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
Employment & Immigration
Insight

The advent of new Employment rights and obligations: The Employment Rights Act 2025

18.12.2025
The Employment Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant overhaul of UK employment law in a generation. Its phased implementation from 2026 through 2027 will introduce sweeping changes to employee rights, employer obligations, and workplace culture. A government roadmap published on 1 July 2025 sets out the delivery phases. 
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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

The global rise of pay transparency

22.04.2025
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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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Employment & Immigration
Insight

Navigating the Piecemeal Implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive

07.02.2025
As the deadline for transposing the EU Pay Transparency Directive into national law nears, member states are adopting varied approaches to its implementation.Ireland has recently proposed new legislation to implement parts of the Directive, and we may see a trend of piecemeal adoption across the EU. This article explores the implications of such an approach.
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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