OUR REPUTATION

Legal 500 2024 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executives) – Tier 1

‘Merrill April is smart with excellent technical skills combined and a razor-sharp common sense.’

‘The team at CM Murray is extremely personable, reliable, and highly pragmatic at all times.’

‘CM Murray is an exceptional firm who are a sought-after speaker team with brilliant insights.’

‘Merrill April is an outstanding lawyer. She has an international employment law practice with a top-notch reputation from executives to private companies.’

‘They do great high-level executive work, offering specialist advice and representation whilst also being very down-to-earth and easy to work with.’

‘Emma Bartlett – brilliant partner. Great to work with – intelligent, efficient, a team player, and very down to earth. Love working with her and would highly recommend to anyone.’

Leading Individual: Emma Bartlett

Hall of Fame: Clare Murray

Next Generation Partner: Sarah Chilton

Recommended: Clare Murray, Emma Bartlett, Sarah Chilton, David Fisher, Merrill April

 

Legal 500 2024 Ranking: Employment (Employers) – Tier 5

Specialist boutique CM Murray LLP is recommended for reputation-sensitive senior level investigations and strategic redundancy planning, as well as ensuing employment litigation. The team is led by firm founder Clare Murray, with David Fisher, Beth Hale and Merrill April further key names in an extensive team of partners. Partnership law expert Corinne Staves, who joined the firm in August 2022, is also integral, as is associate Yulia Fedorenko, who regularly advises on cross-border employment matters.

‘They are excellent and extremely professional.’

‘They are very experienced in employment matters, our ‘go-to’ in the UK for our clients with UK matters for this area. They have considerable expertise, and are very professional and responsive. They are always trying to do the best for their clients and go the extra mile.’

‘Clare Murray is a top notch employment law specialist that I recommend whenever a client needs advice with respect to UK matters. She has an excellent skill to handle employment law matters, understands the problem and gives to the point advice for a reasonable price.’

‘Very practical advice based on their experiences and expertise.’

‘Beth Hale is professional, experienced and knowledgeable. ’

‘Beth Hale provided a very good and professional service, and also provided the common practice in the UK.’

‘Superb know-how and standing on partnership law, very strong practice for employment (especially senior executives).’

‘Clare Murray – very experienced and still on the bleeding edge of developments while also taking into view the big picture Very strong international network. A big name and still very approachable.’

Recommended: David Fisher, Merrill April, Beth Hale, Corinne Staves, Yulia Fedorenko

 

Chambers and Partners UK 2024 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executives) – Band 1

What the team is known for: CM Murray is a leading senior executives-focused firm with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. The firm acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services. It also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues, drawing upon its extensive network of legal partners across Europe.

Chambers and Partners UK 2023 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executives) – Band 1

What the team is known for: CM Murray is a leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. The firm acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services. It also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues, drawing upon its extensive network of legal partners across Europe.

“CM Murray recruit talented individuals and their reputation is built on the image of their founding partner. The team, led by Merrill April, are strong and provide clear and concise advice.”

“They are very fast, highly skilled, efficient and always to the point with their answers. They are capable of translating the client’s needs into legal action.”

“They quickly gave advice and made themselves available for conferences as required and on short notice.”

Eminent Practitioner: Clare Murray

Clare Murray is the managing partner of CM Murray. She wins widespread acclaim for her work representing senior executives and equity partners in complex employment disputes.

“Clare is simply outstanding. She is at the top of her game and the go-to person for employment and partnership matters. There is no one else in the City or the wider UK market who comes anywhere close in terms of ability, acumen and commerciality.”

“Clare Murray is stands out. She is very sharp and very impressive.”

Band 3: Sarah Chilton

Sarah Chilton is recognised for her work representing individuals in investigations and disciplinary proceedings. She regularly advises clients on restrictive covenants.

“Sarah Chilton is a highly skilled employment law specialist. She is very solution-oriented, and gives clear and concise practical advice.”

Band 3: Beth Hale

Beth Hale is best known for advising senior employees in the financial services sector on discrimination and harassment claims. She also works with clients facing disciplinary procedures and investigations.

“Beth is also extremely reliable, practical and competent. She gives quick advice in the employment field.”

Band 4: Emma Bartlett

Emma Bartlett expertly advises clients from a range of sectors including professional and financial services and academia. She has considerable experience representing her clients in grievance investigations and exits.

“Emma is very supportive, empathic and attentive. She really cares about her clients and goes the extra mile to secure the right outcome for them.”

“She is an astute lawyer who navigates sensitive subject matters with apparent ease.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2023 Ranking: Employment (Employers)

Band 5: Merrill April

Merrill April is noted for her work advising employers, with expertise handling matters including senior-level departures and day-to-day HR matters.

“Merrill has a keen eye and has the ability to identify issues quickly. She has the ability to impart information in a way that is accessible for me as a non-lawyer.”

“Merrill is extremely responsive and knowledgeable and also appreciates the reputational and personal issues as well as the legal ones.”

Legal 500 2023 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executives) – Tier 1

‘CM Murray is unique, even among employment law boutiques, in their strength and depth of experts and expertise. They simply cannot be beaten. They are formidable advocates for their clients.’

