David Smellie

Spear’s Review

The nature of remuneration is changing, with big PLCs drafting agreements that are ‘ever more complex and conditional’, said Farrer employment partner David Smellie, noting that it’s driving senior executives away from big establishments. 

‘If anything, the trend is for my clients to leave the big PLC, bank or [private equity] house and set up with others in a more entrepreneurial environment – frequently with great success.’ Smellie advises top executives from FTSE 100 and private equity firms on all employment issues, ranging from entry, exit and remuneration to governance and regulation. 

A recent highlight has been a $50 million deal involving the move of a senior executive away from private equity to a new business venture.

Adviser Profile

David is a leading employment and safeguarding lawyer. Whether advising on senior executive moves within PLCs or private equity, or the handling of serious/high-profile safeguarding cases, either past or present, David is acknowledged for the clarity and astuteness of his advice – always looking ahead in an attempt to future-proof whatever action is contemplated now. 

Outside of employment law, he advises leading independent schools on issues relating to staff, pupils and parents – from sensitive dismissals to pupil exclusions and parental complaints. David is also an experienced safeguarding lawyer and advises on issues including creating safer systems, handling live cases and carrying out retrospective reviews.