Nicholas Thorpe | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have a wealth of experience advising HR, in-house legal and senior leadership teams on a wide variety of employment law issues.  I am known for providing strategic, pragmatic and commercial solutions and my input is often sought at an early stage (whether it be a sensitive exit, a team move or a large change program).

I have extensive experience advising on business restructures, transfers and outsourcing.  I am also an experienced litigator, having acted on a number of high profile cases, including complex discrimination claims and a recent, widely reported status claim.

Working across a broad range of sectors, I have particular experience and market knowledge in technology, life sciences, and retail.  I work with a number of HR groups, including HR Retail Circle and the Association of British Health Tech Industries' HR Forum.

Increasingly, my work involves an international element and I work closely with our other practices and international offices to support our global client base.

I am noted in the independent legal directories for my commercial approach:

I have been described as an 'outstanding lawyer' and 'incredibly commercial'.  I have also been praised for my 'excellent communication skills'.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Peoples Operations Manager
Retailer
I would recommend Nick and his team to any company, large or small.  We are a start-up brand transitioning into a medium/large sized business and we have been so impressed by the commercial advice we have received to date.  We have worked with employment law solicitors in the past who have not understood the complexities of our business, resulting in inadequate advice.  Fieldfisher have never failed us and not only give great advice but have also been supportive and super quick!
Chief Human Resources Officer
Global Manufacturing Business
I would recommend Nick Thorpe and the employment team in Fieldfisher without hesitation. I have worked with them as our appointed employment law advisors in three successive companies. They have been trusted partners to each company and have helped in many complex situations. The advice is commercial, legally robust and focused on the right outcomes
UK&I HR Director
Global Real Estate Advisory Firm
I’ve found Nick's advice to be invaluable.  Nick is a real trusted advisor providing crystal clear, quality legal solutions in partnership with us - both for ongoing legal and ER issues and looking forward to manage future risks.  I have no hesitation in recommending his user friendly and utterly reliable legal service

Authored pieces

All Resources
A digital representation of Earth is depicted in a dark background. The globe is illuminated with pink and purple hues, featuring interconnected lines and dots, suggesting a global network or futuristic technology. Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia are prominently visible.
Employment & Immigration
Insight

The global rise of pay transparency

22.04.2025
The concept of pay transparency is gaining significant traction worldwide as countries strive to create more equitable workplaces. From the Pay Transparency Directive in Europe to Trump's Executive Order on DEI in the United States, how to attain equality is top of the agenda. 
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Employment & Immigration
Insight

Supreme Court Judgment: What is a woman?

16.04.2025
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A digital representation of Earth is depicted in a dark background. The globe is illuminated with pink and purple hues, featuring interconnected lines and dots, suggesting a global network or futuristic technology. Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia are prominently visible.
Employment & Immigration
Insight

Addressing Objections to Pay Transparency within businesses

21.02.2025
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A large magnifying glass focuses on paper cut-outs of human figures, each decorated with various letters and text passages. The background shows more paper figures out of focus, positioned on an open book, creating a scene with text and paper characters.
Employment & Immigration
Insight

Navigating the Piecemeal Implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive

07.02.2025
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Employment & Immigration
Insight

Competing in a Market that Requires Pay Transparency: The Impact on the UK, US, and Europe

06.11.2024
In today’s global economy, there is increasing cross-border competition for talent. While the Pay Transparency Directive targets EU member states, its influence will extend beyond these borders, impacting businesses in the UK, US, and other parts of Europe.
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Lawyers I've worked with
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What others say…

Peoples Operations Manager
I would recommend Nick and his team to any company, large or small.  We are a start-up brand transitioning into a medium/large sized business and we have been so impressed by the commercial advice we have received to date.  We have worked with employment law solicitors in the past who have not understood the complexities of our business, resulting in inadequate advice.  Fieldfisher have never failed us and not only give great advice but have also been supportive and super quick!
Chief Human Resources Officer
I would recommend Nick Thorpe and the employment team in Fieldfisher without hesitation. I have worked with them as our appointed employment law advisors in three successive companies. They have been trusted partners to each company and have helped in many complex situations. The advice is commercial, legally robust and focused on the right outcomes
UK&I HR Director
I’ve found Nick's advice to be invaluable.  Nick is a real trusted advisor providing crystal clear, quality legal solutions in partnership with us - both for ongoing legal and ER issues and looking forward to manage future risks.  I have no hesitation in recommending his user friendly and utterly reliable legal service