‘Clare Murray is not only the founder but the glue who brings her extraordinary team of experts together and clearly empowers them to be best in class. She is supremely knowledgeable, gets quickly to the nub of the legal issues and is a forceful and tenacious advocate while being warm and supportive to her clients. Emma Bartlett is also highly recommended for supporting partners and senior executives in disputed exits.’

‘Highly skilled and focused team specialising in advising senior individuals in employment and partnership law.’

‘A team of sympathetic and professional lawyers. They listened to my problems, and quickly reassured me that they were interested in supporting me. They acted swiftly, predicted the outcome and made feel comfortable.’

‘I valued the team’s efficiency, competence and ability to understand my perspective towards my situation.’

Leading Individual: Emma Bartlett

‘Emma Bartlett is a solid and well respected employment lawyer who will get things done when under pressure.’

Hall of Fame: Clare Murray

‘Clare Murray and her team are experts in their field. They are both practical and resourceful. Clare’s attention to detail is extraordinary, but what sets her apart is her compassion to her clients.’

Next Generation Partner: Sarah Chilton                    

Other Key Lawyers: Emma Bartlett; Sarah Chilton

Recommended: Clare Murray, Emma Bartlett, Merrill April, Sarah Chilton

Legal 500 2022 Ranking: Employment (Employers) – Tier 5

‘CM Murray is a unique employment law boutique.’

‘The legal skills of the team and the way they manage the matters is outstanding.’

‘They are proactive, open-minded, and always eager to find solutions to solve the most complex issues.’

‘Very quick reactions, deep knowledge of the client’s industry and tailor-made solutions for each of them.’

‘We find CM Murray to be very proactive.’

‘They provided solutions each time we were faced with issues and were very engaged.’

‘Clare Murray is very efficient and business-minded. She delivers high quality services. ‘

Other Key Lawyers: David Fisher; Merrill April

David Fisher is also a very reliable and smart lawyer.’

‘Merrill April gave detailed and practical advice on a complex area of law and a sensitive personnel issue, but also astute of reputational issues.’

Chambers and Partners UK 2022 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executives) – Band 1

What the team is known for:

Leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. Acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services. Also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues, drawing upon its extensive network of legal partners across Europe.

Strengths: Senior employees appreciate that the firm provides “comprehensive strategy planning to maintain a good relationship with the employer during negotiations.”

Clients reveal: “They provide sensible advice, they are efficient and they are good to have holding your hand.”

“They are very thorough and take time to understand where the sensitivities are on both sides,” according to an interviewee, who also highlights that “their main strength is in their understanding of both partnership law and employment law.”

Band 1: Clare Murray

“Clare Murray is the managing partner of CM Murray. She wins widespread acclaim for her work representing senior executives and equity partners in complex employment disputes.

“She is a skilled adviser and she has an understanding of multinational strategies.”

Band 3: Sarah Chilton

“Sarah Chilton is recognised for her work representing individuals in investigations and disciplinary proceedings. She regularly advises clients on restrictive covenants.

“She is an extremely experienced lawyer, she has a formidable reputation and she gets high-level settlements.” “Sarah is thorough, creative, very engaged, and she is an extremely good and supportive collaborator who works well in a pressured situation.”

 Band 3: Beth Hale

“Beth Hale is best known for advising senior employees in the financial services sector on discrimination and harassment claims. She also works with clients facing disciplinary procedures and investigations.

“She is clear, she is sensible in her advice and she is calm.” “She has built a reputation as a thought leader in employment.”

“Merrill April is noted for her work advising employers, with expertise handling matters including senior-level departures and day-to-day HR matters.

“She provides clarity on complicated issues, she is an astute tactician, she is calm, she has a grasp of details and she displays empathy for her clients.”

Notable Practitioners for Employment: Clare Murray; Sarah Chilton; Beth Hale; Merrill April

Chambers and Partners UK 2022 Ranking: Employment (Employers)

What the team is known for:

Leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. Acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services. Also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues, drawing upon its extensive network of legal partners across Europe.

Strengths: “Senior employees appreciate that the firm provides “comprehensive strategy planning to maintain a good relationship with the employer during negotiations.”

Clients reveal: “They provide sensible advice, they are efficient and they are good to have holding your hand.”

“They are very thorough and take time to understand where the sensitivities are on both sides,” according to an interviewee, who also highlights that “their main strength is in their understanding of both partnership law and employment law.”

 Band 5: Merrill April

“Merrill April is noted for her work advising employers, with expertise handling matters including senior-level departures and day-to-day HR matters.

“She provides clarity on complicated issues, she is an astute tactician, she is calm, she has a grasp of details and she displays empathy for her clients.”

Notable Practitioners for Employment: Clare Murray; Sarah Chilton; Beth Hale; Merrill April

Legal 500 2022 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executives) – Tier 1

According to a client, CM Murray LLP stands out for the ‘diversity of the team, integrity, international view, high technical skills and business oriented approach.’ The team is led by the well-known co-heads Clare Murray, who is considered ‘a role model‘, and Merrill April, who has a wealth of experience advising at board member and company founder levels. Emma Bartlett, who  joined from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in January 2021 brings decades of experience; one client singled her out as ‘extremely honest, truly a warrior to bring justice and never deterred‘. 

