Spear’s Review

CEOs of listed companies, private equity investors and high-profile individuals facing interest from the press seek Farrer partner David Smellie’s wealth of expertise in complex employment-related matters.

Smellie advises on the entire employment life cycle, from contracts and misconduct allegations to exit agreements and renumeration; he has particular expertise in the latter. It is not unusual for his clients to have trusteeships at schools, and Smellie provides safeguarding advice for educational institutions that are going through a crisis.

He says clients appreciate not just his legal sharpness and leading insight, but also his level-headedness during times of crisis. ‘If someone has done something wrong or if someone is in a tricky situation, the worst thing you can do is give them false hope,’ he tells Spear’s.

Adviser Profile

Whether advising on senior executive moves or serious safeguarding cases, David is acknowledged for the clarity and astuteness of his advice – always looking several steps ahead to future-proof whatever action is contemplated now.

In employment law, David advises institutional employers on the discreet handling of potentially high-profile employment cases. He also advises senior executives on PLC board and private equity moves and departures.

Outside employment law, he advises leading independent schools on staff, pupils and parents – from sensitive dismissals to pupil exclusions and parental complaints – and on safeguarding matters including safer systems, live cases and retrospective reviews.