- People
- Expertise
Our expertise
We are a team of more than 500 professionals, with the depth of experience which makes us genuine experts in our fields. Together, gunnercooke’s people have strength across just about every corporate discipline and sector. We provide legal, commercial and strategic advice that delivers real value to the clients we work with, which span from multinational enterprises through to unicorns and non-for-profit organisations. Our breadth of expertise covers some of the most interesting and important emerging disciplines, from ESG and charity law, to blockchain and competition.
Search by practice areaDispute ResolutionDispute Resolution OverviewMeet the Dispute Resolution TeamIntellectual Property DisputesFinancial Services & FinTech OverviewProceeds of CrimeEmployment TribunalTax InvestigationProperty Dispute ResolutionInsolvency DisputesMediationCivil Fraud & Asset TracingHealth & SafetyBusiness Crime & InvestigationsLitigation & ArbitrationInternational Arbitration - International
International Offices
gunnercooke has 12 offices globally including the UK, Scotland, US, Germany and CEE, with further plans for growth in the coming years. These offices enhance the existing in-house capability of our dedicated international teams and dual-qualified experts that cover China and Hong Kong, Spain, France, Italy, Brazil and Portugal. Our team has experience working across 101 different countries, speaking 30 languages and are dual-qualified in 15 jurisdictions. Our expertise means we can offer large teams to carry out complex cross-border matters for major international clients.
- Our story
Our story
gunnercooke is the fastest growing corporate law firm in the UK, now making its mark globally. We comprise a rapidly growing number of experts spanning legal and other disciplines. Clients benefit from flexible options on fees to suit their needs, access to a wider network of senior experts throughout the relationship, and legal advice which is complemented by an understanding of the commercial aspects of running a business.
- Reading Room
- News & Insights
Jonathan Golden
Partner
Employment Law
Accolades
Expertise
Jonathan is an employment lawyer with over 30 years’ experience as a solicitor advising individuals and organisations on confidential employment, discrimination and HR matters.
His clients include professional firms, senior professionals and figures in financial services, banking, telecoms, software, recruitment agencies and a broad cross-section of businesses.
Jonathan specialises in negotiating joining and termination packages for senior executives. He is often brought in by professional practices and private equity houses to resolve partnership, boardroom and shareholder issues, particularly in the SME sector. Jonathan is asked to give strategic advice by organisations that are planning for change, such as large-scale redundancies and company restructures.
He is ranked ‘Outstanding in the Field’ and is 1 of only 15 employment lawyers recommended and ranked in the legal directory Spears 500.
Experience Highlights
Individual
- Dealing with internal investigations for senior individuals in banking and other professions, in connection with employment, SMCR and other regulatory issues.
- Advised executives on the terms of their settlement agreements, ranging in value from several £000s to multi-million deals involving options, RSUs and bonuses.
- Advising senior executives on individual and team moves, including past restrictions and new contracts and onboarding requirements including recognition of deferred compensation and guaranteed bonuses in the banking and other regulated sectors.
- Advised a group of International Management Consultants, individually and collectively, in terms of a merger with a top three international firm, and later negotiated terms for individual departures.
- Advising executives facing bullying and harassment at work to navigate internal politics and procedures, bring discrimination claims and limit the damage to their reputations.
- Advising professional in multi-million-pound claim against a professional firm.
- Advising Managing Partner of a large regional law firm in terms of retirement.
Corporate
- Representing City Law firm on an age and disability discrimination claim, and dealing with various sensitive departures of senior staff and partners.
- Advising AIM-listed company on various acquisitions and mergers including implementing TUPE and collective redundancy consultations, and subsequent harmonisation of employment terms.
- Advising VC partners in connection with the departure of a high profile partner.
- Advising Swiss investment firm in connection with the departure of its UK team.
- Advising recruitment firm on a restructure and new terms for directors and staff.
- Advising specialist wine trader in connection with the enforcement of post-termination restrictions.
- Advising care home in connection with performance issues, risk assessment and implementation of a restructure.
- Advising accountancy firm on partnership issues.
- Advising the founding director and shareholder of a boutique recruitment business in a dispute with fellow directors.
Career History
Previous Law Firms
- Cubism Law, Consultant (2015 to 2019)
- Golden Leaver LLP, Founder and Member (2009 to 2019)
- Solnick & Co., Solicitor and later Managing Partner (1987 to 2009),
- Manches & Co., Articled Clerk (1985 to 1987)
Memberships
- Employment Lawyers Association
Education
- College of Law (1983 to 1985)
- University of York (Philosophy) (1980 to 1983)
- Berkeley, University of California (Philosophy) (1981 to 1982)
- Commissioned into the Queen’s Regiment (Sussex) (1980)
Expertise
Back to top
Jonathan is an employment lawyer with over 30 years’ experience as a solicitor advising individuals and organisations on confidential employment, discrimination and HR matters.