Other highly rated team members ‘who tackle complex matters and make it look easy‘ include David Fisher (who has ‘significant experience working with senior executives, especially with exit and on-boarding strategies‘); Sarah Chilton (who is ‘calm under pressure, pragmatic yet not afraid of a fight’) and Beth Hale, who collectively advise on the gamut of issues in sectors ranging from financial services and pharmaceuticals to entertainment.

The team assists with complex negotiated exits, restrictive covenants and reputational damage considerations through to discrimination, misconduct and whistleblowing cases. The firm also played a key role in the launch of Innangard Executives – an international network set up for the benefit of  international executives and founders around the world.

Legal 500 2022 Ranking: Employment (Employers) – Tier 5

On the employers side of the employment fence, boutique outfit CM Murray LLP places an emphasis on work emanating from the financial services, professional services, technology, life sciences and luxury brands sectors. The ‘exceptionally bright and knowledgeable’ Clare Murray heads up the practice, which has a substantial track record in highly sensitive sexual harassment and bullying allegations and restrictive covenants. In recent times, Merrill April has excelled in boardroom disputes, while breach of confidentiality issues figure prominently in the practice of David Fisher.

Chambers & Partners UK 2020 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

Leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. Acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services. Also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues, drawing upon its extensive network of legal partners across Europe.

Strengths:

Sources say: “They’re top-notch lawyers and are very knowledgeable, dedicated and reliable. The team is particularly business-minded and operates with an international mindset, meaning that they are very comfortable with cross-border issues.”

A further interviewee comments: “They’re an awesome boutique firm with very professional and dedicated lawyers”, adding: “The team shows great subject knowledge combined with a pragmatic attitude.”

Another client describes this as “a very astute firm with a strong focus on quality and the ability to deliver work in a very cost-effective way.”

Notable practitioners:

Clare Murray is described as an “incredibly dynamic and driven lawyer who is helpful, thoughtful and great to work with.” She wins widespread acclaim for her work representing senior executives and partners in complex employment disputes.

Impressed clients highlight Merrill April for her “empathy, legal knowledge and quick responsiveness.”

Sarah Chilton is increasingly recognised for her work representing individuals in investigations and disciplinary proceedings, as well as regularly advising on restrictive covenants. Clients describe her as “highly professional, engaging and knowledgeable.”‘

Legal 500 2019 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) Tier 1 / Employment (Employer) Tier 5

Specialist employment firm CM Murray LLP advises a range of multinational employers and senior executives on both domestic and cross-border matters. Sectors covered by the London firm include technology, manufacturing and financial services. Managing partner and firm founder Clare Murray leads the team – in 2018 she was appointed as an adviser to the House of Commons Women & Equalities Committee for its inquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace. Other key members of the practice include David Fisher, who has expertise with regards to High Court injunctions, and […] Merrill April, who joined the firm in May 2019.

Who’s Who Legal 2019

Managing Partner Clare Murray has been named the number one “Global Elite Thought Leader” in Europe by Who’s Who Legal: Labour & Employment 2019 as  and is described as ‘“an excellent litigator” with a “very, very strong reputation in the space”. She is noted for her standout work representing law firms.’

Our Partners David Fisher and Sarah Chilton are also named as “Experts” in Labour & Employment law.

Chambers & Partners UK 2019: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

Leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. Acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services. Also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients): 

The team is lauded for being “absolutely brilliant at being personable, sympathetic and pragmatic.”

Another source notes: “They are a top-notch boutique labour and employment firm. I would use them readily again and recommend them to others.”

Work highlight: 

Acted for Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work) on its intervention before the Court of Appeal in a case regarding the scope of whistle-blowing protection for junior doctors.

Notable practitioners: 

Clare Murray advises clients on a range of disputes faced by senior executives such as complex restrictive covenant, unfair dismissals and whistle-blowing cases. She is well known in the market and is renowned for fighting her client’s corner.

Legal 500 2018 Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) Tier 1 / Employment (Employer) Tier 6

‘Fantastic boutique‘ CM Murray LLP has ‘a reputation that can’t be beaten‘ for senior executive work and ‘dominates the market in the partnership space‘. Managing partner and firm founder Clare Murray is ‘an outstanding lawyer‘ and has particular expertise handling team moves, restrictive covenant issues, whistleblowing claims and discrimination cases. In a recent highlight, David Fisher acted for Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work) in litigation relating to the scope of whistleblowing legislation. Other key practitioners include ‘tough yet pragmatic opponent‘ Sarah Chilton, who ‘wins clients’ confidence with a superb manner‘.

Managing Partner Clare Murray is named as a “Leading Individual”.

Who’s Who Legal 2018

CM Murray LLP is recognised in the Who’s Who Legal: Labour & Employment 2018 as a “Leading Firm” in Europe for employment law.

