Uk Employment Law Information And Advice

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Naomi Latham discuss the increased scrutiny on lawyers in the last 12 months, both in relation to the type of work that they undertake and the clients they act for. In this episode, Andrew and Naomi discuss: 1. SLAPPS – An overview of the SRA’s guidance on the conduct of disputes, warning notice and thematic review; 2. “Sharp practice” – The recent findings of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in Woolf and the message this sends to solicitors engaging in sharp practice; 3. NDAs – The SRA’s current thematic review following the SRA’s warning notice on the use of NDAs, what our experience is with NDAs and confidentiality clauses; 4. GCs and in-house lawyers – A summary of the SRA’s in house solicitors thematic review and how the in house community have responded to the review so far; 5. Economic uncertainty - Whether we expect to see further ethical challenges arise for solicitors and fi

We are delighted to introduce the first episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Paralegal Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Harlequins and England rugby player, Rosie Galligan to discuss the following: 1. Rosie's inspiring journey to overcome adversity to play for England at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, her experience of the tournament and the subsequent reception for the women's game following the incredible World Cup campaign. 2. The future of women's rugby and initiatives for capturing the inspiration of the next generation ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in England. 3. The new ground-breaking maternity, pregnant parent, and adoption policy unveiled by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) which seeks to promote the health and safety of rugby players and normalise motherhood in sport.

We are delighted to introduce our brand new regulatory podcast, ReguLaw, featuring our Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and our Associate, Naomi Latham. This episode will be the first in a series of podcasts where Andrew and Naomi will discuss key regulatory trends and hot topics which professional service firms and solicitors need to be aware of. In our first episode, Andrew and Naomi discuss the SRA’s continued focus on law firm culture, including the following: 1. The SRA's guidance and thematic review on workplace environments and what that means for firms. The thematic review focuses on three main areas (mental health, creating a speak up culture and supervision) which are discussed in detail, with practical insight as to how firms should respond and react to the guidance. 2. The incoming rule change requiring firms and individuals to treat colleagues fairly and not unfairly discriminate them, together with the obligation on managers to challenge unfair/discriminatory behaviour, re

In this webinar, chaired by Mark Risk of Mark Risk PC, Dean M. Harvey (Partner at Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein LLP), James Hockin (Senior Associate at Withers), Danny Kaufer (Senior Counsel & Co-Chair, Sports Law & Gaming Group at BLG), Dr. Johannes Traut (Partner at Seitz) and Cody Yorke (Partner at Outten & Golden) discuss the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed ban on non-competition covenants in employment agreements. In particular, the panel discuss: - The details of the FTC proposal, exploring its broad scope, exemptions, and potential legal ramifications of misclassifications under the exemptions. - Whether the FTC proposal can be challenged and, if so, on what grounds. - How other jurisdictions which have already banned non-competition clauses have fared in balancing the protections for businesses (including their confidential information) and their departing senior executives and founders. - The initial perception of the proposal by the FTC from the perspective of senior executiv

Hybrid Working and Discrimination: What are the Challenges for Employers and How Can They be Overcome? Almost three years since the UK first plunged into lockdown as a result of the global pandemic, the seismic consequences of that lockdown continue to be seen today, not least through the new model of working which has become prevalent in this country and, indeed, throughout the world. With almost unanimous agreement that hybrid working, in one form or another, is here to stay, what are the potential employment law consequences arising from this? In this podcast, Partner Merrill April and Senior Associate Louise O’Connor consider whether employers are sufficiently prepared to meet the potential discrimination risks associated with hybrid working. In particular, Merrill and Louise discuss: - Can employers afford to reject the hybrid working model? - How can employers meet their legal obligations towards employees who may be protected from disability discrimination, whilst they are engaged in hybrid working

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent IFSEA webinar, 'Confidential Information: The Use and Misuse by Executives and Founders.' Please see below for full details and listen to the recording here.  In this webinar, chaired by David Fisher, (Partner at CM Murray LLP), Peter De Maria, (Senior Partner at Doyle Clayton), Amit Bindra (Partner at The Prinz Law Firm, P.C.) and Klaudia Aliaj (Director at Alvarez & Marsal Disputes and Investigations LLP) discuss confidential information in the United Kingdom and United States and some of the key legal and practical issues facing senior executives and founders. In particular, the panel explores:  - The core principles and definitions of confidential information, unpacking the following concepts:   1. The factors to be considered when determining what constitutes a 'trade secret' and what constitutes other 'confidential information' 2. Whether protection can be applied to an employee’s experience and know-how 3. Which categories of confidential

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar 'Legal Professional Privilege 101: What are the Principles and How is it Applied in an Employment Law Context?' n this webinar, chaired by Beth Hale (Partner and General Counsel at CM Murray LLP), Wonu Sanda (Senior Associate at CM Murray LLP), and Michael White (Barrister at 11KBW) aimed at HR professionals, in-house counsel, private practice lawyers, and other professional advisers, the panel discuss legal and litigation privilege, in particular: Exploring the core principles of legal and litigation privilege and specific case law examples to explore what is meant by the following: Confidential communication Client Lawyer Dominant purpose of legal advice Dominant purpose of obtaining information for adversarial proceedings. Key practical protocols, guidance and tips to ensure privilege is maintained in practice Frequently encountered employment-based scenarios, demonstrating how legal and litigation privilege applies in practice an

