BDBF - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Trainer
- Member of Lexis PSL
- Principal Knowledge Lawyer
Amanda is our Principal Knowledge Lawyer and leads the training and know-how function for the firm and its clients.
A key part of Amanda's role involves supporting BDBF's lawyers to maintain a first-class and up-to-date knowledge of employment law and providing them with the resources to deliver the best service to clients. In addition, Amanda directly supports BDBF's clients in a number of ways including through the delivery of regular articles, webinars and training events.
Amanda is an experienced trainer and public speaker in all types of formats, from one-to-one sessions and round-table events to large conferences. She has delivered in-person and virtual presentations for the following organisations:
American Bar Association;
Employment Lawyers Association;
European Employment Lawyers Association;
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Work and Families, Houses of Parliament;
Industrial Law Society;
White Paper Conference Co Ltd;
For Media Group Ltd; and
Daniel Barnett's HR Inner Circle.
Amanda is also a regular contributor to legal and HR journals and magazines including:
ELA Briefing;
Law 360;
Lexis PSL news;
Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence; and
Medico-Legal Journal.
Amanda is a member of Lexis PSL's expert panel of contributors and Daniel Barnett's panel of contributors for his well-known employment law updates. She has featured as an expert speaker on menopause at work for Daniel Barnett's podcast, Employment Law Matters, and recorded a training video on the topic for Thomson Reuters.
Amanda supports the BDBF team with media commentary, including to outlets such as the Financial Times, BBC Radio London, The Times, Sky News and Financial News.
Amanda was shortlisted for Knowledge Lawyer of the Year at the LexisNexis Legal Awards in both 2018 and 2022.
Amanda was admitted as a solicitor in October 2004.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate ( Scottish Qualified )
Amy studied for her degree and post-graduate diploma at Edinburgh University, before completing her traineeship with an international law firm. She joined BDBF after finishing her training.
During her training contract, Amy assisted on a number of cases in the Employment Tribunal and helped to advise on an extensive workplace investigation, which covered a range of employment and HR issues.
Amy has a keen interest in advising clients in relation to disability discrimination, and matters involving mental health in the workplace.
Her interest in this stems from researching her dissertation on mental health law while at university. Following this, Amy conducted legal research on the interplay between international human rights and mental health and has been teaching students on the Mental Health Law Honours course at
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Employment Lawyer
Anthony is an employment lawyer with a keen interest in advising clients in relation to discrimination matters.
During his training contract, he was involved in advising international clients from a number of industries and sectors on advisory, contentious and transactional matters. This involved advising on a broad range of employment issues, including dismissals and restrictive covenants.
Clients have praised Anthony's competent, diligent and empathetic manner:
"I have been sincerely touched by the very human and heart centre approach Anthony has taken; he has been both compassionate and pragmatic, and I am so incredibly grateful to have been supported by him."
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
Blair acts for a range of senior individuals predominantly in the financial, legal and professional services sectors.
Blair regularly negotiates exits or assists her clients with internal disciplinary and grievance matters. She also advises senior employees when moving jobs and assists them in negotiating favourable contractual terms and buy-outs.
For her corporate clients, Blair provides strategic advice on internal investigations, as well as complicated conduct and performance related issues. She has also advised on and drafted a variety of policies and procedures, employment contracts and settlement agreements.
On the contentious side, she has been involved in litigating matters for both employees and employers relating to employee competition, race, sex and pregnancy and maternity discrimination and claims arising from TUPE transfers, redundancies or restructurings. Acting for both parties gives Blair the added advantage of strategising with her opponent's next move in mind.
Blair is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and holds a Masters degree in Commercial Law, with specialism in Employment Law, Corporate Insolvency and Corporate Finance. She is passionate about pregnancy and maternity, and sex discrimination law, and has acted for numerous individuals either returning to work following maternity leave or in redundancy situations whilst pregnant or on maternity leave. She also has a keen interest in matters concerning restructuring, and transfers.