Managing Partner, Clare Murray, has been named as one of the top ten “Thought Leaders” in Europe and is widely recognised as “a leading light” in employment law. She acts for US and UK firms and investment management firms and has in-depth expertise in sexual harassment and partner misconduct issues. Sources call her “a real force” and “an innovator in the field.”‘

Our Partner David Fisher has also been ranked in Who’s Who Legal: Labour and Employment 2018 for his employment law expertise.

Chambers & Partners UK 2018: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Band 1

What the team is known for:

Leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement.  Acting for clients from a range of sectors including technology and the financial services.  Also has expertise in dealing with cross-border employment law issues.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients):

“The firm is very human.  They demystify employment law and bring it down to a practical human level,” notes one client.

Another adds: “They were thorough and thoughtful and it was an excellent experience all around.”

Notable practitioners:

According to clients, Clare Murray “is incredibly professional and paints a combination of the legal picture and the reality of what is attainable.”  She is known for her representation of senior executives in cross-border matters, particularly relating to the USA.

Legal 500 2017: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Tier 1

CM Murray LLP’s ‘first-rate’ practice provides ‘prompt, to-the-point and professional’ advice for senior executives, often handling mandates with cross-border elements. The […] ‘consistently strong’ David Fisher led advice to whistleblowing charity Public Concern at Work on its intervention in high-profile litigation before the Court of Appeal concerning whistleblowing legislation. Fisher also acted for a former employee of a Russian investment bank in an Employment Tribunal claim alleging sex discrimination and victimisation. Other key names include the ‘client-friendly’ Clare Murray, who is ‘a brilliant innovator’; […] The group was strengthened by the addition of Sarah Chilton from Fox. Other clients include XR Trading, Adam Hall Group and Phillip Jeffries.”

Clare Murray is named as a “Leading Individual”. David Fisher and Sarah Chilton are listed as “Recommended Lawyers”.

Chambers & Partners UK 2017: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

Leading senior executives-focused firm, with notable expertise in whistle-blowing, discrimination claims, and restrictive covenants and their enforcement. Acts for clients from a range of sectors including technology and the financial services.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients): 

“They are cohesive and progressive – I always felt I was in good hands with them.”

“They are an efficient team, and they are very considered and thoughtful in assessing strategy and tactics prior to acting.”

Work highlights:

Acted for Svetlana Lokhova, a former employee of Sberbank CIB, in the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The team were successful in ensuring that the lower tribunal’s finding, that the claimant had been discriminated against because of her sex, was upheld.

Notable practitioners:

Clare Murray advises senior executives on all areas of employment law, with particular experience in grievances and severance negotiations. Clients particularly praise her work on restrictive covenants, with others adding that they “find her to be very sophisticated and savvy – she is quite a good strategist.” Her employment practice is complemented by her extensive partnership knowledge.

Legal 500 2016: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Tier 1 / Employment (Employer) – Tier 5

CM Murray LLP “excels in its representation of senior executives”, particularly in cross-border issues and whistleblowing matters. The international strength also transfers to the firm’s employer practice, which regularly acts for multinationals with UK operations. Key names include managing partner Clare Murray, ..and David Fisher, who specialises in High Court injunctions.

Clare Murray is named as a “Leading Individual”.

Chambers & Partners UK 2016: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Band 2 / Employment (Employer) – Band 6

What the team is known for:

Deep reservoir of employment knowledge with notable expertise on matters involving senior executives. Also known for its employer work with a range of professional and financial services firms.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients):

“The whole firm is focused on employment and that makes a big difference; there is a sense that although one solicitor leads a case, they are drawing on a vast pool of experience throughout the firm.”

“The team are efficient, timely and uniformly clever.”

Notable practitioners:

Clare Murray is described by sources as a “standout” adviser for employment disputes. She is known for being “very commercial” by clients, who also stress the high quality of service that she provides.

Significant clients: Public Concern at Work

Legal 500 2015: Ranking: Employment (Senior Executive) – Tier 1 / Employment (Employer) – Tier 5

CM Murray LLP, led by the “incredibly effective” Clare Murray, is frequently instructed to advise international subsidiaries operating in the UK, and has an excellent reputation acting for senior executives. David Fisher is ‘the epitome of professionalism’.

Chambers & Partners Global

Chambers & Partners Global lists Clare Murray as a “foreign expert” for her work in UK Employment Law and notes “Clare Murray of CM Murray LLP is considered one of the leading lawyers in London for representing senior executives.  She is considered “an extremely good relationship builder and a great communicator” and is adept at handling matters with an international edge, especially US-related matters.”

Spear’s 500

Clare Murray is listed in Spear’s 500 2016 as a “top” Employment Lawyer. They describe Clare as “one of the most respected lawyers in her field” and note that she is “pre-eminent in financial services disputes, and market authorities cite an ‘unparalleled reputation within the claimant arena”, adding: ‘she knows when to be tough and when to turn on her charm’.

