Employment Contracts Lawyers
Specialist employment contract lawyers in London and the South East – helping employees and senior executives protect their position, pay and prospects.
Getting your employment contract right from day one.
Whether you’re stepping into a board-level role, joining a new employer or facing a change to your terms, our employment contract lawyers provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your position.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we advise directors, shareholders, senior executives and employees across London, the South East and beyond. With experience across sectors, including financial services, professional services and transport and logistics, we understand the legal and commercial context of your contract – and how to protect your interests at every stage of employment.
How we help
- Reviewing and negotiating new employment contracts – Including executive service agreements.
- Advising on unclear or unfair contractual terms – Before or after signing.
- Protecting your rights during contract changes – Including fire and rehire situations.
- Supporting career transitions – Such as non-executive, interim or consultancy roles.
- Resolving disputes linked to contracts – Including pay, restrictions and exit terms.
Call our employment law team on 0204 571 1443 or
Expert advice on new contracts, existing terms and proposed changes.
Employment contracts for senior executives
Executive contracts are not just formalities. They define your responsibilities, protections, remuneration and exit position. Our employment contract lawyers review service agreements and negotiate terms for senior professionals at the highest levels.
We regularly advise on:
- Duties and reporting lines.
- Notice periods, probation and termination rights.
- Bonus schemes, LTIPs and share incentives.
- Restrictive covenants and garden leave provisions.
- Confidentiality, IP and data obligations.
- Director indemnities and regulatory clauses.
We also support senior individuals taking up non-executive, interim or consultancy roles, ensuring the contract reflects the realities of modern boardroom life.
Reviewing employment contracts for employees
Contracts matter at every level. Whether you’re starting a new job, facing unclear terms or being asked to sign quickly, we’ll help you understand the contract – and where there may be risks.
Our employment contract lawyers support employees with:
- Reviewing job offers and contract terms.
- Probation, notice periods and working hours.
- Bonus, commission and incentive arrangements.
- Restrictive covenants and post-employment clauses.
- One-sided or unclear contractual wording.
- Negotiating amendments to existing contracts.
We also advise where a dispute arises over terms you’ve already signed, or where your employer is proposing contractual changes.
Changes to your contract or role
Even after signing, terms can evolve. If your employer wants to change your responsibilities, pay or protections, it’s essential to know your rights – and how to respond.
We advise on:
- Reductions in salary, bonus or benefits.
- Changes to duties, location or reporting lines.
- New or extended restrictive covenants.
- Hybrid working or relocation proposals.
- Fire and rehire tactics or unilateral variations.
Whether you’re resisting unfair changes or planning a strategic exit, we’ll guide you through the process and help protect your legal and financial position.
Meet our employment law partners
Why clients trust us with their employment contracts.
- Experts in employment contracts – Advising on new roles, contract reviews, post-termination restrictions and contractual disputes.
- Trusted by employees and executives – Supporting professionals at all levels, including directors and shareholders in regulated sectors.
- Recognised for excellence – Ranked in the Legal 500 and Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for client care and legal quality.
- Flexible and responsive – Offices in London and the South East, with remote advice available wherever you are.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Offered a new contract or concerned about your terms?
If you’ve been dismissed without proper notice, pay or process, we’re here to make sure you’re treated fairly – and get what you’re owed.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I get legal advice before signing an employment contract?
Employment contracts can contain clauses, including complex ones, that affect your rights, future career moves and pay. Getting legal advice ensures you understand what you're agreeing to, helps you avoid future disputes, and gives you the chance to negotiate better terms before you are bound by the contract. We regularly spot risks that clients had overlooked and help them enter roles with greater clarity and protection.
What if I’ve already signed a contract but have concerns?
It’s not too late to get advice. We can review the contract, explain your options, and help address any areas of concern - particularly if your role or responsibilities have changed. If you feel the terms are being breached or misrepresented by your employer, your employment contract lawyer can advise on next steps.
I’m starting a consultancy role – do I still need legal advice?
Absolutely. Consultancy agreements can carry legal risks, especially around employment status, tax and confidentiality. We review consultancy contracts to protect your position, particularly where IR35, intellectual property or termination clauses may expose you to unexpected issues.
Can you help if I’ve been offered a role overseas?
Yes. We can advise on the UK contract side and liaise with international counsel if needed. It’s important to consider how relocation, local employment law, and regulatory duties may affect your terms. We’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Can I negotiate the terms of an employment contract?
Yes, in many cases, though this will depend on the particular circumstances of your role. Employers may expect some negotiation, especially at senior level or for specialist roles. We advise on which terms are negotiable, how to raise concerns, and what changes would best protect your position - whether that's in terms of clauses on notice, bonus, post-termination restrictions or equity.
Can I challenge restrictive covenants in my contract?
Yes, restrictive covenants may be unenforceable if they’re too broad or unreasonable. Our employment contract lawyers advise on whether a clause is likely to hold up legally, and support employees and executives in negotiating more reasonable terms or defending their position after leaving employment.
What’s the difference between an employee contract and a consultancy agreement?
An employment contract creates an employer-employee relationship, with rights like sick pay and unfair dismissal protection. A consultancy agreement is for independent contractors or self-employed professionals. It gives you more freedom but less protection. Our contract lawyers advise on both and help you avoid confusion, especially where IR35 and 'off payroll working' needs to be factored or where control clauses could blur the line.
What is an executive service agreement?
An executive service agreement is a formal employment contract for senior executives or directors. It often includes terms around pay, duties, share options, bonuses and post-employment restrictions. Our contract lawyers ensure these agreements reflect your responsibilities and provide the legal protections expected at board level.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced employment solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.