Claire "is fiercely pragmatic, sympathetic and caring, while being highly focused on the outcome." Chambers UK 2024
Claire is a Partner and recognised leader in the field of employment law.
She has over 20 years' experience as an employment lawyer and is commended by clients for her clear, strategic and sensitive advice. Ranked in Band 1 as a leading individual for Chambers UK 2024 and a Next Generation Partner for the Legal 500 UK 2024 for her work for senior executives, Claire is described as "top notch… her judgement is impeccable." Commentators note that she is "highly experienced and professional," with "excellent awareness and commercial judgement." Sources say she is "outstanding… gives trusted counsel and has a solutions-driven approach"; "She is a very reassuring person to have on your case."
Claire is recommended as a Global Leader in Labour & Employment Law in Who's Who Legal. She has also been recognised in the 12th edition of Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for Employment Law.
Claire acts for senior executives, professionals, directors and LLP members in a variety of sectors. She regularly advises on senior exits, working closely with her clients to achieve their objectives and is very familiar with the issues which arise for clients in regulated sectors such as financial services, the law and healthcare, including the NHS. Described as having "knowledge in bucket loads," she is skilled at reaching favourable negotiated outcomes where appropriate as well as fighting high value cases in the Employment Tribunal and High Court.
Claire has a particular interest in issues facing women at work including pregnancy and maternity discrimination, equal pay and sexual harassment. Claire frequently advises individuals with physical and mental health conditions in relation to disability discrimination and income protection disputes. She is expert at assisting her clients to navigate internal grievance and disciplinary processes.
Claire is a regular speaker at conferences and seminars both nationally and internationally and is a "go-to" media commentator on employment law issues, having appeared on BBC TV and radio, Sky News, Channel 4, ITV and been quoted in the national press.
Claire is qualified in England & Wales and in Ireland. She is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association (Labor & Employment Law Section) and the London Irish Lawyers Association. Most recently, Claire has been appointed by the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law as Employee Co-Chair of the International Labor & Employment Law Committee.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
Our experience, knowledge and industry insight means we will make the right judgment calls when we need to. Ultimately this gives you an edge over the other party.
This winning instinct is often the key factor in achieving the best possible outcome for our clients and why our clients recommend us to their friends and colleagues.
Nobody knows the details of your case better than you do - especially when it comes to understanding the personalities of those involved. Our lawyers highly value all the information our clients provide and will put that knowledge to the best use; often even the smallest piece of insight can make the biggest difference. We value and nurture a strong partnership with our clients as this is crucial to getting the best results.
We take the time to get to know you and the details of your case. Each member of our team is straightforward, down-to-earth and approachable, and our advice is jargon-free and empathetic.
Clare "embodies the approach of the firm - she has outstanding client management skills and is a heavyweight litigator." Chambers UK 2024
Clare's practice focuses on matters involving whistleblowing, stress at work, permanent health insurance and disability discrimination in addition to the full range of employment matters. Praised by The Legal 500 UK as having "outstanding client management skills, and serious litigation nous," Clare has recently advised a number of clients who suffer from mental health conditions and have experienced difficulties in the workplace.
Clare is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500 UK 2024 and Up and Coming in Chambers UK 2024, with the publication stating, "Clare is superb; she is incredibly calm in a crisis to get a client out of a hole and is a master tactician."
When settlements cannot be achieved, Clare has significant experience in representing clients in Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and High Court litigation. Between 2021 and 2024 she has advised clients in Employment Tribunal claims for ordinary unfair dismissal, automatic unfair dismissal due to whistleblowing, whistleblowing detriment, race discrimination, disability discrimination, harassment and victimisation. She has also represented clients in High Court claims for breach of contract and personal injury. She is currently acting for a number of clients in high value Employment Tribunal and High Court claims. Most recently, Clare was a key member of the team acting for Tony Danker in his dispute with the CBI. The former director-general brought legal action against the CBI over its handling of his dismissal following complaints about workplace misconduct. The case was reported extensively on numerous media channels, including being lead story on the BBC.
