Charlotte McBride

Senior Associate Solicitor

Charlotte is a Senior Associate Solicitor at Collingwood Legal, having joined the firm in 2011 and qualifying as a solicitor in May 2015 after undertaking the firm’s first training contract. Charlotte has continued to develop her specialism in employment law and is highly recommended by the Legal 500.

Charlotte is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Charlotte is an experienced solicitor, advising and representing clients on a wide range of employment law issues and successfully representing clients at Tribunal.

Charlotte is recognised as a Rising Star in the Legal 500 UK rankings.

Experience

Examples of Charlotte’s experience include:

  • Advising claimants and defendants in relation to a variety of claims including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing and injunctive relief.
  • Providing comprehensive advice to employers in the public, private and third-party sectors in relation to a full range of workplace procedures.
  • Assisting and supporting business clients in many different industries with complex collective redundancies, organisational restructure, and trade union disputes.
  • Drafting bespoke employment policies, procedures, and related correspondence.
  • Advising individuals and businesses on settlement agreements, employment contracts and consultancy agreements.
  • Successfully representing clients in litigious matters in relation to both Employment Tribunal and civil court proceedings.

Noteworthy cases

  • Successful preparation and defence of complex automatic unfair dismissal claim (whistleblowing) including reconsideration and appeal applications from the claimant, and a successful award of costs in favour of our employer client.

  • Higher Education – successful defence of a whistleblowing claim worth circa £110,000 from a former employee with health and safety responsibilities at full Tribunal.

  • Strategic advice on site closure of a care setting and associated collective consultation obligations.

  • Advising a large College in relation to collective bargaining rights of recognised unions and statutory recognition procedures, practical and pragmatic advice secured agreed changes to procedures within the scope of existing recognition agreement.

What people say about Charlotte

  • “Helen Scott, Paul McGowan and Charlotte McBride are flawless in their advice, commercial understanding, knowledge of employment law and approachable services.” -(Legal 500 2024)
  • “Charlotte McBride has helped us a lot during the last 12 months. She has demonstrated great sensitivity and fairness to protecting our reputation as a sympathetic & supportive employer.” -(Legal 500 2024)
  • “Charlotte McBride provides clear, helpful advice and is a joy to work with” –(Legal 500 2023)
  • “Charlotte McBride continues to be a highly active up and comer.” –(Legal 500 2023)
  • “Charlotte McBride is invaluable and incredibly helpful, credible and effective”. –(Legal 500 2023)
  • “extremely knowledgeable and fast-working” – (Legal 500)
  • “excellent communication skills” – (Client)
  • “ability to adapt to a wide range of scenarios” – (Long-standing client)
  • “handled matters extremely efficiently and professionally, whilst remaining approachable and understanding”- (Client)

Outside of work

Charlotte enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter, caravanning and exploring the beautiful Northumberland coast and relaxing with reading and a spot of yoga when there’s a spare moment in a day!

Accreditations

Collingwood Legal stands out for its 'excellent response times' and 'business acumen' alongside its 'pragmatic and practical' advice.

Legal 500

Collingwood Legal have worked closely with the College on a number of key projects. The Collingwood Legal team have consistently provided valuable advice and I would highly recommend their personable and candid approach.

Principal at Leading FE College

Comprehensive advice tailored to practical situations. Collingwood Legal demonstrate a real understanding of the employers perspective. Would have no hesitation in recommending to other businesses.

HR Director – Construction firm

Boutique employment law firm Collingwood Legal is recognised for its 'expertise in dealing with complex, high-end disputes'.

Legal 500

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The Collingwood Legal team are experienced, dedicated, professional, and have a good understanding of a client's needs and expectations. They have a flexible and personal approach, providing solid, honest advice.

Legal 500 2025