His clients include professional firms, senior professionals and figures in financial services, banking, telecoms, software, recruitment agencies and a broad cross-section of businesses.
Jonathan specialises in negotiating joining and termination packages for senior executives. He is often brought in by professional practices and private equity houses to resolve partnership, boardroom and shareholder issues, particularly in the SME sector. Jonathan is asked to give strategic advice by organisations that are planning for change, such as large-scale redundancies and company restructures.
He is ranked ‘Outstanding in the Field’ and is 1 of only 15 employment lawyers recommended and ranked in the legal directory Spears 500.
Experience Highlights
Back to top
Individual
- Dealing with internal investigations for senior individuals in banking and other professions, in connection with employment, SMCR and other regulatory issues.
- Advised executives on the terms of their settlement agreements, ranging in value from several £000s to multi-million deals involving options, RSUs and bonuses.
- Advising senior executives on individual and team moves, including past restrictions and new contracts and onboarding requirements including recognition of deferred compensation and guaranteed bonuses in the banking and other regulated sectors.
- Advised a group of International Management Consultants, individually and collectively, in terms of a merger with a top three international firm, and later negotiated terms for individual departures.
- Advising executives facing bullying and harassment at work to navigate internal politics and procedures, bring discrimination claims and limit the damage to their reputations.
- Advising professional in multi-million-pound claim against a professional firm.
- Advising Managing Partner of a large regional law firm in terms of retirement.
Corporate
- Representing City Law firm on an age and disability discrimination claim, and dealing with various sensitive departures of senior staff and partners.
- Advising AIM-listed company on various acquisitions and mergers including implementing TUPE and collective redundancy consultations, and subsequent harmonisation of employment terms.
- Advising VC partners in connection with the departure of a high profile partner.
- Advising Swiss investment firm in connection with the departure of its UK team.
- Advising recruitment firm on a restructure and new terms for directors and staff.
- Advising specialist wine trader in connection with the enforcement of post-termination restrictions.
- Advising care home in connection with performance issues, risk assessment and implementation of a restructure.
- Advising accountancy firm on partnership issues.
- Advising the founding director and shareholder of a boutique recruitment business in a dispute with fellow directors.
Career History
Back to top
Previous Law Firms
- Cubism Law, Consultant (2015 to 2019)
- Golden Leaver LLP, Founder and Member (2009 to 2019)
- Solnick & Co., Solicitor and later Managing Partner (1987 to 2009),
- Manches & Co., Articled Clerk (1985 to 1987)
Memberships
- Employment Lawyers Association
Education
- College of Law (1983 to 1985)
- University of York (Philosophy) (1980 to 1983)
- Berkeley, University of California (Philosophy) (1981 to 1982)
- Commissioned into the Queen’s Regiment (Sussex) (1980)
Testimonials
‘I was recommended to Jonathan by a friend who is also a lawyer. From the outset, I found Jonathan's approach to be extremely supportive and caring at a very difficult and stressful time. His pragmatic approach, and his insightful knowledge of employment law were invaluable and comforting. At all stages of the dispute he constantly provided reassurance and always made me aware of the consequences of my decisions in a simple and non-threatening way. I would strongly recommend him.’
A Public Company Board Senior Executive Client
‘Jonathan provided immediate support and allowed me regain my balance in a situation where I felt I was being discriminated against for my religious beliefs. He gave pragmatic advice and a realistic assessment of the situation, and then helped me take on my employer to achieve a moral and financial victory.’
Head of Finance Client
‘Jonathan is sought by professional practices and private equity houses for his discretion and expertise, and he frequently acts to settle partnership, boardroom and shareholder disputes.’
Spears 500 quotes
‘Jonathan will not only defend your interests by being an excellent lawyer and a great negotiator, but will also guide you through the negotiation process, help you choose the battles you really want to fight, and get the discussion to end up with a proper handshake. I can warmly recommend him to you.’
Senior Executive Client in Banking Responsible for High Level Recruitment
‘I was recommended to Jonathan Golden and the firm by a friend who is also a lawyer. I found Jonathan to be highly responsive, pragmatic and supportive, and his approach with his counterpart in the process was extremely professional and collegiate.’
Senior Executive Client in the Technology/Software Industry
‘As the case took time to reach its conclusion, Jonathan's advice and support for me to keep “mentally strong” was critical in me maintaining my faith during the process and of particular relevance in the eventual outcome. This kind of support forged a unique and genuine relationship with me: the client!’
Senior Banking Client