Recruiting and exiting senior staff
Senior hires and exits often involve significant commercial implications for employers. We advise on contractual and remuneration arrangements for new senior hires and the enforceability of restrictive covenants imposed by previous employers. We also frequently support employers in managing the resignation or removal of senior executives with a focus on agreeing commercial terms, protecting confidential information, preventing unfair competition and securing a smooth handover.
The senior management team is often viewed as the public face of a business, for customers, competitors and employees alike.
This means that the impact of an individual joining, resigning or being asked to leave is magnified when dealing with a senior-level role.
We frequently advise businesses on senior executive hires, including advising on the enforceability of their existing post-termination restrictions (and the legal and commercial risks of litigation) and drafting employment contracts to reflect agreed commercial terms and protect your business in the event of a subsequent exit.
Where an employee in a business-critical role resigns, we will support you on taking steps to protect your confidential information and business contacts, ensuring a smooth handover.
Where you are contemplating removing a C-suite employee or other senior executive from the business, we will advise on the legal and commercial issues to consider and, if required, assist in achieving a negotiated outcome which protects your business and avoids undue formality, protracted processes or reputational fall-out.
Outside of employment law, we also work with trusted corporate lawyers and other professional advisers within our network to support you with advising on complex share option or other equity incentive arrangements, removing directors from the Board, navigating leaver provisions in the context of a senior level exit and shareholder disputes.
Get advice on recruiting and exiting senior staff
Speak to our team for clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.