What are the different approaches taken internationally towards driving greater diversity at board level? In this recording, Emma Bartlett, Partner at CM Murray LLP (UK), Pål Kvernaas, Partner at Haavind Law Firm (NO), Teresa L Johnson, Partner at Arnold & Porter (US), Wendi Lazar, Partner at Outten & Golden (US), and Carl-Frederik Hedenstrom, Partner at CFH (SE) explore the different approaches taken internationally toward greater diversity on boards as a follow-up to the panel discussion at the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2022. In particular, the panel discuss: - The effectiveness, challenges, and implementation of Norway's mandatory quotas for women on boards and whether this approach has seen an increase in productivity and profitability over the past 16 years; - The US approach, including the recently introduced, controversial legislation in California, which saw quotas implemented in order to improve bo

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barack Obama In celebration of this year’s Black History Month (“BHM”), Senior Associates Pooja Dasgupta and Wonu Sanda reflect on the BHM 2022 theme of “Time for Change: Action Not Words”. In this podcast, Pooja and Wonu are joined by Jesse Bakare, a previous participant in CM Murray’s Virtual Internship Programme and future trainee solicitor at Slaughter & May, who shares his authentic experiences as an aspiring, black solicitor embarking on a legal career, and reflects on the importance of mentorship and role models who, in his case, have encouraged him and have helped to shape his decisions thus far in pursuing his route into law. Pooja, Wonu and Jesse also discuss the measures employers should be taking to facilitate a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, with a view to recruiting, promoting and retaining black talent and addressing underrepresentatio

What are the latest immigration challenges and opportunities facing senior executives and employers, both in the US and UK? In this recording, Jonathan A. Grode, Practice Director and Managing Partner at Green and Spiegel LLC (US), and Natasha Chell, Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance at Laura Devine Immigration (UK), explore developments in US and UK immigration that have occurred since the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2022. In particular, Jonathan and Natasha discuss: - The reduction in processing times for US and UK visas and the positive impact on firms and senior executives. - What procedures will employers and employees need to follow to ensure immigration due diligence is maintained during a merger and/acquisition? - The introduction of the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa in the UK and the reasons that we have not seen the expected uptake in visas of this kind. This recording follows the Immi

In this recording, our expert panel explore some of the wide-ranging business and societal impact drivers for putting neurodiversity firmly at the top of companies’ agendas and the benefits that neurodiverse leaders can bring to corporate boards. - Dr Nancy Doyle, Chartered Psychologist and Founder of Genius Within CIC (UK) - Lori Deem, Partner at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym (Illinois, USA) - Chair: Pooja Dasgupta, Senior Associate at CM Murray LLP (UK) In particular, the panel discuss: - The meaning of neurodiversity, including a summary of the various different types of neurodiverse conditions; - The key benefits of having neurodiverse, specialist thinkers occupying the senior-most positions within an organisation, and expanding the definition of the leadership qualities that companies typically value; - What more leaders can do to speak out and “change the conversation” when it comes to talking about neurodiversity, and how they might overcome some of the barriers to achieving neurodiverse leadershi

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar ‘SRA Sexual Misconduct Guidance – What Lawyers and Firms Need to Know’ . The panel discussion includes a detailed analysis of the key areas in the SRA guidance: When does the threshold for self-reporting apply? The SRA’s view on the influence of alcohol on offending and the significance of the motive of offending; The complexities surrounding the issue of consent; Guidance from the SRA on sanctions; and What is meant by ‘proximity to practice’ and how does it play out in reality? In this webinar, Beth Hale (Partner and General Counsel at CM Murray LLP), Corinne Staves (Partner at CM Murray LLP and partnership law specialist), Andrew Pavlovic (Partner at CM Murray LLP and regulatory/professional discipline specialist) and Ellen Peart (Partner at BCL Solicitors LLP and criminal law specialist) discuss the SRA guidance on sexual misconduct, published on 1st September 2022. In particular: A discussion surrounding the need for this gui

We are delighted to bring you the next episode of our podcast series 'Talking Board Diversity', hosted by Emma Bartlett, Partner at CM Murray LLP in London, and Teresa Johnson, a San Francisco-based Partner at Arnold & Porter, exploring the key developments and current progress in bringing more diversity into the boardroom, both in the UK and in California. In this episode, Emma and Teresa discuss how board diversity will be achieved in light of the prolific challenges to the board diversity rules across the US, and challenges in the UK to positive action measures taken by organisations who are trying to hit diversity targets. In particular, focusing on: Why there have been such significant challenges to the Nasdaq board diversity rules and mandatory California quotas – and why such challenges are succeeding The California rules introducing mandatory diversity board quotas were controversial from the start, but nevertheless had a significant impact on improving board diversity - not just with regards to ge

