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Matthew Hodson

Partner, Employment

Matthew Hodson

Matthew Hodson is a Partner specialising in employment law, advising employers and senior employees on complex workplace issues.

I am a Partner in the Employment team at Waterfront Law, having worked in employment law since 2011. I joined Waterfront in 2016 and advise organisations, founders, employees and senior executives on complex, sensitive and high-value workplace matters.

I work with clients of all sizes, from early-stage businesses to multinational organisations, as well as employees, in particular, senior executives. My practice spans the entire employment lifecycle, from recruitment, to day to day issues and terminations.

A large part of my practice is focused on contentious employment law, including discrimination and whistleblowing claims, senior departures, restrictive covenant and team move litigation, and High Court proceedings involving breach of confidence and fiduciary duties. I regularly act in cases where reputational, financial and strategic considerations are closely intertwined.

I am known for clear strategic judgment, decisive advice and the ability to manage risk while remaining focused on the desired outcome. Whether acting for employers or individuals, I approach disputes with precision, discretion and a strong understanding of the commercial realities involved.

  • Acting in High Court litigation involving allegations of fraud, breach of confidence and enforcement of restrictive covenants.
  • Defending complex, multi-day disability discrimination and whistleblowing claims in the Employment Tribunal.
  • Acting for senior employees in high-value race discrimination and harassment proceedings.
  • Bringing protective award claims arising from failures to collectively consult during large-scale restructures.
  • Advising on maternity and pregnancy discrimination disputes, including negotiated resolutions in reputationally sensitive circumstances.
  • Advising businesses on significant reorganisations, collective redundancies and TUPE transfers.
  • Acting in restrictive covenant and team move disputes involving senior management and revenue-generating teams.
  • Successfully pursuing unfair dismissal and discrimination claims on behalf of executives and senior professionals.
  • Negotiating high-value settlement agreements in complex and contentious exits.
  • We have turned to Waterfront for advice on HR issues for several years now. We find their lawyers to be very knowledgeable, responsive and able to find practical solutions to the HR challenges we face as a large organisation. H&M
  • Huge thanks to Matthew Hodson, who helped us far more than we ever expected. His professionalism, speed, and outstanding communication were truly impressive. He was always available, incredibly supportive, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. His support made everything much less stressful. We couldn’t be more grateful and couldn’t have asked for better help — highly, highly recommended! Anonymous Client
  • I highly recommend Matt Hodson, who supported me with my Settlement Agreement. He explained the process clearly and offered pragmatic advice, helping me make informed decisions about how to proceed. Matt was easy to talk to and consistently quick to respond to emails. Anonymous Client
  • Thank you, Matthew Hodson! From the beginning, right up until the end, he was supportive, knowledgeable, attentive, and caring. He put me at ease, explaining the process and the legal terminology. I can’t thank him enough. I will be recommending him to anyone that needs this amazing man. Thank you again Matthew! Anonymous Client
  • Throughout what turned into a prolonged and complex tribunal case, Matthew demonstrated unwavering commitment, unerring attention to detail and impressive knowledge and application of employment law. At every stage, his communications with me as well as the Respondents were always prompt, professional and honest. I found his support invaluable. Former Headteacher
  • Matt and Piers represented me in a complex multi-million pound High Court claim after my employer failed to adhere to its contractual obligations. Their legal and tactical expertise was invaluable, and I would not hesitate to recommend them. – Executive, Technology Company
  • Matthew Hodson is a great solicitor. I highly recommend! Employee
  • Matt, you were the ultimate man to have in our corner. We couldn’t have asked for more in terms of your attention to detail and approach. It really made a difference. Shareholder
  • After having difficulties with my employer, I contacted Matt after being recommended his services. He was really involved in my case, incredibly knowledgeable and negotiated a good outcome for me. Senior architect
  •  We instruct Matt to assist with any day-to-day HR problems that arise. He’s a pleasure to work with and always provides clear and practical advice for us to follow. Director, financial services sector
  • Thanks for all your help, Matt. You provided invaluable advice with a no-nonsense approach which was greatly appreciated. Shareholder
  •  Matthew helped me with a complex legal claim. He was great throughout and quickly grasped that my case was about seeking justice, not money. He explained the law, my options and his recommended steps. He was assertive and helped me get an outcome that recognised how I was treated was wrong. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Matthew again and even to introduce him to others. Vicar
  • Matt was instructed to assist with a workplace dispute. He was fantastic and gave advice, which was straightforward, commercial and pragmatic. Thanks again Matt. HR professional
  • University of Sussex, LLB, 2.1 – 07/10
  • College of Law – 10/11
  • Employment Lawyers Association
  • Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship

Outside of work, I value time with my family and keeping active. Maintaining balance outside the office allows me to approach demanding disputes with focus and perspective.

  • After having difficulties with my employer, I contacted Matt after being recommended his services. He was really involved in my case, incredibly knowledgeable and negotiated a good outcome for me
    Senior architect
  • We instruct Matt to assist with any day-to-day HR problems that arise. He’s a pleasure to work with and always provides clear and practical advice for us to follow
    Director, financial services sector
  • We have turned to Waterfront for advice on HR issues for several years now. We find their lawyers to be very knowledgeable, responsive and able to find practical solutions to the HR challenges we face as a large organisation.
    H&M