Who’s Who Legal 2015

Clare Murray is listed in Who’s Who Legal 2015 under the Management Labour & Employment Law section. In their 2015 guide of Labour & Employment Law, Who’s Who Legal identify Clare Murray as one of the five most highly regarded individuals in Europe. They note that ‘founding partner Clare Murray is considered the “real deal”. She is “particularly strong” on handling sensitive City HR issues, internal investigations and international employment arrangements and disputes.

Super Lawyers 2015

Clare Murray is ranked among the Top 100 London “Super Lawyers” and the Top 50 Women London “Super Lawyers” in 2015 for her work in Employment Law and Business Affairs. Super Lawyers is a solicitor-rating service and is part of Thomson Reuters. The Super Lawyers selection process is designed to find indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Expert Guides

Clare Murray is listed by Expert Guides for her work in the Labour and Employment law field and was also listed in the Expert Guide: Women in Business Law publication for her work in Labour and Employment law.

Legal 500 2024 Ranking: Partnership – Tier 1

‘A standout firm for partnership disputes. The team are knowledgeable, hardworking, strategic and responsive. They are always a pleasure to work with. Wonu Sanda is an associate with partner written all over her.’

‘Sarah Chilton and Beth Hale are standout individuals at a standout practice. Their knowledge, strategic nous and dedication are second to none.’

‘A highly skilled team of market leading specialist partnership lawyers that offer great strength in depth. Clare Murray and Sarah Chilton are market leaders. David Fisher, Merrill April, Beth Hale and Zulon Begum are all talented partners.’

‘This is probably the best partnership and employment team in London for top echelon partnership disputes. Clare Murray is a legend. She has assembled a fabulously talented team including Corinne Staves, Andrew Pavlovic and Sarah Chilton.’

‘Zulon Begum and Pooja Dasgupta understand the pressures law firm management teams are under and how to provide options to us. They provided advice in line with what they scoped, the time frame agreed and worked to manage costs for us as best as possible. Truly excellent advice on a very difficult subject matter.’

‘Merrill April is a perceptive and astute lawyer that you want advising you. Beth Hale is a delight to work with and Wonu Sanda is an associate on the rise, with great acumen. Zulon Begum applied her knowledge of partnership agreements to our unique business needs.’

‘CM Murray led by the visionary Clare Murray, is hard to beat as a niche partnership boutique practice. They have superb lawyers at all levels and in recent years have developed other areas of practice such as regulatory and non litigious work so they can offer clients a truly all-round service.’

‘Clare Murray is a visionary leader in her field. She is hard to beat as the partnership expert. Sarah Chilton and Beth Hale are amazingly able and technically superb lawyers that run the business.’

Hall of Fame: Clare Murray

Leading Individuals: Sarah Chilton, Corinne Staves

Next Generation Partners: Beth Hale, Zulon Begum

Recommended: Andrew Pavlovic, Beth Hale, Clare Murray, Corinne Staves, David Fisher, Emma Bartlett, Sarah Chilton, Zulon Begum, Wonu Sanda, Merrill April, Pooja Dasgupta

Legal 500 2024 Ranking: Dispute Resolution – Professional Discipline – Firms to Watch

Next Generation Partner: Andrew Pavlovic

Andrew has ‘a calming influence on any case he works on‘… providing ‘clear, thoughtful and commercially astute advice‘.

Chambers & Partners UK 2023 Rankings: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for: CM Murray offers extensive expert coverage of partnership matters, with particular emphasis on contentious work. The firm’s key strengths are in the legal and financial services sectors, with long experience advising UK and US firms on individual and team moves, restrictive covenants and whistle-blowing cases. The team is active on cross-jurisdictional work and especially praised for its handling of partner discrimination issues. It also has notable expertise in representing individual partners during exit negotiations and investigations into allegations of misconduct.

Work highlights: CM Murray acted for Taylor Vinters LLP in relation to its combination with Mishcon de Reya LLP to create MDR Taylor Vinters, a separate business within the combined group providing legal and consultancy services to innovators and entrepreneurs.

“The team at CM Murray was very switched on and immediately grasped complex fact patterns and applied them in a partnership context.”

“The team always addresses legal issues within the context of the business issues that exist for the client.”

Partnership: Contentious (UK-wide)

Eminent Practitioner: Clare Murray

Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of CM Murray. She is a renowned partnership expert who advises on cross-border disputes and investigations, including cases concerning allegations of discrimination and restrictive covenant issues.

“Clare Murray is a superb solicitor.”

“Her legal knowledge is fantastic and her people skills are amazing. If I had a partnership dispute I would head to Clare.”

“She is a real inspiration and leads a fantastic team.”

Band 1: Sarah Chilton

Sarah Chilton’s expertise includes cases concerning alleged sexual harassment and discrimination as well as partner exit negotiations and related disputes. She is triple-qualified in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“She is very good and very analytical.”

“Sarah is sensible and pragmatic to deal with.”

Band 3: David Fisher

David Fisher advises individual partners on highly sensitive and contentious matters, such as harassment allegations and breaches of LLP agreements. He also handles matters surrounding team moves.

“David is very responsive and provides commercial advice.”

Band 4: Beth Hale

Beth Hale has extensive experience advising professional partnerships and individual partners on contentious matters such as partner exits, whistle-blowing claims and sexual harassment allegations. She currently also acts as general counsel for CM Murray.