How has #MeToo changed the landscape for Senior Executives in relation to sexual harassment and NDAs? In this recording, our expert panel discuss how far (if at all) we have come in dealing with sexual harassment cases since the #MeToo movement, what changes there have been from a legal, regulatory and cultural perspective in the various jurisdictions and how those changes may have driven - and continue to drive - increased transparency, accountability and prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace. Chair: Beth Hale (CM Murray LLP) Lindsey Wagner (Moxie Mediation) Annemarie Wieringa (Van Hall Advocaten) Claire Dawson (BDBF) Inge Derde (Bellaw) In particular, the panel discuss: - Whether workplace culture has changed post #MeToo in various jurisdictions through increase in allegations, amendments to internal policies and practices, or an increase in behaviours being challenged. - The crossover between workplace and criminal investigations and points to consider for senior executives commencing or m

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar on ‘The Greater Good; How Professional Firms Are Embracing B Corp Status, ESG & Other Non-Profit Making Objectives’, in which partnership law specialists and sustainability management experts discuss the importance of promoting accountability and transparency to a wider group of stakeholders along with environmental, social and corporate governance and how this can be achieved within professional firms. There is increased pressure on professional firms to enhance their social engagement and sustainability. Thus, it is important to consider what measures professional firms should undertake to assess their impact performance on stakeholders and subsequently improve it. In this webinar, you can hear Chair Rob Millard, (Cambridge Strategy Group), and speakers Emma Bartlett, (CM Murray LLP), Dr John Henry Looney, (Sustainable Direction Ltd), Corinne Staves, (CM Murray LLP) discuss the following: • What is B Corp and how can professional firms a

Following the recent 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up video and podcast on the breakout session, 'Cross-Border Executive Investigations – risks, strategies and reputation management for executives involved in high profile, cross-border matters involving fraud, bribery and other alleged wrongdoing.' In this recording, our expert panel highlight some of the key issues discussed at the conference on how senior executives can handle risks, develop effective strategies and manage their reputations in cross-border workplace investigations, at both the internal stage and following the involvement of external regulatory, criminal and other agencies. In particular, the panel discuss: - Vital first response steps to a notice of investigation and information gathering; - Obtaining specialist employment and white-collar crime legal representation; - The approach to co-operation and assista

A number of recent scandals have put the role of GCs and in-house Counsel in the spotlight, raising the difficult question as to how GCs can manage the tension between their obligations to act in the best interests of their employer and their regulatory duties. The follow up video and podcast explore further some of the themes discussed by our expert panel, as well as some new perspectives: • An overview of the regulatory regime that applies to GCs and in-house counsel and how this interacts with the contractual duty to employers; • The need to think about support structures/reporting lines for in-house lawyers to protect them from commercial pressures to act in certain way; • Whistleblowing issues for GCs and in-house lawyers – how can a GC/in house lawyer blow the whistle without breaching regulatory obligations of confidentiality/privilege? • Remuneration for GCs and in-house lawyers; does incentivising commercial success put the in-house adviser into conflict? • What are the advantages of having GCs on b

Following the recent 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up video and podcast on the opening plenary session, 'You’re cancelled! – Are Senior Executives and Founders Properly equipped to respond to generational changes in expectations and cultural norms in the evolving workplace, and how can they best drive inter-generational understanding and collaboration?' This session discussed some of the big cultural changes facing Senior Executives and how they can best equip themselves to embrace these changes going forward. The follow up video and podcast explore the following themes discussed by our international panel: • What is “cancel culture”? Is it more than an expression of opinion or online abuse, and a concerted effort to destroy a person's reputation because of their opinions? • Who matters in a “cancelling” crisis? Who are the affected stakeholders? • Our LinkedIn poll showed that

We are delighted to share the webinar recording of part 2 in the Professional Practices Alliance webinar series, '"Should we merge?", a discussion on whether, when and how to merge with another firm, in which an expert panel explores how firms should plan and prepare for a merger. Please see below for full details. In this webinar, you can hear Chair, Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), Robert Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), David Fisher (CM Murray LLP), Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP), David Shufflebotham (Pep Up Consulting) and Andrew Pavlovic (CM Murray LLP) discussing issues such as: How does the SRA view mergers and whether there are any concerns around confidentiality and conflicts of interest.   Whether a merger is really about two firms merging, or whether it is about creating a new, more successful firm.   How do you persuade and reassure the workplace on the major upheaval causes by a merger?   Understanding why it is important to have your finger on the pulse in understanding your partn

In this webinar, you can hear Chair, Corinne Staves (Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP), Partner Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP), Simon Slater (Guest Speaker, Cripps Pemberton Greenish and Byfield Consultancy), Giles Murphy (Guest Speaker, Smith & Williamson) and Rob Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group) discussing issues such as: • Mergers are usually the riskiest growth strategy –– are there other (less disruptive) routes (e.g., organic growth, lateral hiring) to realising the firm’s strategic goals? • Identifying the right merger partner can take time and diligence and requires compromise as there is never a “perfect” merger partner. • How to win “hearts and minds” to align partners with any merger strategy early in the process and ensure that the requisite partner approvals for any merger can be achieved. • Advance preparation for a merger can make or break a deal; identify any “red lines” in advance and keep these to a minimum and undertake “reverse due diligence” to identify any potential issues in your own fi