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Sarah McWhinney

Sarah McWhinneyLegal Director

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I am a Legal Director in the Employment, Immigration & Reward Division.

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.
 

Awards and recognition

  • Legal 500 2023 (Employment: Senior Executives) ‘one to watch’ ‘Sarah McWhinney was an outstanding associate with great attention to detail and strategic in approach to solving issues.’ ‘Sarah McWhinney is one to watch. She has great empathy and patience with clients and her drafting skills are excellent.’
  • Legal 500 2021 (Employment: Senior Executive) - Sarah McWhinney is building a strong senior executives practice
  • Legal 500 2021 (Employment: Senior Executives) - Rising Star
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