Collingwood Legal ranked ‘Top Tier’ by The Legal 500

Newcastle law firm Collingwood Legal has been recognised as a Top Tier employment law firm in the 2016 legal services guide, The Legal 500.

The boutique employment law specialist, which was only established in 2010, has swiftly become the region’s go-to employment expert.

The 2016 Legal 500 entry singles out Collingwood Legal’s partners, Paul McGowan, Paul Johnstone and Sarah Fitzpatrick as ‘leading individuals’ and highly recommended employment lawyers.

The guide says: “Collingwood Legal is led by Paul McGowan; clients value his expertise in whistleblowing cases and TUPE matters. Other key figures include Paul Johnstone, whose ‘knowledge, personable nature and practicality puts clients at ease’; and the ‘outstanding’ Sarah Fitzpatrick, who stands out for her ‘excellent guidance and advice’.”

The Legal 500 is published annually based upon independent research gathered from interviewing clients and business contacts of law firms across the UK.

Mr McGowan, Collingwood Legal’s principal solicitor and managing partner, said: “I am enormously proud that Collingwood Legal has been recognised as Top Tier by our industry bible The Legal 500 this week.

“I set up Collingwood Legal six years ago with the aim of offering the best client service and to be classed as Top Tier based on the feedback from our clients is fantastic.

“Everyone here at Collingwood Legal is extremely grateful to our clients for their ongoing support. Thank you.”

Collingwood Legal has grown quickly in the six years since it was established and works with clients across the North East and nationally on employment and personnel management issues.

The firm employs eight employment solicitors, including six who have been recognised in both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners guides for their ability. Over the last year, the firm has worked with more than 200 clients, involving tribunal litigation and whistleblowing cases and advised large public and private sector employers on planning and delivering successful restructuring and redundancy programmes.

Collingwood Legal, which won the Employment Team of the Year at the 2016 Northern Law Awards, is also known for its use of new technology and provides specialist advice via its Employer123.com online and telephone helpline and insurance service for clients.