Partnership: Non-contentious (UK wide)

Eminent Practitioner: Clare Murray

Band 2: Zulon Begum

Zulon Begum assists professional services firms from the legal and financial sectors with partnership restructuring and amendments to LLP agreements. She also advises on the non-contentious aspects of sensitive issues such as partner exits.

“Zulon is brilliant – she is incredibly smart, gets all the right points and is practical and commercial.”

Star Individual: Corinne Staves

Corinne Staves joined CM Murray in August 2022. She assists both domestic and international law firms, individual partners and high net worth clients with a wide range of partnership matters, including mergers, restructuring, team moves and succession planning.

“It’s a pleasure working with Corinne as complex matters are made simple, the advice is very clear and focused, and any problem solving is well framed and highly collaborative.”

“She is very knowledgeable and skilled in helping navigate sensitive discussions.”

“She is head and shoulders above everyone else and has incredible presence in the market.”

“She is among the very best and really knows her stuff on the regulatory side.”

Partnership: Large International Structures

Spotlight Table: Corinne Staves

Chambers & Partners UK 2022 Rankings: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

“Extensive, expert coverage of partnership matters with particular emphasis on contentious work. Key strengths in the legal and financial services sectors, with long experience advising UK and US firms on individual and team moves, restrictive covenants and whistle-blowing cases. Active on cross-jurisdictional work and especially praised for its handling of partner discrimination issues. Notable expertise in representing individual partners during exit negotiations and investigations into allegations of misconduct.

“Strengths: A source praises CM Murray as “quality through and through and one of the best firms I’ve worked with.

“An interviewee says: “The team really knows the law but also the practical applications on top of that, which really adds value.”

Work highlights

“Advised Apollo Partners LLP on the structuring of capital investment into its business, as well as the amendment of its LLP agreement to reflect the investment and new profit distribution arrangements between its members.”

Partnership – Contentious (UK-wide)

 Star Individual: Clare Murray

 “Clare Murray advises on cross-border disputes and investigations concerning partnerships, including cases concerning allegations of discrimination and restrictive covenant issues.

 “Clare knows the area very well, is very sensible and doesn’t take bad points as she is looking to achieve the client’s objective rather than make the dispute longer.” “She’s such a good lawyer who gives such confidence to clients, knows her stuff inside out and is completely committed.”

 Band 2: Sarah Chilton

“Sarah Chilton‘s expertise includes cases concerning alleged sexual harassment and discrimination as well as partner exit negotiations and related disputes. She is triple-qualified in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“She’s a sharp, knowledgeable operator who knows exactly what she’s doing.” “Sarah provides real-world advice and understands the practical issues you’re experiencing on a day-to-day basis. She also has such deep experience in the areas on which she advises.”

 Band 3: David Fisher

“David Fisher advises individual partners on highly sensitive and contentious matters, such as harassment allegations and breaches of LLP agreements. He also handles matters surrounding team moves.

 “David is prompt, a good communicator and has a good understanding of the issues involved in the case.” “He is an extremely able and subtle solicitor.”

 Partnership – Non-Contentious (UK-wide)

 Band 3: Clare Murray

 “Clare Murray advises on cross-border disputes and investigations concerning partnerships, including cases concerning allegations of discrimination and restrictive covenant issues.

 “Clare knows the area very well, is very sensible and doesn’t take bad points as she is looking to achieve the client’s objective rather than make the dispute longer.” “She’s such a good lawyer who gives such confidence to clients, knows her stuff inside out and is completely committed.”

 Band 3: Zulon Begum

 “Zulon Begum assists professional services firms from the legal and financial sectors with partnership restructuring and amendments to LLP agreements. She also advises on the non-contentious aspects of sensitive issues such as partner exits.

 “Zulon is confident, knowledgeable and very bright.”

 Notable Practitioners: Clare Murray; Sarah Chilton; David Fisher; Zulon Begum

Legal 500 2023 Ranking: Partnership – Tier 1

‘This entrepreneurial, majority female partnership are leaders and thought leaders in partnership law and practice. As an employment and partnership boutique, CM Murray LLP is uniquely placed to focus on the issues relevant to partnerships, their people and their clients.’

‘As a partner team they share a passion for partnership law and (seemingly endless) positive energy.’

‘New partner Andrew Pavlovic’s specialism in SRA regulation and professional firm disciplinary matters places him at the heart of the thorny issues facing many professional firms.’

‘Clare Murray – the deserving star of the practice. Extremely hard working, thoroughly thoughtful, a pleasure to work with, and the authority on partnership law. Merrill April – thoughtful, considerate professional. A master tactician, she is calm, cool and collected. And for these reasons she’s a real force to contend with. Louise O’Connor – industrious, extremely bright, emotionally intelligent and strategic in her advice. She’s a rising star and no doubt a huge hit with CM Murray’s clients.’

‘As associate, Louise O’Connor was highly collaborative and I felt listened to throughout our time working together. She clearly has a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience beyond her PQE, and what impressed me the most was how she was able to deploy that knowledge in a practical way that was highly tailored to the strategic approach for my matter.’

