Alistair McArthur
Partner, Head of Employment Law
Alistair McArthur
Partner, Head of Employment
t: 0118 989 8158
m: 07899 666 661
e: alistair.mcarthur@herrington-carmichael.com
Alistair is an experienced employment lawyer with particular expertise in advising on and dealing with recruitment practices, terms and conditions of employment, discrimination and harassment, termination of contracts and dismissals, the enforcement of post-termination obligations, transfer of undertakings on acquisition and disposal of businesses, restructuring and redundancies.
With a history of acting for businesses in the construction and property sector, banks, financial institutions and manufacturers as well as companies in the logistics and technology sectors, Alistair is accomplished at providing commercial and pragmatic advice to leading blue chip organisations.
Alistair is commercially astute, with an aptitude for negotiation. He takes on work with enthusiasm and a desire to succeed in all matters. This is, however, with the care to ensure he understands his client’s aims and problems at the outset so that strategies can be developed to obtain the best outcome possible.
Alistair is responsible for leading the Employment Department as it continues to provide high quality and effective advice and assistance.
Experience | Key projects
- Alistair has helped with a number of high level redundancy and restructure exercises across several clients.
- Alistair was instructed on a high level disability discrimination claim where the value was in excess of £5m.

Legal 500 & Chambers Testimonials
Alistair is a bit of a star. He has the confidence to steer cases strategically without losing sight of the commercial sense over legal strengths. He is personable but also tenacious for his clients. He has great knowledge and experience in all employment matters. His instructions are always comprehensive. He is particularly brilliant in TUPE-related matters.
– Legal 500, 2022
Alistair McArthur is a fantastic lawyer. He is able to offer great advice which is always balanced with a commercial approach.
Alistair McArthur has the ability to put a complex issue into layman’s terms while providing details of risk or potential risk.
– Legal 500, 2021
Practice head Alistair McArthur is widely lauded, with reviewers recommending him as an ‘exceptionally bright and discerning lawyer’, ‘commercially savvy and decisive’, ‘always making himself available’ and ‘possessing strong business acumen’.
– Legal 500, 2019
Alistair McArthur of Herrington Carmichael’s “advice is always of the highest quality. Not only does he take into account the legal aspects of a particular matter, he also considers the personal circumstances of the client and gives pragmatic advice, making them feel valued”.
– Chambers UK Guide, 2019
Client Testimonials
I am delighted to recommend Alistair and the employment team at Herrington Carmichael. As a business we have had a variety of complex employment related matters in recent times. Alistair and Robert are always able to provide advice and guidance on the legal considerations and commercial practicalities of the situations we are faced with.
– Vicky Beckwith, Director of HR and OD, Radian Group
Alistair and his team at Herrington Carmichael continue to provide us with the highest level of support on the various employment law issues which have arisen. I would highly recommend them and the services that they provide.
– Philip Gater, Head of Human Resources, Crediton Dairy Limited
Alistair is always on hand to give practical, commercial advice on the various employment queries we have. Support is always provided in an effective commercial manner and with a smile.
– Jennifer Hunt, CPO, Tech 21 Limited
I am always pleased with the support and assistance provided by Alistair and Katie, and the employment team at Herrington Carmichael. I rely on Herrington Carmichael to be readily available to give advice relevant to our issue and our business.
– Sue Ruston, Head of HR, Courtiers Investment Services
Awards | Accreditations
Alistair has been recognised by both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for a number of years, and was recently named as a leading individual by the Legal 500:
“Herrington Carmichael’s employment team is exceptional in the area. Alistair McArthur leads a great group of employment lawyers and they have an impressive client list.”
– Legal 500, 2022
Alistair is a “Recognised Practitioner” in the 2019 edition of Chambers and Partners. Chambers comment that:
“Alistair’s advice is always of the highest quality. Not only does he take into account the legal aspects of a particular matter, he also considers the personal circumstances of the client and gives pragmatic advice, making them feel valued”.



Legal Insights by Alistair McArthur
It’s the most wonderful time for a beer?
A Christmas party is great for employers to reward hard work, but there’s many clients who have seen complaints, grievances and claims after.
Without Prejudice – what is it and can I get around it?
The term “without prejudice” should only be used to genuinely settle existing employment disputes, not to gain authority or advantage.
Case update: detriment in victimisation claims
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has issued helpful guidance on what constitutes a detriment for the purposes of a victimisation claim.
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We are solicitors in Camberley, Wokingham and London. In 2019, Herrington Carmichael won ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the Thames Valley Business Magazines Property Awards, ‘Best Medium Sized Business’ at the Surrey Heath Business Awards and we were named IR Global’s ‘Member of the Year’. We are ranked as a Leading Firm 2023 by Legal 500 and Alistair McArthur is ranked in Chambers 2022.










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