Specialist legal advice on negotiating and enforcing employment contracts
Our experienced employment contract solicitors advise both employers and senior professionals on drafting, negotiating and enforcing employment contracts, including director service agreements, consultancy contracts and high-value employment terms.
Employment contracts are more than just a formality. They define the scope of a role, protect business interests, and determine how exits – whether smooth or contentious – will be handled. For employers, the right contract mitigates legal and commercial risk. For senior executives, it should protect reputation, income, and future career prospects.
Our solicitors ensure every contract reflects the realities of the role, stands up to scrutiny and is future-proofed against employment disputes.
On this page
- Who we help – we advise both employers and senior executives on employment contracts.
- How we help – tailored advice on drafting, negotiating and resolving contractual issues.
- Why choose us – from our specialist knowledge and commercial-mindset to senior partner oversight.
- Recognition for our solicitors – independent quotes from Chambers and the Legal 500.
- Frequently asked questions – on employment contracts
- Latest news and insights – on the issues shaping today’s workplace.
Who we can help with employment contracts
Carefully drafted contracts and executive service agreements are the foundation of any employer/employee relationship. They protect the business and ensure employees understand what is expected of them in their roles and how they will be remunerated.
Employers
Our employment law team works with HR professionals, general counsel and leadership teams to draft robust, tailored contracts that protect the business and reflect its commercial priorities.
Our support includes:
- Bespoke employment contracts for staff at all levels
- Director and senior executive service agreements
- Complex clauses covering intellectual property (IP), bonuses, garden leave and restrictive covenants
- Contract alignment (known as ‘harmonisation’) as part of an acquisition or restructure
- Enforcing contractual rights, including breach of confidentiality or post-termination restrictions
- Responding to alleged breaches of contract – either defending a claim or enforcing terms via an injunction or litigation.
Senior executives
We advise senior professionals, directors and board members on negotiating contractual terms before joining, mid-contract or planning an exit, to protect your position, rights and reputation.
Our support includes:
- Reviewing and negotiating contracts to protect income, equity and benefits
- Challenging unfair or unclear changes to contractual terms
- Enforcing rights around bonuses, notice or restrictive covenants
- Exit planning and securing favourable terms
- Breach of contract claims including unpaid salary, bonuses or misrepresentation
How our employment contract solicitors can help
We provide commercial, clear-sighted advice on every aspect of employment contracts, including:
- Drafting and negotiation – contracts and service agreements that align with the role, sector, and legal standards.
- Executive service agreements – detailed terms covering risk, reward and responsibility.
- Restrictive covenants – balanced clauses that are enforceable and defensible.
- Contractor and consultancy agreements – ensuring IR35 compliance and clarity on employment status.
- Breach of contract advice – fast, strategic action to resolve disputes or recover losses.
- Regular contract reviews – help to keep pace with legal changes and business growth.
Our expertise in employment contracts
As a firm, we have specific expertise in sport management and player contracts.
Our employment solicitors also have extensive experience in contract ‘harmonisation’, which is when a number of contracts need to be amended following a business sale or acquisition.
Our retained employment law services offer employers ongoing support at a fixed fee saving time and cost, while also minimising risk. Our services include drafting new employment contracts, handbooks and policies, and updating employment contracts to comply with current legislation.
Why choose Clarke Willmott for advice on employment contracts
- Sector-specific expertise – Having a large team of employment solicitors gives us in-depth knowledge across various industries and enables us to understand the specific challenges and needs of your sector.
- Cost-effective service without compromise – All our work is handled by the most-suitably qualified team for the issue, ensuring a high quality, efficient and cost-effective service.
- Clear, practical advice in plain English – Our legal advice is always clear, straightforward and actionable, helping you make well-informed decisions with confidence.
- Senior oversight throughout – One of our senior partners will oversee your matter from start to finish, providing strategic guidance and ensuring accountability at every stage.
