Methodology

The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

 

EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Christian Arnold – Gleiss Lutz, Stuttgart
• Silvia Bauzá Hernández - Allen & Overy LLP, Madrid
• Juan Bonilla – Cuatrecasas, Madrid
• Michael Burd – Lewis Silkin LLP, London
• Paul Callaghan – Taylor Wessing LLP, London
• Chris Engels – Claeys & Engels, Brussels
• Orly Gerbi – Herzog Fox & Neeman, Tel Aviv
• Marianne Granhøj – Kromann Reumert, Copenhagen
• Tomi Kemppainen – Castrén & Snellman Attorneys Ltd, Helsinki
• Clare Murray – CM Murray LLP, London
• Patrick Thiébart – Franklin, Paris
• Els de Wind – Van Doorne NV, Amsterdam

 

Leading firms

Lewis Silkin

Michael Burd is “one of the finest negotiators around” and a “responsive and reliable leader in the field”. He is a go-to for boardroom issues and partnership disputes.
Toni Lorenzo is a “tremendously impressive litigator” who excels at handling contract disputes and whistleblowing claims.
James Davies comes highly recommended for the breadth of his experience advising employers on restructurings and complex disputes.
Managing partner Richard Miskella is “an astonishingly good employment lawyer” who gains plaudits for his “extremely inspiring profile, strategic approach and business mind”.

Claeys & Engels

Chris Engels enjoys praise as “one of the very best Western European labour and employment lawyers” and is highlighted for his wealth of knowledge around undertakings and outsourcing.
Sophie Maes comes highly esteemed for her expertise in dismissal law and HR advisory for clients in Belgium and abroad.
Olivier Wouters is recognised for his “business-oriented approach” and “excellent advice” in contentious proceedings including dismissals and collective bargaining agreements.

Gleiss Lutz

Christian Arnold enjoys a strong international reputation for his work on collective bargaining issues and reorganisations.
The “excellent” Thomas Winzer regularly advises companies on compliance investigations and transactions.
Martin Diller is “extremely reliable and always a pleasure to work with”. He has extensive experience in outsourcing projects, and provides stellar compliance advice.
Doris-Maria Schuster is a “terrific lawyer” who stands out for her encyclopaedic understanding of collective bargaining law.

CMS

Christopher Jordan is an “outstanding attorney” with considerable experience implementing codes of conduct, providing data protection advice and negotiating with trade unions.
Björn Gaul provides “highly sophisticated advice” regarding collective bargaining agreements, flexible working and restructurings to German and international companies.
Gerlind Wisskirchen is a “prominent labour lawyer”, much sought after for her profound understanding of compliance issues, whistleblowing systems and outsourcing.
Björn Otto is noted for his “exceptional communication skills” in negotiations with trade unions, and in transfers and restructurings.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Klaus-Stefan Hohenstatt is “extraordinarily knowledgeable” across the full gamut of employment issues and regularly advises multinationals in the services, automotive and healthcare industries.
Raquel Flórez is a distinguished practitioner with considerable experience providing “excellent strategy and phenomenal corporate advice” in outsourcing projects, discrimination and harassment cases, and cross-border transactions.

Sagardoy Abogados

Román Gil is a go-to lawyer for collective dismissals, redundancies and complex company agreements.
Martín Godino is “absolutely among the best employment lawyers in Spain” thanks to his 30-plus years of experience in the field.

 

Other leading individuals

Austria

Julian Feichtinger at Cerha Hempel Rechtsanwälte is “an extremely dependable litigator” who specialises in workplace disputes and restructurings.

The “excellent” Ralf Peschek of Wolf Theiss stands out for his work on executive agreements, contractual issues and disputes, and his thorough understanding of disability laws.

Hans Georg Laimer with zeiler.partners Rechtsanwälte is revered for his “in-depth knowledge of labour law” and his “client-oriented and highly professional approach in and out of court”.

