BDBF has been ranked as a top tier firm for Employment: Senior Executives by The Legal 500 UK 2026, the only firm in its category with all six of its partners ranked. BDBF’s team consistently provides exceptional expertise and results for senior executives. According to Legal 500, “BDBF are the absolute go-to firm for complex and high value claims.”
The firm has also secured a new ranking in the Partnership category, underscoring its expertise as specialist legal partnership lawyers.
BDBF also retains its longstanding ranking in the Employer category for the work it does for employers, including providing representation in high stakes litigation.
Employment: Senior Executives – Tier 1
Legal 500 recognises BDBF as “Preeminent in the senior executive space, Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP demonstrates expertise in discrimination, whistleblowing matters and sexual harassment cases. Practice head Gareth Brahams has a solid record in discrimination claims and high-stakes disputes, whilst Claire Dawson regularly advises on high value severance packages and intricate disciplinary and grievance processes. Nick Wilcox is an expert in employment disputes, particularly in cases with a regulatory dimension. Experienced litigator Clare Brereton works on disability discrimination cases and personal injury claims, and Paula Chan has a wealth of experience in High Court and tribunal claims, such as whistleblowing, discrimination and breach of contract. Samantha Prosser defends consultants and senior healthcare professionals against disciplinary allegations, bullying and raises grievances.”
Individual rankings:
All six BDBF partners have been ranked by Legal 500:
- Gareth Brahams – Hall of Fame
- Claire Dawson – Leading Partner
- Paula Chan – Leading Partner
- Nick Wilcox – Next Generation Partner
- Clare Brereton – Next Generation Partner
- Samantha Prosser – Next Generation Partner
Testimonials:
“Nick Wilcox is a fantastic litigator. He is composed and has excellent judgment.”
“BDBF are the absolute go-to firm for complex and high value claims in respect of psychiatric injury suffered by senior executives, whether through bullying or stress at work. They have the knowledge and experience to address all aspects of those claims, including PHI/GIP entitlement, employment issues and the personal injury claim. They also are a leading firm for discrimination claims in the Employment Tribunal if that is the more desirable forum for the claim. They have the knowledge and experience of instructing and handling medico-legal evidence that is unmatched in the market.”
“Gareth Brahams is an absolute titan of employment law. What Gareth does not know is probably not worth knowing. Recently promoted Partner, Samantha Prosser, is a rising star. She has a calm and reassuring air with clients that is essential when dealing with vulnerable individuals at the most difficult time of their lives. Claire Dawson is the safest possible pair of hands for complex and high value psychiatric injury claims.”
“The team at BDBF are true experts in employment law. They came highly recommended and lived up to their reputation. They have an incredible wealth of experience in the field and appear to collaborate across the partners when there is a complex issue. I found their advice to be consistently sound and bold where it was needed. In terms of technology, I was amazed to see how AI was being used to help synthesise vast amounts of documentation to significantly reduce the need for many hours of human time. The other part that has been critical in my experience with the firm is their empathy for the personal impact of the process. For many clients, this may be the first and only experience of its kind, and dealing with individuals who show genuine compassion makes the world of difference.”
“I have had the privilege to work with Samantha Prosser and Gareth Brahams at BDBF, with Samantha being my key contact. From day one, Samantha showed understanding and compassion for the position I found myself in and guided me through it all step by step. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and her attention to detail is second to none. Her recall of the details of the case has been exceptional. As a client, it is important not to feel like a number, and Samantha made me feel that she was on the journey with me and genuinely cared about the outcome. Gareth’s guidance throughout has been invaluable, and you immediately know you are dealing with a highly experienced leader in his field.”
“Beyond their legal excellence, BDBF’s welcoming atmosphere sets them apart. Their administrative staff ensured a warm and professional client experience, greeting visitors with genuine hospitality.”
Partnership – Tier 4
In the Partnership category, Legal 500 comments that “Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP has a robust offering which spans contentious, non-contentious, and advisory services ranging from litigation and investigations to exits and performance issues. The team is relied upon by a growing client base comprised of notable names from the financial, accountancy, and legal services sectors. Heading up the department is Gareth Brahams, who is regarded by clients as a ‘leader in the area’ and has a particular focus on whistleblowing allegations. He is supported by partnership experts Paula Chan, Claire Dawson, and Nick Wilcox.”
Testimonials:
“A very experienced and high-calibre team with good experience in LLP matters.”
“Uniformly high quality.”
“The firm provided excellent support in respect of a sensitive and difficult partnership dispute.”
“Paula Chan is excellent – very diligent, organised, and strategic.”
“Paula gave 100% at all times and her work and service levels were exceptional.”
“Genuine experts on partnership/LLP law. Go-to firm for acting for individuals, especially. Highly responsive and outcomes-focused.”
Employers – Tier 6
In the Employers category Legal 500 states that “The employment practice at Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP excels in complex and high-stakes disputes, in addition to senior exits and day-to-day matters. Led by Gareth Brahams, the team primarily caters to domestic clients in regulated professions, including the financial services and insurance industries. Nick Wilcox handles high-profile disputes, including restrictive covenants and Employment Tribunal claims. Samantha Prosser became a partner in April 2025, while Polly Rodway became a consultant for the firm.”
Testimonials:
“Fantastic, well-rounded team with increasing profile on the employer side to match their experience on the employee side. The partners are well informed and engaged. The senior associates are phenomenal, and the most junior associates are responsible, sensible and given the opportunity to flourish.”
“Nick Wilcox is a fantastic partner who is never afraid to get stuck in. His team leadership is fantastic. Blair Wassman is an absolute star – always on top of every detail. Abdullah Ahmed is a star for the future – so on top of everything and wise beyond his PQE.”
“BDBF is a team of highly skilled, dedicated employment lawyers with a high ratio of partners to associates. The quality of the team is excellent. Interesting and challenging work, and is a pleasure to deal with.”
“Nick Wilcox is great. Clever and really engaged in legal questions as well as in client-facing work. He is great with people and a real pleasure to work with. Claire Dawson is also a standout in my view.”
“The team has been very dedicated to our ongoing employment tribunal. They are switched on, often going above and beyond with research and collating information that has really helped us and also our barrister get ready for a tribunal. They have shown particular strength in being able to pick up and get straight back into the particulars even with lengthy time lapses between certain parts of our ongoing tribunal.”
“Nick Wilcox, Blair Wassman and Abdullah Ahmed. All three are excellent, knowledgeable, reassuring and friendly. In particular Blair’s recall and ability to remember things has been amazing and extremely helpful in our prep.”
First and foremost, thank you to our team for their brilliance, creativity and dedication to securing the best outcomes for our clients. We are also grateful to our clients, referrers and employment law colleagues for the incredible feedback.
If you would like to discuss your employment law needs, please contact your usual BDBF contact, email us at info@bdbf.co.uk or call us on 020 3828 0350.
