Employment Lawyers for Senior Executives and Director Disputes
Specialist employment solicitors in London and the South East for directors, shareholders and senior executives facing disputes or exits.
Clear, commercial guidance when the stakes are high.
When internal tensions, shareholder pressure or director disputes arise, senior executives are often left balancing legal, regulatory and reputational risks – often under intense scrutiny. Whether your position is under threat or you’re planning your next move, we’re here to help you respond strategically and protect what matters most.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we provide employment law advice to directors, senior executives and shareholders in the City and beyond. Our clients include FTSE 100 board members, City partners, fund managers, directors and other senior leaders across financial and professional services.
We understand the pressures at the top. From boardroom fallouts to complex exits and contract negotiations, we offer expert guidance grounded in experience – delivered with the discretion, clarity and commercial focus senior roles demand.
A proven track record in director disputes.
We’re known for resolving high-stakes matters – discreetly where possible, decisively when needed.
Our notable experience includes:
- Cavendish Munro v Geduld – a leading whistleblowing case.
- Hunt v Storm Communications – addressing TUPE protections.
- Francis v Attorney General of Saint Helena – a Court of Appeal case on overseas employment rights.
How we help senior executives.
- Reviewing service agreements and negotiating contract terms
We advise on service agreements, incentive plans and restrictive covenants – ensuring your terms reflect your seniority. Whether you’re reviewing a contract or negotiating changes, we’ll help protect your position from the outset.
- Disputes involving pay, bonuses and long-term incentives
If there’s a disagreement over bonus payments, deferred compensation or share schemes, we’ll act to preserve your entitlements and negotiating power without unnecessary escalation.
- Restrictive covenants, confidentiality and post-termination obligations
We provide advice on non-compete clauses, confidentiality and post-termination restrictions. If restrictions are unclear or too broad, we’ll negotiate on your behalf or clarify what’s enforceable
- Unfair dismissal, redundancy and disciplinary proceedings
If you’re facing a performance review, disciplinary process or redundancy situation, we’ll advise behind the scenes to minimise damage to your reputation and secure the best outcome.
- Employment tribunal claims and appeals.
If informal routes don’t resolve matters, we’ll provide robust representation in employment tribunal claims and appeals – balancing legal strength with commercial awareness.
- Settlement agreements and strategic exits
When it’s time to part ways, we ensure exit terms are fair, protective and aligned with your career plans. Our lawyers are experienced negotiators, working to maximise financial terms and safeguard reputation.
- Discrimination, harassment and whistleblowing
We help executives address unfair treatment or retaliation discreetly, whether it involves workplace culture, protected disclosures or board-level dynamics.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Why senior executives choose Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
Senior executives turn to us when the stakes are high and discretion is essential. We’re trusted for resolving sensitive matters with clarity, care and commercial focus.
What sets us apart:
- Deep executive-level expertise – Specialists in employment law, director disputes, service agreements and shareholder issues.
- Sector insight – Experience advising senior leaders across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, technology and professional services.
- Recognised expertise – Ranked in The Legal 500, Lexcel accredited and members of the Employment Lawyers Association.
- Fast, responsive support – We move quickly and communicate clearly, with flexible appointments in London, the South East or remotely.
- Protection for your position and reputation – We understand what’s at risk and act swiftly to safeguard your career.
- Strategic, discreet advice – Clear guidance tailored to your goals – whether resolving conflict, negotiating terms or planning your next move.
Meet our employment law partners
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
Exiting a senior role or facing a shareholder or director dispute?
If you’re dealing with a board-level dispute, negotiating complex terms or preparing for a high-stakes exit, our specialist employment lawyers are here to support you.
- Start the conversation – Call us or complete our short enquiry form to arrange a confidential discussion with an experienced solicitor.
- Clarify your position – We’ll talk through the situation, understand your priorities and outline your legal position and options.
- Plan your next move – Whether you’re negotiating, exiting or safeguarding your role, we’ll guide you through your options with confidence and discretion.
Frequently asked questions
What are my rights under a director service agreement?
Your director service agreement is more than just an employment contract - it defines your duties, protections and entitlements at board level. It typically covers salary, bonus schemes, notice provisions, restrictive covenants and termination rights. We’ll review the terms with you, identify any risks and advise on how to enforce or challenge provisions in the context of disputes or potential exits.
How do I negotiate a fair exit from a senior leadership role?
Exits at board level can be complex. You may be dealing with share options, deferred bonuses, reputation concerns or regulatory reporting. We support senior individuals through exit negotiations, helping you secure settlement terms that are financially fair, protect your career and limit any post-termination restrictions. Whether the process is amicable or contentious, we’ll guide you through it with discretion and clarity.
Can I resolve a boardroom dispute without formal litigation?
Yes - and in most cases, it’s preferable. We’re experienced in negotiating discreet resolutions through direct dialogue, board mediation or strategic exit packages. Whether you want to stay or go, we’ll explore all options for resolving the issue without damaging your reputation or long-term prospects. If litigation becomes necessary, we’re fully equipped to act - but we prioritise practical, commercially sound outcomes wherever possible.
Can I be removed as a director without my consent?
A director can sometimes be removed, but only if specific legal and procedural steps are followed - typically involving company articles, shareholder resolutions or terms in your service agreement. If you're facing pressure to resign or suspect you may be pushed out, we can assess the legality of the process and help you challenge it if appropriate. We’ll also work to preserve your contractual and financial entitlements.
Will I lose my bonus or equity if I leave the business?
Your entitlement to bonus payments or equity depends on how your contract and scheme rules are drafted - and whether you leave voluntarily, under pressure or as part of a dispute. We can advise on your rights under LTIPs, share options and incentive schemes, and negotiate to preserve or secure those benefits as part of your exit terms.
What should I do if I’m involved in a director dispute?
Disputes between directors are rarely just about one issue. They can involve decision-making conflicts, accusations of misconduct, or challenges to your position on the board. It’s important to seek early legal advice before responding or taking action. We’ll help you understand your legal and contractual position, explore your options and develop a strategy that protects your role, reputation and future prospects.
What should I do if I’m facing allegations or an internal investigation?
If you're under investigation, how you respond can significantly affect the outcome - and your reputation. Allegations of breach of duty, misconduct or regulatory non-compliance must be handled carefully. We can advise you on your legal rights and duties, help you prepare your defence or response, and support you throughout the process to reduce the risk of disciplinary action, dismissal or reputational damage.
What if my dispute involves both employment and shareholder issues?
Many senior executive disputes involve overlapping issues - such as shareholding, director duties and employment rights. We regularly act in hybrid matters where contractual, regulatory and fiduciary obligations all play a part. We’ll provide integrated legal advice that protects your financial interests, personal liability and commercial reputation - and coordinate with your accountant or financial adviser where necessary.
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.