Marian is a partner and founder of the firm’s employment group.

Marian advises employer and employee clients on a full range of contentious and non-contentious employment issues.

She has an long-standing reputation in acting for C-level executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs and CTOs) and other senior executives particularly in the creative, media and entertainment industries, as well as TV, theatre, fashion, retail, advertising, telecoms and publishing. She also advises HNW individuals and family offices in relation to their household staff.

Marian specialises in providing pragmatic and strategic advice to senior executives on exit negotiations on termination of employment (with potential claims such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment and whistleblowing) settlement agreements, appointments, and restrictive covenants and workplace issues.

She also advises employer clients on complex employee relations issues (including disciplinaries and grievances and sexual harassment), restructures (including individual and collective redundancies) and on the full range of employment documentation including settlement agreements, employment contracts and policies.

Some of Marian’s employer clients include Marv Studios (film), Cast & Crew LLC (film), Seven.One Studios (TV and film), Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, Nimax Theatres, Society of London Theatre/Theatre UK, International Car Wash Group (retail), Wolford and various internationally acclaimed musicians and producers.

Marian has celebrated a career of 40 years at Harbottle & Lewis having joined the firm in October 1984, becoming a corporate partner in 1989 and founding the employment group in 2000.

TESTIMONIALS

What people say

The team have an in depth knowledge of the niche theatre industry. Marian and her team provide clear, concise and relevant advice at speed.”

The Legal 500

Marian Derham provides clear, commercial and very good advice across a range of employment issues and I have been able to rely on her to guide us through a number of complex and time sensitive matters. She is also very responsive and a pleasure to work with.”

The Legal 500

Harbottle & Lewis are extremely efficient, knowledgeable and professional. Marian Derham has been amazing in her advice and support to us over the years. So knowledgeable, efficient, and valuable in her support of employment issues.”

The Legal 500

Mariam Derham is very knowledgeable and professional. Results-driven. Reassuring when working on sensitive matters. Big-picture vision on outcomes.”

The Legal 500