‘A really top flight firm. Rightly at the top of the rankings. Superbly responsive, expert and effective. Brilliant with clients. An outstanding firm, especially so in representing individuals. Outstanding leadership and a really good team spirit.’

‘David Jones is an efficient and very capable associate.’

Leading Individuals: Sarah Chilton; Corinne Staves

Hall of Fame: Clare Murray

‘The deserving star of the practice‘ who ‘is fizzing with ideas.’

Next Generation Partner: Zulon Begum                   

‘Zulon Begum is knowledgeable, pragmatic and commercial. Best of all, she is unflappable!’

Other Key Lawyers: Clare Murray; Corinne Staves; Emma Bartlett; Andrew Pavlovic; Merrill April; David Fisher; Beth Hale

Legal 500 2022 Ranking: Partnership – Tier 1

Having fortified its non-contentious partnership practice in recent years under the stewardship of team co-head Zulon Begum, CM Murray LLP fields a full, 360-degree offering, and is retained by LLPs in the financial services, private equity and legal sectors. Frequently advised on are partner exits, lateral moves, appointments and LLP structuring. Team co-head Sarah Chilton steers the contentious side of the practice, which also includes David Fisher. Regular instructions include misconduct investigations, contentious performance issues and responding to whistleblowing complaints. The practice is particularly invested in dealing with sex discrimination, harassment and bullying allegations, with Beth Hale and Emma Bartlett (who joined the firm from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in January 2021) often assisting, while Merrill April, who is described as ‘a leader who sets a fine example of excellence‘, advises on matters of compulsory retirement. Founding partner and ‘inspirational leader‘ Clare Murray is sought out for advice on the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Chambers & Partners UK 2021: Ranking: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

Legal 500 2019: Ranking: Partnership – Tier 1

CM Murray LLP is a specialist UK partnership firm, with ‘one of the legal world’s strongest offerings in this area’. The group’s main focus is contentious work, including partner conduct, performance, team movement and restrictive covenant issues, all of which are areas of expertise for Sarah Chilton and founding partner Clare Murray, who is noted by one client as ‘one of the industry’s most energetic and driven practitioners’. It is also developing an active non-contentious practice under the leadership of Zulon Begum; handling matters such as LLP agreement reviews, new law firm office set-ups, partner remuneration advice and review of partnership indemnity agreements and structures for both domestic and international law firm structures. David Fisher is another key name with experience in advising on partner team moves, lateral hires and the enforcement of partner restrictive covenants. Beth Hale, who was promoted to partner in January 2019.

Practice head(s): Clare Murray; Sarah Chilton; Zulon Begum

Other key lawyers:David Fisher; Beth Hale; Merrill April

Testimonials

“What sets it apart is its phenomenal team of truly first-class individuals.”

“Clare Murray is an expert negotiator and the person you want on your side in a brawl.'”

“A dynamic and enthusiastic team that really knows its stuff.”

“This is a specialist firm with the highest reputation in partnership issues, both traditional and LLP; they also address employment issues and the interface between the two.‘”

Chambers & Partners UK 2019: Ranking: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

Extensive, expert coverage of partnership matters with key strengths in the legal and investment fund spheres and long experience advising UK and US firms on individual and team moves, restrictive covenants and whistle-blowing cases. Increasingly active on cross-jurisdictional work and especially praised for its handling of partner discrimination issues and matters involving distressed law firms. Notable expertise in representing individual partners during exit negotiations and investigations into allegations of misconduct.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients): 

One source notes: “I particularly appreciate the depth of specialist expertise made available to clients, the firm’s commitment to problem solving in a commercial manner and its ability to shepherd clients through a partnership dispute without losing sight of the client’s overall goals.”

Interviewees note: “They are responsive, commercial and have a strong grounding in the real world, which is always helpful.”

Notable practitioners:

“Superb litigator” Clare Murray is highly commended for her deep experience in partnership disputes. She is particularly adept at handling sensitive matters related to partner exits, discrimination claims and whistle-blowing cases. Clients say: “She is extraordinarily capable, extremely responsive to the client’s goals and needs, very commercial in her attitude and with a real understanding of the legal and commercial issues relating to partnerships. She is a genuine expert.”

Partner Zulon Begum advises clients in the professional services market on the partnership aspects of corporate transactions. Her clients include private equity, architectural, accountancy and law practices.

Sarah Chilton heads the firm’s Scottish partnership practice and is praised by sources as a “really impressive” lawyer who is “extremely knowledgeable.” She is particularly experienced in disputes concerning contract terminations, discrimination and partnership dissolution.

Legal 500 2018: Ranking: Partnership – Tier 1

‘Top-flight’ boutique CM Murray LLP houses the best contentious partnership lawyers in the City. The team is most known for advising international law firms and other professional services firms on partner exits, team moves, restrictive covenants, discrimination and whistleblowing issues. It has developed a particular niche in handling sexual harassment allegations made by and against partners.

