For the 12th consecutive year, BDBF has been ranked Band 1 in Employment: Senior Executive by Chambers UK in their 2026 Guide. Five BDBF partners are individually ranked for their employment law expertise, including three ranked in the Band 1 category. Additionally, BDBF has been newly ranked in the Partnership category, further demonstrating our expertise and leadership in this area.
BDBF is a leading specialist employment law firm based in the City of London. The firm have fought and won some of the highest value employment disputes of recent years against a range of ‘magic circle’ opponents. Their creative thinking has resulted in ground-breaking litigation outcomes in areas such as whistleblowing and discrimination law.
Recently the firm have acted for Tony Danker, the former boss of the CBI, who settled his legal action for wrongful dismissal with the business group for an undisclosed sum, after he was sacked with immediate effect in 2023 after complaints about his behaviour. They also successfully represented Rob Gagliardi in the first employment anti-suit injunction obtained under the new jurisdictional regime that applies post-Brexit. This injunction halted his former employer, Evolution, from pursuing claims against him in New York, setting a precedent in employment law. The firm represented Sebastian Lapinski in a high-stakes disability discrimination claim against Triton Investment Advisers LLP and Swedish respondents. Overcoming jurisdictional disputes, BDBF secured a Tribunal victory and EAT appeal dismissal, reinforcing employee rights under the Equality Act 2010 and Brussels Regulation. The entire team is reputed for its high quality legal advice.
Our team continues to deliver unmatched expertise and results for senior executives. Chambers says: “The people at BDBF are incredibly focused, knowledgeable and sharp.”
Employment lawyers recognised in our team and their rankings are:
A true titan in employment law, Gareth continues to lead with brilliance.
“Gareth delivered outstanding client service in all respects.”
“He is very smart, very effective and an excellent litigator.”
“Gareth Brahams is very commercial and tactically astute.”
Claire’s razor-sharp expertise and client-first approach make her a standout star.
“Claire Dawson is really excellent and really good at handling clients.”
“She is extremely client-centric.”
“She provides good advice and is sharp, switched on and balanced.”
Paula’s powerhouse performance keeps her at the top of her game.
“Her experience was very evident. I always felt well represented and appreciated her pragmatism. She was always very easy to get hold of and I always felt well informed of progress.”
“Paula was always very professional, knowledgeable and sharp.”
“Paula is extremely good.”
Nick’s dedication and insight continue to impress clients and peers alike.
“Nick is a very safe pair of hands, is super responsive and is never flustered.”
“I trust his judgement and am very lucky and very grateful to have had him fight my corner.”
“He is well-placed to advise any individual or business in their moment of pain.”
Clare is a rising star, making waves with her dynamic approach.
“Clare is fantastic. She is sharp, commercially aware and very personable, especially when dealing with sensitive and difficult matters.”
“Clare Brereton is an excellent new partner with lots of experience and a willingness to push the envelope for clients.”
“Clare is brilliant.”
Thank you 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.