Outside of litigation, Clare provides practical and commercial advice on a wide range of workplace issues. The processes can often lead to negotiated exits which Clare has frequently advised on, in relation to both the legal and practical issues arising when employment is terminated.
Clare has a valued group of employer clients. She provides regular advice to these businesses on all HR and employment related matters, including performance issues, disciplinary and grievance matters, sickness absence, redundancy processes and enforcing post-termination restrictions. Her advice takes account of both the legal and commercial considerations of each matter and clients value her pragmatic approach.
Clare is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and sits on the Pro Bono Committee.
Emma studied law at Durham University before completing her training contract at a City firm, where she practised after qualification, advising both employer and employee clients across a range of sectors and a range of areas, including disputes, general advisory and transactional matters.
Emma has experience advising multi-national employers and working closely with their HR teams and management on a range of employment law issues, including restructuring, changes to terms and conditions, disputes and general HR advisory work, such as redrafting employment contracts and policies. She was also recently seconded to the legal department of a global organisation which gives her an enhanced understanding of the commercial considerations of a business and the interplay with employment law.
Emma also has experience advising individuals in relation to a wide range of issues, from general advice on employment contracts, to disputes, including grievances, disciplinary proceedings and litigation relating to a wide range of claims, such as discrimination, whistleblowing and unlawful deduction from wages. She regularly advises in relation to the drafting and negotiation of settlement agreements upon an exit.
Having initially qualified into both corporate law and employment law, Emma had a unique insight into the corporate considerations of employers, which benefits both her employer and employee clients.
Emma is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
In her spare time, Emma loves to travel as much as she can and try new restaurants in London - avoiding visiting the same place more than once! She is also an avid sports fan and can usually be found watching the rugby or on the netball court.
Emma was admitted as a solicitor in September 2021.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Managing Partner
- Partner
"Gareth Brahams is a titan of the employment law world" with "a tactical nous that is unmatched anywhere in the City." Legal 500 2024
Gareth Brahams is a recognised leader in the field of employment law.
He has nearly 30 years of experience in employment law advising senior executives and other employees with high value/high stakes situations, large and small employers, partners and members of LLPs.
Whilst he has brokered thousands of favourable settlements, he is particularly renowned for his victories in the Courts and Tribunals, taking on and beating some of the largest employers and LLPs in the world both in the financial services sector and other fields on behalf of individual employees.
His specialisms include: discrimination and whistleblowing claims (where he has fought and won a number of leading cases); restrictive covenants; team moves; disputes about TUPE; stress at work and misrepresentation.
He has acted in numerous cases involving sexual harassment both on behalf of victims but also defending employees falsely accused of sexual harassment, all of which have settled on confidential terms.
He also advises on high level severances and retirements, and on the terms of new contracts or membership/partnership agreements for senior executives and partners.
He is a renowned expert and creative lawyer. He can be a fearsome fighter when required but is also engaging with opponents when it is in the client's interests.
Career Highlights include:
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate ( Scottish Qualified )
- Employment Lawyer
Hannah is an employment lawyer who advises on the full range of employment issues with a focus on contentious and advisory work. Her sectoral experience includes banking and finance, oil and gas, arts, charities, and retail organisations.
Her general employment law and HR advisory practice has included advising on topical areas of law for employers, such as holiday pay and redundancies.
Hannah has experience of advising individuals and employers on a broad range of employment claims, including dismissal, discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, employee competition and negotiated exits. She has a particular interest in disputes involving PHI and stress at work claims. She has experience in Employment Tribunal, High Court and Court of Appeal litigation. She has also has significant experience advising individuals on settlement agreements and exits. Hannah has recently assisted with securing a seven-figure settlement for an individual with an unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claim, as well as assisting an employer client navigate receiving undertakings from an employee in an employee competition matter and saving the expense of interim injunction proceedings. Hannah would describe her general practice as advising both employees and employers with a focus on litigation.
