Watershed is an employment law firm defined by its appetite for complexity. We are trusted with the difficult, the sensitive, and the strategically critical.
Our clients include in-house legal teams and private equity-backed businesses. They come to us when the risks are not only legal but also reputational: allegations against senior executives, contentious union disputes, collective consultations under pressure, or Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) transfers attracting regulatory interest. These are the matters that many firms sidestep. We do not.
Although we routinely provide day-to-day advice, on contracts, disciplinaries, grievances, our standing is built on navigating confrontation, not avoiding it.
Our origins are pragmatic. As part of Collinson Grant, our roots lie in operational change, not academic commentary. That heritage informs everything we do. We are fluent in the realities of business, alert to commercial dynamics, and unafraid of difficult decisions.
Our work falls into four broad domains:
Organisational change
We advise on the full spectrum of business transformation: restructures, redundancies, mergers and outsourcing. From initial workforce planning to exit execution, we provide legal direction with operational fluency.
Our lawyers conduct employment due diligence, assess risk and, when needed, lead negotiations with trades unions. We understand that legal advice must align with commercial intent. When law and operations intersect, we add the most value.
Workplace investigations
We lead investigations into bullying, harassment, discrimination and misconduct, frequently involving senior figures and sensitive disclosures.
We work discreetly and rigorously, whether supporting in-house teams or investigating independently. Our approach ensures procedural fairness, evidential clarity, and legal compliance, even under internal or external scrutiny.
Litigation and risk
We represent employers in employment tribunals and high-stakes disputes. Our cases often involve multi-day hearings, reputational issues, and complex negotiation.
We act as both advisor and advocate, offering continuity from first claim to conclusion. Our objective is not merely to defend, but to resolve, pragmatically, proportionately and with foresight.
Everyday legal support
Much of employment law is routine. It still matters. We advise on contracts, workplace policies, disciplinary issues and the everyday questions that arise from HR and line managers.
It may not attract headlines, but it underpins everything. It must be done properly.
