Senior Executives Disputes

If you’re an employee facing a dispute, an employment settlement agreement can help you resolve issues with your employer in a pragmatic manner, avoiding the time, cost and stress associated with going to court. When relationships deteriorate, it’s important to get the right support behind you to ensure a fair and positive outcome.

Make an enquiry
Senior lawyer in an office

Key contact

Photo of Ben Stanton

As an employment lawyer, dealing with issues for both employers and employees allows me to consider both sides of the argument. I work closely with my clients’ HR departments, providing clear and timely advice from beginning to end. I like to take time to get to know my clients’ businesses as well as them as individuals.

Our experience

Negotiating a settlement agreement with your employer can help you reach an agreeable conclusion.

These agreements usually mean that an employee waives their rights in exchange for beneficial terms, such as a compensation payment.

Our expert employment lawyers will be by your side – providing advice, reassurance and understanding throughout the process. Taking time to understand your specific circumstances, we prioritise your objectives and work with you to negotiate an agreement which satisfies them. We identify any potential claims while providing commercial, realistic advice, and negotiating your package.

Director Dispute Solicitors

As director dispute solicitors, we advise senior executives and directors on employment disputes at boardroom level, from wrongful dismissal and whistleblowing claims to challenging restrictive covenants on exit. These situations carry higher stakes and more complexity than a standard employment dispute, and we work closely with you to protect your position, your reputation and your financial outcome.

Working with you

Our team have worked with both individuals and businesses on settlement agreements – meaning we see and negotiate on both sides of the argument. We understand the complexities of a strained employment relationship and help you find a way forward that works for both parties.

We’ve worked with employees of all levels, from senior executives to those at the coalface. At a company level, we’ve worked with SMEs to internationals across industries as diverse as retail, health and beauty, and engineering.

You may have asked your employer for a settlement agreement, or you may be an employer looking for settlement advice. Whatever your circumstances, we’ll be by your side to make sure you get a fair outcome.

Recognition of our work

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal updates and thought leadership

View All

Hear what our clients say about us

Thank you both for the great employment law workshop yesterday. It was good to have you on site in person. Everyone enjoyed gleaning this valuable information which will support us.

Client testimonial Employment training attendee

I felt the sessions were a beautiful mix of information sharing and group discussions; and the feedback has been really positive. Thank you both.

Client testimonial Employment training attendee

I recently used HCR Law’s services. Mahima Chowdhury was my point of contact, the service she provided during a difficult time was very personal and empathetic while remaining completely professional. The communication was brilliant and prompt. I received honest, pragmatic advice. I would highly recommend HCR Law.

Client testimonial Settlement agreement

Zara was super supportive and professional. She updated me promptly during the process and support me in the best way. I definitely recommend her service.

Client testimonial Settlement agreement

Employment tribunals can be protracted, emotional and expensive. When a senior manager within the care sector claimed for unfair dismissal following health and safety whistleblowing, she contacted Employment and Immigration Legal Director Guy Hollebon. Guy’s knowledge of the employment landscape, and, in particular, employment tribunals, meant he was able to negotiate a successful settlement shortly before the hearing. This meant his client avoided the need to attend the tribunal and was able to draw a line under the case and move on. Following this, Guy’s client said: “It is a huge relief for me to have this case concluded and you have been a tremendous help at every step along the way.  I have great admiration and respect for your knowledge, professionalism, straight forward approach, patience and kindness.

Client testimonial Settlement negotiation

I had a very positive experience with HCR Law during my immigration application. Dionne Russell was extremely professional, supportive, and clear throughout the whole process. She guided me and my family with care, answered our questions, and made everything feel much easier to manage. I truly appreciate the excellent service and would highly recommend Dionne and the team at HCR Law.

Client testimonial Immigration law

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to this firm for the outstanding support provided throughout my redundancy process. Matthew Gillett was exceptionally helpful, approachable, and reassuring throughout. His clear advice and prompt communication made a difficult situation far easier to manage.

Client testimonial Jose Ignacio

We were extremely pleased with the training delivered by HCR Law on the distinction between workplace banter and discrimination, we also received training from them regarding how to conduct effective investigations. The sessions were engaging, practical, and highly relevant, and we received excellent feedback from all delegates who attended. The positive impact of the training led us to bring HCR Law back to deliver further sessions, and we will be booking additional training again this year. We would highly recommend them.

Sarah Feely, HR Manager, Allelys Heavy Haulage Limited Training session

Catherine delivers training for us which is shaped by her acute understanding of our business and underpinned by a high level of commerciality. She is equally credible whether working with the business’s senior leaders, or staff at every level. Her training is always relevant, on point and relatable for any audience, with the inclusion of real-world examples that employees understand.

Matt Wayne Group HR Director of Direct Wines (trading as Laithwaites)

Sarah Price and Adam Morris delivered a workshop session on employment law to a group of elite athletes on behalf of British Equestrian, and it was fantastic! The athletes gained so much from it, and the session was perfectly pitched for them. Thank you for your time and energy and for creating such an engaging and interactive experience.

Client testimonial Employment Law

I want to extend a special thanks to you for sharing such valuable insights in your Employment Rights Bill training. Your detailed review of the bill and key information you provided was incredibly helpful. It gave us a clear understanding of what we can do moving forward, and we are excited to put this into practice.

Client testimonial Employment Rights Bill training

Adam Cotterill was incredibly helpful in guiding me and my partner through the process of reapplying for our UK Unmarried Couples visa. After our initial application was rejected, we were extremely stressed and unsure of how to proceed. Adam supported us every step of the way, providing clear advice, reassurance and guidance. Thanks to his expertise, the process felt far more manageable, and we felt confident in our reapplication.

Client testimonial Unmarried Couples visa

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Director dispute solicitors advise senior executives and directors on employment disputes specific to boardroom and senior leadership roles, including exits, dismissals and breach of duty claims. These cases often carry added complexity around reputation, shareholdings and restrictive covenants. HCR Law’s team advises directors and senior executives through disputes, negotiating outcomes that protect both position and reputation.

A restrictive covenant is a clause in an employment contract limiting what you can do after leaving, such as working for a competitor or approaching former clients. Not all covenants are enforceable, courts will only uphold terms that go no further than necessary to protect a genuine business interest. HCR Law’s solicitors regularly challenge and negotiate covenants for departing senior executives

Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employer breaches the terms of an employment contract when ending employment, commonly by failing to give proper notice or contractual payment. For senior executives, this often involves complex notice periods, bonus and equity entitlements. HCR Law’s director dispute solicitors advise on wrongful dismissal claims, ensuring contractual entitlements are properly assessed and pursued.

Yes. Whistleblowing claims involve proving a protected disclosure was made and that it led to detrimental treatment or dismissal, both legally and factually complex to establish. Senior employees often face added scrutiny given their seniority and visibility within the business. HCR Law’s solicitors advise senior executives on whistleblowing claims from the initial disclosure through to tribunal if required.