Marian Derham is a recognised expert in contentious and non-contentious employment law. She has developed particular expertise acting for senior executives/directors at the highest level in the media and entertainment and publishing industries, negotiating and advising on both exit strategies/termination packages and contractual arrangements.

Marian provides day to day advice to HR departments and directors on strategic issues including, redundancies and reorganisations, disciplinaries and grievances and Board/director disputes. Having previously been a partner in the Corporate Group in the earlier part of her career, Marian’s experience within the corporate environment means she is well placed to advise on the employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions  negotiating commercial contracts and advising company directors.

Marian Derham is “highly diligent”.
The Legal 500, 2011

Marian represents employers and senior executives from a wide range of industries including television, film and theatre, fashion, publishing, travel and tourism, sport  and charities sector, financial institutions and professional services.  Marian’s clients include, Wolford London Ltd, Basler UK Ltd, TripAdvisor UK Ltd, Playful Productions, Malaria No More, and Ladies European Tour in addition to many senior executives in TV and publishing.

Marian advises on all employments matters including:

• Termination of employment and appointments
• Performance management
• Bullying and harassment
• Grievance procedures
• Constructive dismissal and  breach of contract
• Maternity and parental rights; flexible working requests
• Advising on the company share sales  and/or Board restructures
• Sickness absences and capability
• Service contracts, employment contracts, freelance contracts, and consultancy agreements
• Restrictive covenants
• Outsourcing and in sourcing and TUPE issues
• Working Time Regulations.

WORK HIGHLIGHTS

For over 10 years Marian has been the lead Partner for a leading fashion house in the luxury market on all aspects of employment advice ranging from day to day queries, and strategic employment advice.

She has also acted for the following:

• The founder and Chairman of a major music Group as part of the sale of his shareholding in the Company and  his new arrangements as Non Executive Chairman
• A well-known Theatre production company on the Board restructure as well as advising the directors on high level strategic employment issues
• A high profile Chairman of a major international charity on their employment arrangements
• A well-known Charity providing niche employment advice for its sector and dealing with a wide range of employment issues as they arise
• The Director of Tax from a Big Four accountancy firm on his complex and high value exit negotiations
• The Group Finance Director on his exit arrangements from a major Broadcaster and his subsequent appointment to a Plc
• A Director of a luxury magazine on their multiple grievances against a major publishing house and securing desired exit arrangements.

Marian is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

CAREER HISTORY

Marian joined Harbottle & Lewis in 1984, becoming a Corporate Partner in 1989. She founded the Employment Group in 2000.

WHAT THE DIRECTORIES SAY ABOUT MARIAN

Marian is recognised in the Legal Experts Guide 2012 for Employment

Marian Derham is “highly diligent”.
The Legal 500, 2011