Belgium

Willy van Eeckhoutte of Van Eeckhoutte, Taquet & Clesse is noted for his “out-of-the-box thinking” which he brings to complex employment disputes for companies and individuals.

Jan Hofkens of Lydian garners praise for his “high quality of knowledge and extensive experience” in contentious proceedings, company restructurings and drafting HR policies.

Philippe De Wulf at Altius is a “well-established and reliable attorney” who can navigate employers and executives through contentious cross-border proceedings and restructurings.

Chris Van Olmen with Van Olmen & Wynant is “without a doubt a top lawyer in the employment field” thanks to his compliance expertise and accomplishments in collective and individual disputes.

Cyprus

The “amazing” George Georgiou at George Z Georgiou & Associates continues to excel across the full spectrum of labour law issues, from contract drafting and negotiating to collective bargaining, HR advisory work and transfers of undertakings.

Czech Republic

Nataša Randlová of Randl Partners is a “true leader in employment law”. She is touted for being “extremely efficient” with a detailed understanding of regulatory and HR matters.

Denmark

Yvonne Frederiksen of Norrbom Vinding is an “absolute authority on discrimination law”, and “adept at creating holistic solutions for clients”.
Jørgen Vinding is “clearly one of the best employment lawyers in Denmark”. He is well versed at handling complex disputes for clients in the media and pharmaceutical sectors.

Marianne Granhøj with Kromann Reumert is a “vastly talented market-leading practitioner” who regularly navigates clients in the TMT, healthcare and financial sectors through cross-border employment disputes.

Henriette Stakemann with Plesner impresses with her “business-oriented and pragmatic approach” to contract issues for companies in Denmark and abroad.

Independent practitioner Helene Amsinck is “enviably strong and remarkably active”. Her 25-plus years of experience make her “incredibly skilled in providing top-class advice to employers and senior executives”.

England

The “outstanding” Clare Murray of CM Murray leads our research with an “impeccable profile and stellar global reputation” for contentious and non-contentious labour, employment and partnership matters.

Andrew Taggart of Herbert Smith Freehills is a “vastly knowledgeable expert who consistently resolves complex employment disputes”.

Paul Callaghan with Taylor Wessing has a “brilliant reputation for challenging cross-border disputes”.
Sean Nesbitt is a go-to lawyer for non-compete litigation, data issues, outsourcing and collective redundancies.

Daniel Ornstein at Proskauer Rose is revered for his regulatory expertise and his work on trade union issues and restrictive covenants.

Finland

Tomi Kemppainen of Castrén & Snellman is an “exceptionally good and trustworthy attorney with a calm and clear demeanour” which he applies to complex employment disputes and outsourcing arrangements.

France

At Franklin, Patrick Thiébart is a “very well-equipped employment specialist” who advises companies on HR issues and in sophisticated class actions.

The “outstanding” Mathilde Houet-Weil with Weil & Associés is a “very well-accomplished attorney” who is “fast and clear in her responses throughout sensitive employment issues”.

Karine Audouze with UGGC Avocats has two decades of experience advising on labour issues relating to corporate transactions and restructurings.

Roselyn Sands at EY is a “superb lawyer with a distinguished international practice” and more than 35 years of experience dealing with the full gamut of labour and employment issues, from harassment and discrimination claims to transfers and transactions.

Joël Grangé of Flichy Grangé Avocats enjoys a “significant standing in the French market” for his work on undertakings, collective redundancies and restructuring arrangements.
Olivier Kress is a “fantastic labour lawyer” with a “strong international focus” developed over 20-plus years advising multinational clients on outsourcing, collective bargaining, regulatory matters and transfers.

Germany

Thomas Ubber at Allen & Overy is a “fair and tough negotiator” who stands out for his “expansive knowledge of strikes” and is “famous for trade union litigation”.

Kara Preedy at Greenberg Traurig is a “highly intelligent practitioner” with detailed experience providing advice on high-level exits and compliance systems.

