ELLINT’s members are again ranked as leading Employment & Labor Law Firms & Lawyers by Chambers Europe 2020, the independent international guide to lawyers and law firms around the world. In their words:
BELGIUM
Sotra, with offices in Brussels and Namur, is ranked in Band 5 for employment law advice in Belgium.
What the team is known for: Employment boutique acting for businesses from the transport and retail sectors on a range of advisory and contentious matters. Offers sound experience in benefits matters, dismissals, restructuring and remuneration. Cross-border work includes mobility and business expansion matters.
Strengths: A source notes: “The lawyers have a lot of experience and knowledge in labour law.”
Work highlights: Advised ASL Airlines Belgium on its dealings with the works council and on negotiations with union representatives.
Notable practitioners: Marian Dewaersegger is ranked in Band 4 for labor lawyers and handles employment advisory and contentious matters, including collective dismissals, non-compete disputes and transfer of employees. Dewaersegger is described by market sources as a “very pleasant collaborator.”
Olivier Rijckaert is ranked in Band 3 and offers significant expertise on the employment aspects of acquisitions, dismissals and collective bargaining agreements. Clients report that “his technical skills are impressive.”
DENMARK
Mette Klingsten is ranked in Band 3 of the leading labor lawyers in Denmark. She handles a range of employment-related matters, covering both disputes and non-contentious matters.
IRELAND
Boutique firm McInnes Dunne is ranked in Band 1 for mainly plaintiff work in Ireland.
What the team is known for: Boutique employment law firm which stands out as a leading team for plaintiff cases. Represents executives and other employees in all employment courts and tribunals. Other areas of expertise include compliance advice, industrial relations and trade union recognition. Also advises on employment considerations in the context of internal investigations, transactions and M&A processes.
Strengths: Market sources are quick to highlight the firm’s “strong offering” in the employment law space.
Notable practitioners: John Dunne is individually ranked in Band 2 for employment lawyers in Ireland. He is particularly well versed in supporting clients with the employment aspects of transactions and commercial restructurings, including redundancies and transfers of business. He provides additional experience in contentious matters relating to equality law and injunctions.
Peter McInnes is ranked in Band 1 in Ireland. He is held in high regard by peers as a go-to litigator in the employment law space. He frequently assists corporate clients and senior executives with matters concerning unfair dismissals, discrimination, collective redundancies and industrial relations.
ITALY
Lexellent, based in Milan and Rome, is ranked in Band 4 in Italy by Chambers Europe 2020.
What the team is known for: Assists clients with a variety of employment issues including health and safety, trade union negotiations and collective and individual dismissals. Also advises on related litigation. Offers a broad skill set which includes negotiations with trade unions. Represents national and multinational clients belonging to a range of industry sectors, with notable activity on behalf of those present in the life sciences industry.
Work highlights: Advised Farmaceutici Damor on the company’s restructuring and workforce reorganisation, including the dismissal of a number of senior executives.
Notable practitioners: Managing partner and practice head Giulietta Bergamaschi is ranked in Band 5 for lawyers and is experienced in acting for clients in the pharmaceutical and energy sectors. She often advises on company reorganisations, senior executive terminations and the implementation of diversity management policies.
LUXEMBOURG
Adam & Bleser is ranked in Band 3 for labor law advice in Luxembourg.
What the team is known for: Frequently instructed in employment litigation mandates for a range of clients. Noted for representing employees in contentious labour law cases, including terminations, and representing senior executives in labour disputes.
Strengths: Interviewees particularly highlight the firm’s work on behalf of employees in litigation, with commentators reporting that the team is “reliable” and provides “good technical points.”
Notable practitioners: Dominique Farys is ranked in Band 3 and noted for her experience representing employees in labour litigation cases and settlement negotiations.
Romain Adam is ranked in Band 1 and is a highly regarded practitioner in Luxembourg, respected for his litigation capabilities representing employees in termination disputes. One source describes him as “one of the best in Luxembourg for the employee side,” adding that he “knows very well how to handle a case and is well aware of legislation and strategy.”
SPAIN
Abdon Pedrajas, with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, is ranked in Band 2 for labor law advice in Spain by Chambers Europe 2020.
What the team is known for: Dedicated boutique active in collective conflicts, boardroom disputes and discrimination claims. Often advises on collective and individual dismissals and restructurings. Has a number of domestic and international clients from the manufacturing, telecommunications and banking industries. Assists with the employment aspects of transactions, representing a range of employers in negotiations with trade unions. Also handles issues in connection with outsourcing projects. Well-placed to represent clients in complex arbitration cases involving breaches of contract, including those relating to confidentiality and loyalty clauses.
Strengths: The practice comes highly recommended in the market, with a client emphasising: “I appreciate their ability to adapt their responses to our company’s situation and circumstances, rather than a stock response.” The client further notes: “They understand the legislation and make it accessible for us to interpret for the purpose of compliance matters.
Work highlights: Represented Telecyl in collective termination proceedings affecting more than 450 workers, and achieved a favourable result for the company in subsequent litigation brought by trade unions, before the Supreme Court.
Notable practitioners: Inés Molero Navarro is ranked in Band 3 and offers expertise in collective and individual dismissals and hirings. She receives regular mandates from clients from the banking and technology sectors.
Iván López García de la Riva is ranked in Band 4 and has substantial experience in collective conflicts, representing various clients in negotiations and court proceedings. A client reports: “When he is handling our cases we feel comfortable. He manages well in front of the judge.”
Sonia Cortés is ranked in Band 3 in Spain and is well-regarded in the market, with one interviewee underlining her “command over labour law,” and further detailing: “She is up-to-date on the law, its interpretation and how to apply it.”She is well-placed to assist with collective restructuring matters and senior management terminations.
