Baker & McKenzie shades it to take employment prize
Baker & McKenzie has pipped City rival Simmons & Simmons to the title of employment law firm of the year, but only just, according to a guide published last week.
Insider Guide editor Mark Brandon said Baker & McKenzie's 'fantastic' international network, which 'continues to impress clients', secured the firm's top slot.
The departure of employment 'guru' Fraser Younson to US firm McDermott Will Emery also showed the firm's strength to 'bounce back', the guide concluded.
Meanwhile, Simmons & Simmons' 'assuredness, openness and professionalism' in face-to-face meetings was described as 'unparalled within the employment law fraternity'.DLA took the title of client service law firm of the year with its 'ever-creative approach to legal services'.
Particular praise went to the firm's 'gold club' initiative which provides a packaged service for human resource professionals.
The only five-star ratings for individual lawyers went to Fraser Younson, Janet Gaymer of Simmons & Simmons, John McMullen of Pinsent Curtis and David Whincup of Hammond Suddards.
Mr Whincup, who was described by one client as the 'Blackadder of the employment fraternity', was also named client's choice lawyer of the year.
Russell Brimelow of Boodle Hatfield, David Delgarno of McDermott Will & Emery, Shona Newmark of Baker & McKenzie and Tim Russell of Norton Rose were all commended.
Sue Allen
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