Bernd Weller with Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek is highlighted for his profound knowledge of workplace regulations and collective employment law.

Ireland

Colleen Cleary with CC Solicitors is an “excellent, focused and fair lawyer” with an immaculate understanding of complex employment disputes.

Israel

Herzog Fox & Neeman claims the “outstanding” Orly Gerbi, who “always delivers an amazing quality of work”. Her expertise spans due diligence, contract negotiations, recruitment and compliance implementation, making her the “first port of call for labour matters in Israel”.

Italy

With more than 20 years of experience, Valeria Morosini at Toffoletto De Luca Tamajo e Soci is an “extremely knowledgeable practitioner” who clients rely on for cross-border employment issues, contentious proceedings and restructurings.

Angelo Zambelli with Grimaldi Studio Legale is highly esteemed for his “efficiency in dealing with highly complex workplace problems” and his “strong business acumen”.

Luxembourg

Louis Berns at Arendt & Medernach is a “seasoned veteran in the market” and is renowned for “exceptional employment litigation”.

Netherlands

Els de Wind at Van Doorne is a “superb lawyer who always impresses” in reorganisations, internal investigations and transfers.

Poland

Bartłomiej Raczkowski of Raczkowski is “absolutely the number one employment lawyer in Poland” with a “tremendous international reputation” for his work on dismissals, non-competes and complex disputes.

Russia

At Alrud, Irina Anyukhina uses a “powerful knowledge of local labour laws and regulations” to provide “unbelievably amazing advice”, making her “the go-to lawyer for employment matters in Russia”.

South Africa

Aadil Patel of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr garners praise for exceptional work on employment issues for state-owned enterprises and employers across Africa.

Brian Patterson with ENSafrica is nominated for his expansive knowledge across the full gamut of labour and employment issues.

Spain

Juan Bonilla of Cuatrecasas is an “excellent and ethical attorney” who is highly sought after for his extensive experience handling the labour aspects of corporate transactions and contract terminations.

Sweden

Fredrik Dahl with Vinge is an “extraordinarily talented employment lawyer” who is “very quick and practical” in complex M&A transactions and disputes.
Charlotte Forssander achieves commendation for her 20 years of experience dedicated to labour and employment law. She is a “highly skilled employment law expert who is very strong in litigation”.

Anders Nordström of Mannheimer Swartling is a “splendid employment litigator” who “combines theory and practice to a very high level”.
Henric Diefke is a “highly sought-after labour lawyer” who assists clients in acquisitions, reorganisations and commercial matters.

Jenny Welander Wadström with Roschier enjoys an “unrivalled ability to articulate the Swedish employment law landscape” and is “always able to navigate clients through the most complex issues”.

Switzerland

The “phenomenal” Ueli Sommer at Walder Wyss is “brilliant to work with”, and a go-to lawyer for restructurings and the labour aspects of M&A transactions.

Denis Humbert at Humbert Heinzen Lerch Attorneys at Law is a prominent name in the Swiss market whose “responsiveness, specialist knowledge and friendly approach” makes him popular for difficult labour law issues.

United Arab Emirates

Samir Kantaria of Al Tamimi & Company is “certainly a leading lawyer in the field” with “vast employment law knowledge thanks to his 20-plus years of experience”.

Rebecca Ford at Clyde & Co concentrates her first-tier practice on complex employment disputes.

 

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Patrick L Benaroche – Stikeman Elliott LLP, Montreal
• Philip M Berkowitz – Littler Mendelson PC, New York
• Erika C Collins – Epstein Becker & Green PC, New York
• Lloyd B Chinn – Proskauer Rose, New York
• Michael Delikat – Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, New York
• Peter A Gall QC – Gall Legge Grant Zwack LLP, Vancouver
• Jeffrey Goodman – Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP, Toronto
• Danny J Kaufer – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Montreal
• Carolyn A Knox – Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC, San Francisco
• Johan Lubbe – Littler Mendelson PC, New York
• Michael P Royal – Littler Mendelson PC, Dallas
• Michael G Sherrard - Sherrard Kuzz LLP, Employment & Labour Lawyers, Toronto

