Sarah McWhinneyPartner

I advise clients across all industries, but my practice focusses primarily on contentious matters and senior-level hires in the financial and professional service sectors. I advise employers on a wide range of employment law issues, from boardroom disputes, contentious exits and knotty disciplinary and grievance issues, to contractual rights, post-termination restrictions, recruitment terms and redundancy.  

I also have extensive experience of supporting senior executives through critical moments in their employment, including helping them to negotiate favourable terms prior to joining, managing difficult issues (such as grievances, disciplinary and regulatory issues) during employment, and helping them to navigate delicate exits should that become necessary. Further information on this aspect of my work can be found on the Supporting-Individuals page. 

I’m an experienced litigator and have particular expertise in complex Employment Tribunal litigation, with a focus on high-value whistleblowing and sex, maternity and race discrimination claims. I am also a member of the firm’s Investigations and Regulatory practice group, and have carried out a number of sensitive investigations into allegations of workplace bullying and discrimination. 

I am passionate about Diversity and co-lead the Gender strand of the Firm’s Diversity Board. You can find out more about the Diversity Board’s work here.