Thomson Reuters names eight Keystone Law partners in its Stand-out Lawyers Guide 2026
Andrea James, Andrew Darwin & Anna McKibbin
Nick is a very experienced employment solicitor who advises on the full range of employment issues for employers. Since 1988 he has advised employers both in relation to commercial and advisory matters, and matters involving litigation between employers and employees.
Nick has represented employers in the Court of Appeal, the High Court, County Court, the Employment Tribunal and the Central Arbitration Committee as well as at ACAS. His experience includes advising on matters relating to individual employees and on collective matters, such as restructuring and collective redundancies.
Nick has also represented senior executives joining and leaving employers, or looking to move to new roles with competitors.
As a trained mediator, Nick also resolves disputes using alternative dispute resolution methods where possible.
Expertise
Nick advises on recruitment, terminations, employment disputes, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, employee consultations, TUPE, and outsourcing, supporting employers across sectors.
Experience
- Successfully defended clients against the enforcement of restrictive covenants.
- Enforced restrictive covenants against a rival employer who had poached an employee from the client.
- Advised a large charity on the conduct of consultation meetings with unions and employee representatives.
Nick advises on corporate employment matters, including corporate reorganisations, large-scale restructures, and boardroom disputes, helping employers navigate complex organisational challenges and resolve high-stakes internal and external issues.
Experience
- Advised a large charity on large-scale corporate reorganisations and outsourcing.
- Handled a boardroom dispute, involving the founder of a start-up which settled on favourable terms after significant litigation.
Nick advises on recruitment, terminations, employment disputes, contracts, employee consultations, corporate reorganisations, and TUPE. He has advised sports teams and governing bodies including Aston Villa FC and the FA.
Experience
- Acted for a sporting association involved in a high-profile departure of individuals from the international team
- Acted for the Football Association on management contract issues.
- Acted for Aston Villa defending the club against a claim by the former chief executive.
- Provided advice to employees of sports institutions.
- Advised a Premier League football club on handbook reviews and contractual issues.
Nick advises football teams and players on recruitment, terminations, employment disputes, contracts, employee consultations, corporate reorganisations, and TUPE. He has advised Premier League players, Aston Villa FC, and the FA.
Experience
- Acted for a sporting association involved in a high-profile departure of individuals from the international team
- Acted for the Football Association on management contract issues.
- Acted for Aston Villa defending the club against a claim by the former chief executive.
- Provided advice to employees of sports institutions.
- Advised a Premier League football club on handbook reviews and contractual issues.
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognition
Recognised by Chambers Global for Employment 2026
Recognised in Chambers UK for Employment: Employer 2025-2026
Acknowledged by Chambers 2025 for having a practice that sees him advise on a broad spectrum of issues faced by major employers, including tribunal and High Court proceedings. He has notable expertise in handling whistle-blowing, discrimination and harassment claims.
Recognised by the Legal 500 in the Hall of Fame for Employment: Employers 2025-2026
Recognised by the Legal 500 2025 for Sport
Recognised in Best Lawyers (UK) 2009 – 2025 for Employment
Recognised by Chambers and Partners Global Guide 2024 for Employment
Recognised in Chambers UK 2023 for Employment: Employer
Recognised in Who’s Who Legal (2021-2024) for Labour, Employment and Benefits
Recognised in Chambers UK 2023 for Employment: Employer
Recognised in Chambers UK 2022 for Employment: Employer
Nicholas Robertson is noted as being “good at presenting solutions and very good at recommending what needed to be done.” Sources also note that he fights hard for his clients, who include large international corporates. Chambers UK 2015
Ranked by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers magazine for 2014, employment section; also ranked in the Top 10 list of lawyers in London
Member of the Employment Lawyers Association, the City of London Employment sub-committee and the Employment Advisory Panel for PLC
“Nick is a calming influence in a crisis, with a wealth of experience and commercial acumen.”
Chambers UK 2025
“He is an excellent lawyer who provides us with sound and prompt advice.”
Chambers UK 2025
“Nick Robertson – highly experienced litigator who had conducted much litigation in the world of football.”
The Legal 500 2025
“Nicholas’s strong reputation is matched by his ability.”
Chambers UK 2024
“He has a highly regarded reputation with a depth of practice.”
Chambers UK 2024
“Nick Robertson the man you want on your side in an employment dispute.”
The Legal 500 2024
“Top 10 Pioneering Employment Lawyers in London for Employers in 2023.”
Business Today
“He is an outstanding professional and a voice of reason.”
Chambers UK 2023
“His knowledge of employment law knows no bounds, and he can translate that into a very business-focused solution with a rapid turnaround time.”
Chambers UK 2022
“He has the whole package when it comes to experience and judgement.”
Chambers UK 2022
“Nick Robertson is an exceptional lawyer! He is extremely knowledgeable, and can handle complex and challenging issues with ease. He is a superb strategist and brilliant tactician, always focussed on delivering the outcome the client seeks.”
The Legal 500 2022
“He’s very down to earth and knows his stuff inside and out. Tactically he’s brilliant because he’s so experienced and has faced almost everything before. He gets to the real issues and forensically analyses them.”
Chambers UK 2021
“He’s incredibly knowledgeable, incredibly user-friendly, dives into the issues and isn’t fazed by anything.”
Chambers UK 2021
“He is a very gifted lawyer and an extremely effective negotiator.”
Chambers UK 2021
“Nick Robertson is commercial, sensible and calm in a crisis. He’s a great partner who often ends up being the voice of reason.”
The Legal 500 2021
“A trusted and practical adviser who provides innovative solutions to the challenges faced by employers.”
Chambers Global 2020
“Excellent technical lawyer” Nicholas Robertson regularly advises employers on the recruitment and departure of senior employees, and also trade union issues. Clients say he is “very commercial, very experienced and gives sage advice.”
Chambers UK 2018
“Nick is highly commercial and direct. He balances the legal requirements with our culture and business needs to achieve the best outcomes.”
Chambers UK 2017
“Nicholas Robertson is noted as being “good at presenting solutions and very good at recommending what needed to be done.” Sources also note that he fights hard for his clients, who include large international corporates.”
Chambers UK 2015
“Technically brilliant and knows his stuff inside out.”
The Legal 500 2014
“Nicholas Robertson is a doyen of the employment world and, in the words of one peer, “a real heavyweight.” “I think he’s probably one of the best employment lawyers you will ever find,” claimed one source, whilst others praised his commercial awareness and ability to work collaboratively. ”
Chambers UK 2014
“Incredibly experienced, highly focused on what the client needs to achieve and really hard working.”
Chambers UK 2013
“Brilliant: pragmatic, commercial and supportive.”
Chambers UK 2012
“A great tactician”, “a great team player” and “a delight to work with.”
Chambers UK 2011
“All-round excellence.”
The Legal 500 2011
“A solution-orientated lawyer with a sophisticated knowledge of the sector.”
Chambers UK 2010
“A sensible dealmaker.”
The Legal 500 2010
Nick qualified as a solicitor in 1988. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2021, he worked at the following firms:
- Mayer Brown
- Hogan Lovells