 

 

Leading firms

Littler Mendelson

Johan Lubbe is a “terrific labour lawyer with an outstanding reputation across the Americas”. He is revered for his data privacy expertise and strategic compliance advice.
Philip Berkowitz is a “leading figure with a spectacular international reputation”. He regularly advises multinationals in complex class actions and on compensation practices.
Michael Royal applies more than 25 years of experience to complex employment disputes involving whistleblowing, wrongful discharge and harassment.
Trent Sutton is a “splendid lawyer who always provides practical advice and solutions”. He is considered “an expert on global relocations”.
Melinda Caterine is a “splendid litigator” who handles an array of contentious issues including sexual harassment claims, discrimination cases and contract disputes.

Fasken

John Craig excels in contentious proceedings regarding human rights law and collective bargaining agreements.
Brian Burkett is a seasoned lawyer with more than 40 years of experience representing employers and employer associations on a wide-range of workplace and HR issues.
Douglas Gilbert regularly represents domestic and international employers in complex arbitration and litigation.

Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe

Michael Delikat is celebrated for his “impressive global reputation as a top labour and employment lawyer”. He stands out for his work on high-profile class actions and investigations.
The “phenomenal” Julie Totten is highlighted for her impeccable practice, which encompasses complex class and collective action defence as well as internal investigations.
Gary Siniscalco enjoys a “superb national practice” which sees him advise clients on affirmative action compliance, wrongful discharge claims and cross-border disputes.
Laura Becking is revered for her expertise in M&A-related employment issues.

 

Other leading individuals

Canada

Danny Kaufer at Borden Ladner Gervais is a seasoned practitioner who is widely considered “one of North America’s best labour lawyers”.

At Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie, Jeffrey Goodman earns plaudits for his extensive experience in high-stakes contentious proceedings.

Erin Kuzz of Sherrard Kuzz regularly advises multinational employers on the full gamut of employment law issues from union organisation and negotiations to audits, disputes and contract issues.
Michael Sherrard is acclaimed for his excellent work on labour and employment issues for clients in the construction industry.

Patrick Benaroche at Stikeman Elliott is a go-to lawyer for cross-border employment disputes such as wrongful dismissals, discrimination cases and workplace harassment.

James Kondopulos with Roper Greyell is nominated for his “ability to navigate complex situations and mitigate risks with ease” and for “always staying on top of the latest issues that may affect employers”.

The “excellent” Andrea Zwack of Gall Legge Grant Zwack stands out for her extensive experience appearing before all levels of court in cases regarding unionisation, harassment and discrimination.

USA

Erika Collins with Epstein Becker & Green is “an amazing lawyer with a strong global presence” with expertise across a broad range of employment issues.

Carolyn Knox at Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart is a “definite leader in the market” who is renowned for her work across Asia, Europe and the Americas on handbooks, employment agreements, disputes and audits.

Lloyd Chinn at Proskauer Rose is “brilliant for whistleblowing claims” and stands out as “an expert in the financial services industry”.

At Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, Gary Eidelman is “excellent on restrictive covenants” and well versed in employment disputes and compliance issues.

Michael Rosen with Foley Hoag is “smart, practical and knowledgeable”, and “terrific for non-compete issues”.

Marie-Joëlle Khouzam of Bricker & Eckler is highly esteemed for “always delivering excellent results” and for being a “superior litigator” in complex employment disputes.

Wendi Lazar at Outten & Golden “does an astonishingly good job advising high-level executives” on agreements and other workplace issues.
Wayne Outten is an “incredibly effective plaintiff lawyer” who uses more than 40 years of experience to represent individuals in employment disputes.

Marjorie Culver of Seyfarth Shaw advises multinational companies on compliance matters, terminations, HR issues and outsourcing projects.