Clients have said of Hannah:
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Employment Lawyer
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
James trained and qualified at a top international law firm where he advised international clients from a wide range of industries and sectors on advisory, contentious and transactional matters. His broad, cross-practice commercial experience enhances the employment advice he provides.
James is an employment lawyer who advises both individuals and employers. He has experience in Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, High Court and Court of Appeal litigation. His practice regularly provides advice in relation to discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, employee competition, investigations, disciplinary and grievance issues and negotiated exits. James recently assisted two clients in securing seven-figure settlements in separate claims for disability discrimination and whistleblowing. A large part of James' recent caseload has involved assisting senior executives with workplace issues drawing on his interpersonal, legal and negotiation skills. As part of James' general practice, he also regularly advises clients on settlement agreements and exits.
James is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and the Industrial Law Society (ILS). He places great value on his soft skills and is mindful of the sensitivity of employment issues and the impact these have on individuals' lives. He enjoys providing practical and commercially-minded support to individuals and businesses at a time when they are often navigating stressful and unpleasant situations.
Clients have said of James:
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
"Clients are front and centre of everything with Nick. He is fantastic with clients, and as a result they really trust him." Chambers UK 2024
Nick is a Partner with particular expertise in employment law matters with a regulatory cross-over.
He has significant experience of advising employees in trading and broking environments, and within financial services generally.
Within the insurance sector, he acts for employees of broking houses, underwriting agents, insurance and reinsurance companies in the London Market, including at Lloyd's of London. He has acted for many insurance brokers on the employee and employer side, underwriters and senior insurance executives, covering a wide range of employment matters ranging from restrictive covenants and team moves, to discrimination, whistleblowing and unfair and wrongful dismissal. He is highly experienced in negotiating severance terms and resolving Board-level disputes.
He was a key member of the team in Osipov v International Petroleum Ltd & Ors, the ground-breaking £2m win for the Claimant in the Court of Appeal which established that individual directors may be sued personally by whistleblowers for dismissal-related financial losses.
Nick is frequently instructed on employment matters that have a regulatory dimension involving the FCA or other regulators, and he is well-versed in the requirements and impact of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). Most recently, Nick's practice has pioneered the use of employment law remedies to overcome some of the injustices of the SMCR from the employee perspective as in the decisions of the Employment Tribunal in Bradley Jones v JP Morgan Securities plc.
In Gagliardi v Evolution Capital Management LLC he led the team that obtained the first anti-suit injunction under the new rules post-Brexit allowing employees to enforce or defend their employment rights in the jurisdiction most convenient to them.
He also acts regularly on limited liability partnership (LLP) matters and disputes, acting for senior members of LLPs within asset managers, hedge funds, private equity houses and in professional practices such as accountancy and law firms.
Nick enjoys providing clear and effective legal advice that cuts to the heart of what are often complex issues and creating outcomes which ensure clients' commercial and reputational interests remain intact. He is adept at spotting weaknesses in his opponent's position, knowing when and how to push the pressure points to his clients' maximum advantage.
Nick is ranked as a leading individual in Chambers UK 2024 where commentators say his "understanding of employment law is excellent, meaning he is able to guide cases in the right direction." He is also named as a Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 UK 2024 where he is described as "hard working and remains cool under pressure. Outstanding strategic direction and client-handling skills."
Nick is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA), the European Employment Lawyers Association (EELA), and the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA). He is a regular media commentator and is quoted in publications including the Times, the Guardian and Insurance Day.
Noelle trained at a US firm in London, where she was involved in advising on several advisory, contentious and transactional employment matters.
Noelle has particular experience and interest in Employment Tribunal and High Court work. Her contentious experience includes cases involving discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair constructive dismissal and obtaining injunctive relief.
She is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
In her leisure time she enjoys playing netball, trying new restaurants in London and being a member of a book club.