‘Head and shoulders above her peers in the industry’, founding partner and team leader Clare Murray is the ‘go-to’ lawyer for partnership disputes and is noted for her ‘superb judgement’ and significant experience. ‘Brilliant’ Sarah Chilton is recommended for international partnership disputes […] David Fisher has significant experience in team moves, lateral hires and restrictive covenant enforcement […] it gained ‘highly capable’ non-contentious partnership expert Zulon Begum, who joined from Addleshaw Goddard.

Chambers & Partners 2018: Ranking: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for:

Extensive, expert coverage of partnership matters with key strengths in the legal and investment fund spheres and long experience advising UK and US firms on individual and team moves, restrictive covenants and discrimination issues.  Increasingly active on cross-jurisdictional mandates and especially praised for its handling of partner discrimination issues and matters involving distressed law firms.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients):

The practice’s position as a top-ranking partnership team is explicitly stressed by several commentators, one identifying its lawyers as “the leading partnerships disputes people,” and another observing that it is “comparable to any leading firm in the world.”

Notable practitioners:

Managing partner Clare Murray wins praise as a “fantastic, innovative and responsive lawyer,” who offers “top-notch technical competence, sound judgement and a good way with people in difficult situations.” She enjoys a near-unrivalled reputation as an adviser on partnership disputes, including partner discrimination cases and whistle-blower claims, and also handles matters such as partner exits and team moves.

Legal 500 2017: Ranking: Partnership – Tier 1

CM Murray LLP is ‘a standout niche firm in the field of partnership’ and is particularly ‘impressive’ in contentious matters. The firm specialises in acting for firms and individuals in distress situations, where there are serious threats to reputation and where there are multiple jurisdictions involved. Additionally, the team undertakes non-contentious advisory work and advises in relation to agreements such as LLP amendments. Under the leadership of Clare Murray, ‘the firm has gone from strength to strength’. She is ‘a very special lawyer’ and has not only been involved in some of the most substantial partnership disputes, but has also been at the forefront of thought leadership in the field, having been a founding member and first honorary secretary of the Association of Partnership Practitioners. The ‘safe and reliable’ David Fisher has expertise in team moves, lateral hires and restrictive covenants. In 2016, […] Sarah Chilton joined from Fox.

Clare Murray is named as a “Leading Individual”. David Fisher and Sarah Chilton are recommended.

Chambers & Partners 2017: Ranking: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for: 

Extensive, expert coverage of partnership matters with key strengths in the legal and investment fund spheres and long experience advising UK and US firms on individual and team moves, restrictive covenants and discrimination issues. Regularly advises on complex cross-border matters.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients):

“They are very knowledgeable about all types of UK law in this field. They are open to strategies which are international and they are a great pleasure to work with. I can’t think of anything I would have wanted done differently.”

“We were impressed by their responsiveness, their ability to come up with different solutions, and by the reassurance that they’d been there, seen that and done it too.”

Notable Practitioners:

Clare Murray is characterised by one source as a “fantastic litigator and problem-solver, still very much at the pinnacle,” while another reports that she “uses her insights to divine how matters will turn out and advises accordingly.” She is “universally respected as a star performer in the contentious sphere,” and is valued for her “keen understanding of what will motivate the other side to make a deal happen.” 

Chambers & Partners 2016: Ranking: Partnership – Band 1

What the team is known for:

Top-notch boutique offering expert counsel to, in particular, professional services and hedge fund clients. Maintains an excellent reputation for partner exits and team moves, and recently completed a very successful engagement regarding the worker status of LLP members.

Strengths (quotes mainly from clients):

“They went to great lengths to keep me updated. And then there was the human element – they took the trouble to guide me through things in a very human way and encouraged me to think beyond the end of the process – I really appreciated that.”

“We see them a lot and are really impressed with the quality of the people there – really high-quality lawyers.”

“Excellent handle on the law and what is common practice in the City.”

Work highlights:

Acted for Public Concern at Work, the UK’s leading whistle-blowing charity, on a case which resulted in LLP members being classified as ‘workers’, and consequently winning the right to all relevant whistle-blowing protections.

Notable practitioners:

The “absolutely brilliant” Clare Murray, the firm’s founder and managing partner, is a specialist in partnership and employment law. She was a key figure in the creation of the Professional Practices Alliance, and remains one of the outstanding lawyers in the field. Clients have the highest possible regard for her: “She’s charming, tough, pragmatic, and very easy to deal with. Obviously tremendously experienced.”

Legal 500 2016: Ranking: Partnership – Tier 2

CM Murray LLP’s team of ‘truly focused partnership experts’ is headed by the ‘knowledgeable and supremely strategic’ Clare Murray, and leverages its ‘excellent reputation in handling team moves, partner exits and associated disputes’ to handle a regular flow of contentious work, often with cross-border elements.

Clare Murray is named as a Leading Individual.

Legal 500 2015: Ranking: Partnership – Tier 2

CM Murray LLP’s managing partner Clare Murray ‘combines effortless charm with an incisive mind, displaying, when necessary, the steely determination of an expert litigator’. The team […] stands out for its contentious work, having represented a PR firm in High Court proceedings relating to alleged misconduct by a partner in the LLP.