 

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Mercedes Balado Bevilacqua – MBB Balado Bevilacqua Abogados, Buenos Aires
• Sólon de Almeida Cunha – Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados, São Paulo
• Juan Carlos De La Vega G – Santamarina y Steta SC, Garza García
• Oscar De la Vega Gómez – De La Vega & Martínez Rojas SC, Mexico City
• Jorge G De Presno-Arizpe – Basham Ringe y Correa SC, Mexico City
• Luís Antônio Ferraz Mendes - Pinheiro Neto Advogados, São Paulo
• Estêvão Mallet – Mallet Advogados Associados, São Paulo
• Paulina Miranda – Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría, Santiago
• Enrique M Stile – Marval O’Farrell & Mairal, Buenos Aires

 

Leading firms

Funes de Rioja & Asociados

Ignacio Funes de Rioja is “widely recognised at home and abroad” for his stellar advice in M&A proceedings, restructurings, outsourcing deals and collective bargaining negotiations.
Founding partner Daniel Funes de Rioja is a long-standing figure with unrivalled knowledge of domestic and international labour and employment issues.
Eduardo Juan Vinales enjoys praise for his bespoke practice which covers restructurings and negotiating collective bargaining agreements.
Ernesto Arguello Bavio is celebrated for his distinguished career spanning several decades, over which he has advised multinational clients on a range of labour law issues.

Hogan Lovells

Hugo Hernández-Ojeda Alvírez is a “top-notch lawyer” who stands out for his work on corporate group structures and company formation.
Luis Ricardo Ruíz Gutiérrez is an “extremely talented employment lawyer” who clients rely on for collective labour law issues including collective bargaining and terminations of employment.

Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados

Sólon de Almeida Cunha is highlighted for his “strong technical capacity and strategic vision” and excels in negotiations with unions.
Vilma Toshie Kutomi distinguishes herself with an “unmatched level of technical knowledge and experience” handling transfer disputes, outsourcing issues and harassment claims.
Dario Rabay has a “deep knowledge of complex labour matters” and a “stellar track record” when it comes to complex labour disputes.

Veirano Advogados

Maria Luisa “Isa” Soter da Silveira is highly sought after for her extensive experience as a labour judge, which she applies to employment and immigration disputes.
José Carlos Wahle is well versed at handling HR disputes arising from terminations, transfers and investigations.

 

Other leading individuals

Argentina

The “globally renowned” Mercedes Balado Bevilacqua at MBB Balado Bevilacqua Abogados is an “inspirational figure in the market” with more than 20 years of experience in employment law.

Enrique Stile with Marval O’Farrell & Mairal provides executives and employers with “first-class legal advice and a complete understanding of employment law”.

Brazil

Luís Antônio Ferraz Mendes of Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a “highly accomplished and truly excellent lawyer” with outstanding knowledge of Brazilian labour law.

Estêvão Mallet at Mallet Advogados Associados is “one of the most prestigious labour lawyers in the country”, highlighted for his “brilliant technical expertise and critical analyses”.

Cássia Fernanda Pizzotti at Demarest Advogados is a “highly professional, dependable and efficient lawyer” who excels in union negotiations, M&A proceedings, outsourcing and transfers for Brazilian and international clients.

Chile

Paulina Miranda of Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría applies an “expansive knowledge of local and international labour law” to her top-notch HR compliance advice.

Oscar Aitken with Carey is revered for his considerable experience in contentious proceedings and contract negotiations.

Enrique Munita L at Munita & Olavarría has a “phenomenal specialised labour and employment practice” which encompasses complex litigation, outsourcing and day-to-day advice.

Colombia

Carolina Camacho at Posse Herrera Ruiz receives praise from international sources for her “exquisite practice” which sees her advise clients on labour settlements, collective dismissals and terminations.

Mexico

Jorge De Presno-Arizpe of Basham Ringe y Correa is touted for his “enviable communication and analytical skill in litigations and administrative procedures”. He has “all of the qualities you could want in a labour lawyer”.