Noelle was admitted as a solicitor in August 2023.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner ( Scottish Qualified )
"Paula is a legal powerhouse. She is empathetic yet fights for my interests with precision and incredible expertise." Chambers UK 2024
Paula has over 13 years' experience as an employment lawyer.
As an employment law specialist, Paula advises senior employees, LLP members, partners and employers on employment law issues. She has expertise in whistleblowing, sexual harassment and discrimination cases.
Paula is ranked in Band 1 as a leading individual for Chambers UK 2024 for her work acting for senior employees in employment tribunal and High Court proceedings. Commentators note that she "is an excellent lawyer… a good negotiator and very dynamic in her approach." She is also described as "sound, pragmatic and thorough" and one referee was "extremely impressed by her knowledge and her analysis, as well as her ability to talk to clients in language that they understand."
The Legal 500 UK 2024 describe Paula as "a stand-out individual - she is strategically astute, meticulous and attuned to the client's needs." Previous editions note that she is "sought after" for her knowledge of employment matters in the financial services and is an "exceptionally smart lawyer, technically strong and eminently pragmatic."
Paula Chan. Simply the best employment solicitor I have ever worked with. She has everything, calm and poise, a brilliant legal brain, a ferocious hard worker but also very people orientated.
She is extremely knowledgeable, supportive and helped me through the entire process really well.
Paula is incredibly hard-working. She is brilliant with people and knows the law really well.
"Polly is a very impressive and capable lawyer who always seems to have her client's best interest at the heart of everything she does." Chambers UK 2024
Polly has been practising employment law for nearly 15 years. She joined BDBF in its first year and became a Partner in June 2017.
Polly advises both senior executives, and companies on employment related issues and uses this dual experience to give insightful and pragmatic advice.
Polly is ranked as a leading individual in Chambers UK 2024 where she is described as "really impressive." Clients say they "couldn't expect better service from her." She "was knowledgeable but combined that with pastoral support and empathy." Polly is also named as a Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 UK 2024 for her work for senior executives, and was recognised in the 12th edition of Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom for Employment Law.
Her work for senior executives includes:
entering businesses and negotiating contracts of employment;
Negotiating severance and advising on exits, often high profile and contentious;
challenging grievance/disciplinary issues;
representing clients in Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation, including:
discrimination and harassment claims;
whistleblowing claims;
equal pay claims;
disputes relating to confidential information and post termination restrictions; and
contractual disputes, including bonuses, and misrepresentation claims.
Polly is particularly noted as being an advocate for women including those who have been the subject of sex, and/or maternity discrimination and on senior executive equal pay disputes. She has acted for a number of very senior and high profile female executives in the City of London.
Polly has hands on experience of Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation. She is also an experienced negotiator and has been praised for having fought for former clients with "vigour and dignity."
On the employer side, Polly is a much trusted adviser to her corporate clients advising on all aspects of the employment relationship, from drafting contracts for employees, and directors, guiding HR processes, dealing with senior exits, and handling Employment Tribunal claims. She has long-standing relationships with clients in sectors including financial services, insurance, and media who comment on her ability to give commercial, legally sound solutions.
Polly enjoys training businesses on a range of employment related updates, delivering topical, engaging and practical sessions. Polly is a regular media commentator, having been quoted in the Guardian, the Times and BBC London Radio.
Polly is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
Outside of work, she spends time with her three young children and husband in South West London, is a school Governor, and karaoke fan.
Polly was admitted as a solicitor in September 2009.
Before joining BDBF in 2021, Rebecca worked at a magic circle firm for four years, where she trained and was an associate in their Employment team.
Rebecca advises on both contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. She regularly advises both employees and employers and this experience enables her to provide thorough and well-rounded advice that draws on her understanding of the needs and expectations of all parties.
