leading multinational corporations in relation to trade union negotiations and restructuring procedures.
Interviewees describe Giulietta Bergamaschi as “a well-established lawyer” who “has a lot of experience” and “is someone that always finds a solution.” She typically assists clients with discrimination and trade unions as well as restructuring matters.
GERMANY
Strong employment law boutique boasting a varied practice, offering particular strength in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, with further experience in cross-border employment mandates. Active on contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, representing clients both before the Federal Labour Court and in negotiations for collective bargaining agreements. Also advises companies on employee leasing.
Strengths
Clients highlight the team’s “great commercial awareness” and “flexibility and helpfulness.”
Sources describe ALTENBURG as “a really specialised firm that is doing a really good job.”
Notable practitioners
Described as “a very well-known employment lawyer,”Anja Mengel is based in the firm’s Berlin office. She has a particular focus on employment law compliance issues, but is also highlighted by sources for her work on co-determination matters.
SPAIN
Represents clients in collective conflicts, boardroom disputes and discrimination claims. Often advises on collective and individual dismissals, employment status disputes and restructurings. Has a number of clients from the manufacturing, telecommunications and banking industries. Also assists with the employment aspects of transactions, representing a range of employers in negotiations with trade unions.
Strengths
Market sources value that the team “provides a personalised, almost à la carte service.”
Clients also highlight that “all the lawyers have a deep knowledge of the area, a clear customer focus and a scrupulous way of working.”
Notable practitioners
Sonia Cortés has significant experience in restructurings and collective dismissals. Lately, she assisted Telecoms with proceedings before the Supreme Court concerning the outsourcing of employees. Clients say: “She is a very hard-working and dedicated lawyer, always extremely well prepared, with a good sense of negotiation and prudent guidance.”
Iván López García de la Riva advises primarily on collective conflicts and litigation before the Spanish Constitutional and Supreme Courts. Interviewees highlight his “enormous knowledge of the law” and his “results-oriented approach, persuasiveness and attention to details.”
Inés Molero Navarro practises across a range of employment matters, including restructuring-related hirings and dismissals. She assisted John Deere with the negotiation of a temporary layoff affecting 1,200 workers. Market sources describe her as “a stupendous litigator.”
BELGIUM
The “empathetic” and “supportive” Olivier Rijckaert of Sotra acts for domestic and international corporations on a number of employment mandates, including trade union negotiations and litigation. Clients admire his “very good technical knowledge” and his “focus on solutions.”
DENMARK
Mette Klingsten ranked as an individual.
Mette Klingsten of Mette Klingsten Law Firm is an employment specialist representing clients in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and advising on the restructuring of management. She also represents clients in disputes. A client highlights her “impressive knowledge and analytical skills.”
FINLAND
Minna Saarelainen of EMPLaw advises on a wide range of employment law topics, from day-to-day matters to disputes. One interviewee describes her as “a strong litigator,” and a second source is impressed with her “deep understanding of our business.”