A settlement agreement, formerly a compromise agreement, is a legal contract that records an employee’s agreement not to bring certain claims against their employer. These agreements often arise around exits, redundancy, grievances, discrimination, unpaid wages, or unfair dismissal. Because you may be signing away rights, independent legal advice is required and is usually employer-funded.
Top 10 Settlement Agreement Solicitors in London
Shortlisted for their reviews, reputation and depth of employment law expertise, these London firms regularly advise on settlement agreements (compromise agreements), negotiated exits and redundancy packages.
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Lewis Silkin – Settlement Agreement Advice
Market-leading employment specialists advising employees and employers on drafting, negotiation and risk in complex exits.
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Redmans Solicitors – Settlement Agreement Solicitors
Clear, practical guidance on settlement terms, tax, restrictions and strategy—plus FAQs and case studies.
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Osborne & Wise – Settlement Agreement Lawyers
Boutique employment firm providing tailored support on reviews, negotiations and agreed exits for professionals.
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Doyle Clayton – Settlement Agreements & Negotiating Exits
Workplace law specialists with strong executive experience in negotiating favourable terms and smooth departures.
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BDBF – Settlement Agreements & Severance
Leading London employment firm acting for senior executives on high-value settlements and severance packages.
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Fox & Partners – Settlement Agreements
Experts in drafting and negotiating settlement agreements, including sensitive boardroom and partnership exits.
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Slater and Gordon – Settlement Agreement Solicitors
UK-wide firm offering specialist review, negotiation and guidance on settlement agreement terms and FAQs.
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CM Murray – Senior Executive & Founder Exits
Tier-rated advisers for senior executives and founders on negotiated exits, restrictive covenants and reputational issues.
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Keystone Law – Employment & Settlement Agreements
Extensive employment team advising employers and individuals on settlement agreements and contentious exits.
Visit Keystone Law’s employment services (settlement agreements)
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Thomas Mansfield – Settlement Agreement Solicitors
Specialist guidance for employees on rights, negotiation strategy and improving offer terms before signing.
Best Settlement Agreement Lawyers around the UK
Explore leading local options here:
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Leeds & Bradford, Yorkshire
- Best Settlement Agreement Lawyers London
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Liverpool
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Surrey & Sussex
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Edinburgh, Scotland
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Southampton & Portsmouth
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Oxfordshire
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Bath
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Gloucestershire & Wiltshire
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Hampshire & Isle of Wight
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers West Midlands & Warwickshire
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Kent
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Essex
- Best Settlement Agreement Employment Lawyers Bristol
Frequently Asked Settlement Agreement Questions in the UK
These answers are general information. Always get advice on your specific circumstances.
1. What makes a settlement agreement legally valid?
It must be in writing, relate to specific claims, and the employee must receive independent legal advice from an insured adviser.
2. Do I have to sign a settlement agreement?
No. You can refuse. A lawyer can assess your claims and negotiate terms or advise on tribunal options.
3. Who pays for my legal advice?
Employers usually contribute to the employee’s legal fees for advice and signing. Extra negotiation time may cost more.
4. How quickly can I get advice?
Specialist firms often review within 24 to 48 hours. London leaders include Lewis Silkin, Redmans, and Osborne & Wise.
5. What payments are typical?
Compensation or ex-gratia sums, notice pay or PILON, accrued holiday, benefits, and sometimes an incentive or bonus element.
6. Is any payment tax free?
Usually the first £30,000 of genuine compensation is tax free. Salary, holiday, and notice pay are taxable.
7. Can terms be negotiated?
Yes. Lawyers can negotiate compensation, termination date, reference wording, confidentiality, and restrictions.
8. What happens if I do not sign?
Your employment terms continue. The employer may use internal procedures. Legal advice helps you weigh risk and leverage.
9. Which London firms are best for executives?
Firms known for high-value exits include Lewis Silkin, Osborne & Wise, BDBF, Fox & Partners, CM Murray, and Keystone Law.
10. Will this affect future roles?
Usually not. Confidentiality, non-disparagement, and restrictive covenants may apply. A lawyer can limit or clarify these.
Need further settlement agreement help?
If you need fast advice or a second opinion, contact an experienced employment solicitor. For London, consider firms such as Lewis Silkin, Redmans, Osborne & Wise, Doyle Clayton, BDBF, Fox & Partners, Slater and Gordon, CM Murray, Keystone Law, and Thomas Mansfield. Across the UK, see the regional lists above or get in touch using our enquiry form.
A settlement agreement (formerly known as a ‘compromise agreement’) is a legal document issued under employment law recording an employee’s agreement not to pursue a claim against their employer.
Settlement agreements can cover a wide variety of different claims and employment disputes, including unpaid wages, discrimination and unfair dismissal.
By signing and agreeing to a settlement agreement, you may be signing away certain employment rights, and so if your employer issues a settlement agreement to you, it is extremely important (and in fact, a legal requirement) to seek legal advice immediately or as soon as you possibly can.
If you need further help or advice, have questions that remain unanswered, or just need assistance with your legal issue, please do not hesitate to contact our editor Gavin Ward by email or by completing our online enquiry form or consider contacting specialist employment lawyers in England & Wales such as Lewis Nedas Law, Redmans, Osborne & Wise, Lloyd Donnelly or Thompsons Solicitors.
More best settlement agreement lawyer suggestions to follow and if anyone has had a great experience with a settlement agreement lawyer in the UK please let us know so we can update our information here.