Juan Carlos De La Vega G with Santamarina y Steta stands out for the breadth of his experience handling trade union disputes and regulatory issues for national and international clients.

Oscar De la Vega Gómez at De La Vega & Martínez Rojas is “always well prepared in negotiations with trade unions”, and “undoubtedly deserves the strong recognition he receives for his distinguished career”, which spans three decades.
Mónica Schiaffino at Littler uses more than 20 years of experience to conduct thorough compliance investigations, restructurings and collective bargaining agreements.

The “highly impressive” Rafael Vallejo Gil with Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa y Cia regularly assists clients with labour restructures, terminations and complex negotiations.

Peru

At Rodrigo Elías & Medrano Abogados, José Balta is a “market-leading labour attorney” who counsels local and international companies on collective negotiations, contracts and terminations.
Mario Pasco Lizárraga is a go-to name for contractual issues, audits and transfers. He is renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of collective labour law.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Brendon Carr – Hwang Hong & Co, Seoul
• Cynthia Chung – Deacons, Hong Kong
• Joydeep Hor - People + Culture Strategies, Sydney
• Jingbo (Jason) Lu – River Delta Law Firm, Shanghai
• Ajay Raghavan – Trilegal, Bengaluru
• Vikram Shroff – Nishith Desai Associates, Mumbai
• Jenny Tsin – WongPartnership LLP, Singapore
• John Tuck – Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Melbourne

 

Leading firms

Kim & Chang

Chun Wook Hyun is “vastly knowledgeable in Korean labour law matters”, and has more than 30 years of experience navigating clients through crisis management and M&A issues as well as restructurings and compliance audits.
Wan Joo is “among the very best Korean labour attorneys, thanks to his expert advice”, and is further credited with “creativity in seeking solutions for clients”.
Deok Il Seo applies a “strong cultural understanding to effectively communicate with and represent multinational companies” in employment issues relating to corporate transactions.

Seyfarth Shaw

Darren Perry is an “excellent lawyer” who performs well in termination disputes and collective bargaining negotiations.
Julia Gorham enjoys a “terrific international reputation” for her first-rate risk management work.

 

Other leading individuals

Australia

Joydeep Hor at People + Culture Strategies receives tremendous praise for being “visionary and suave in his approach” and is considered to be “the top option for employment law advice”.

John Tuck of Corrs Chambers Westgarth is “extremely efficient and truly excellent” in contentious proceedings.

Gordon Williams at MinterEllison is a “splendid employment specialist” who stands out for his strong track record handling discrimination and misrepresentation claims, unfair dismissals and executive onboarding and exits.

China

Jeffrey Wilson at JunHe continues to attract domestic and international attention for his exceptional labour practice which entails restructuring, handling transfer issues, data privacy and drafting employment contracts.

Hong Kong

At Deacons, Cynthia Chung is “excellent for fintech employment matters” and disputes arising from whistleblowing proceedings.

The “brilliant” Fiona Loughrey at Simmons & Simmons is a “top-tier employment lawyer who always takes a fair and pragmatic approach” in disputes and negotiations.

India

Vikram Shroff at Nishith Desai Associates enjoys an “exceptional reputation” for his pre-eminent HR law practice.

Ajay Raghavan of Trilegal “consistently exceeds expectations and requirements”, making him a “highly professional and dependable lawyer” for compliance matters and trade union disputes.

Korea

Brendon Carr with Hwang Hong & Co regularly represents multinationals in complex employment disputes arising from terminations.

Malaysia

Selvamalar Alagaratnam of Skrine is highly esteemed for her expertise across a broad range of labour issues including compliance, trade union disputes, investigations and dismissals.

New Zealand

Phillipa Muir of Simpson Grierson stands out for her work representing corporations in complex claims.

Singapore

Jenny Tsin of WongPartnership receives plaudits for her “expertise handling complex labour and employment disputes” and “providing splendid practical and efficient advice to corporate clients”.