Rebecca advises regularly in relation to negotiated exits, grievances, disciplinary issues, dismissals, redundancies, share schemes, incentive arrangements and regulatory issues. As part of her general practice she also frequently drafts and advises on settlement agreements and employment contracts.
Rebecca is experienced in both Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation. She has particular experience in advising individual clients in relation to whistleblowing and discrimination matters, including sex discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment.
Rebecca's clients have said the following about her and the team:
Job Titles:
- Managing Associate
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
Samantha is an experienced employment law litigator handling financially substantial claims in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal, with a particular specialism in whistleblowing, sex and disability discrimination claims.
She also regularly achieves favourable settlements on behalf of her clients without the need to start legal proceedings. Samantha is described as:
Samantha is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and volunteers at the Employment Tribunal Litigant in Person Support Scheme (ELIPS) at London Central Employment Tribunal.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Employment Lawyer
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
Theo is an employment lawyer with experience of advising and representing clients in a wide range of sectors on matters including: whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal, discrimination, post-termination restrictions, partnership issues and contractual disputes.
Theo is experienced in litigating disputes in the Employment Tribunal, High Court and by way of private arbitration.
He has a particular interest in assisting clients in the financial services sector and has successfully represented senior employees in whistleblowing proceedings (including interim relief applications) against multinational organisations and prominent financial institutions, in each case achieving significant settlements.
Over the years Theo has represented:
The former MD of a major supermarket chain in proceedings for unfair and wrongful dismissal in the Employment Tribunal and High Court;
An LLP member in a complex team move in extensive arbitration proceedings;
The UK Home Office's most senior official in a whistleblowing claim against the Home Secretary Priti Patel;
A law firm in a protracted dispute with an equity partner claiming disability discrimination; and
A senior football executive in negotiations on their contractual terms (including post-termination restrictions) when joining a top six Premier League club.
Clients have said of Theo:
Theo is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) and Association of Partnership Practitioners (APP).
Job Titles:
- Employment Lawyer
- Managing Associate
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
Tom is an experienced employment lawyer who helps clients achieve their commercial objectives by providing practical advice on all aspects of employment law.
Tom McLaughlin was outstanding on my case. He always presented facts and options extremely clearly and made sure that I made the right decisions for me at the time. All of his advice was extremely measured and I felt like he always had my best interests at heart. I don't think Tom is afraid to tell clients what they don't want to hear, which can be difficult when you're in the heat of the battle, but having a measured experience professional like Tom on my case made the difference between success and failure.
Print and broadcast media regularly turn to Tom for comment on employment law issues and he has appeared on Sky News and BBC Radio, among others.
Tom is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and is on the editorial committee of the Tech Disputes Network.
Tom enjoys hiking and cycling and spends as much of his free time as possible in the outdoors, usually with his young family in tow.
Tom was admitted as a solicitor in September 2009.
Before joining BDBF in 2023, Yulia was an associate in the Employment team at a US-headquartered international law firm.
During this time, she spent 12 months in-house on secondment gaining knowledge and experience in the media and entertainment sector. Yulia has also led the Advisory team in a consultancy business focused on workplace issues.
Yulia advises individual and employer clients on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Her experience includes advice on discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, disciplinary and grievance issues and negotiated exits.
She works with individuals to provide practical and commercial advice on a wide range of workplace matters, helping them to achieve favourable terms on entering and exiting employment, to resolve workplace conflict and representing them in litigation.
Yulia supports employer clients on the full range of employment matters including advising on contracts of employment and settlement agreements, drafting policies and procedures, handling complex workplace investigations, dealing with redundancies and employee misconduct, poor performance and sickness.
Her experience extends to a broad range of sectors including financial services, insurance, legal, technology, healthcare, media and entertainment and charity/NGOs.
Yulia has a particular interest in matters concerning workplace culture and discrimination.
In her free time, Yulia enjoys travelling, learning languages, going to art and music events and exploring both nature and London's restaurant scene.
Yulia was admitted as a solicitor in September 2015.