Overview

Sophie Vanhegan is acknowledged as a 'highly experienced litigator and restrictive covenants expert' by Legal 500 (2024) and leading lawyer in the UK employment law arena by Chambers and Partners (2024), where she has been ranked for the past 11 years. Clients say "Sophie is excellent and my go-to person. She has supported us with some complex employee relations cases. She provides considered expert support." Sophie Vanhegan frequently advises employers on matters including TUPE, restrictive covenants and discrimination claims. She is commended for her knowledge of the financial services sector. Interviewees note that "Sophie is a good adviser to have on your side. She is good with clients and easy to deal with."

Experienced in all aspects of employment law and focusing on complex employment litigation, Sophie regularly advises on restrictive covenants, breach of confidentiality and team move matters which involve High Court injunctions and subsequent trials, as well as bonus disputes and high-value discrimination claims. Many of the cases she works on have cross-jurisdictional elements. She has worked on some of the most complex employment litigation matters and specialises in tailoring a strategic approach to her clients’ risk and litigation appetite. 

Before joining GQ|Littler Sophie worked for leading global firm Linklaters. During her time there she undertook a five-month secondment to global investment bank RBS to assist with restructuring issues, following RBS's acquisition of ABN AMRO.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

Employment Lawyers Association

Recognition

Ranked

Chambers and Partners

2014-2024

Named, Recommended Lawyer

Legal 500

2019-2022, 2024

Named, Best Lawyers in the UK

Best Lawyers

2021-2024

Named, IEL Elite

International Employment Lawyer

2024

Named, Women's Leaders

International Employment Lawyer

2022

Recommended, Labour & Employment

Who's Who Legal

2024

News, Analysis & Press

Finance sector makes progress on mental health

Personnel Today

July 17, 2023

News focus: Employment law is changing fast

The Law Society Gazette

May 31, 2023

Number of fit notes issued hits record high

People Management

July 18, 2022

Queen’s Speech: Bill of Rights and Brexit Freedoms

The Law Society Gazette

May 10, 2022

Flexible working tribunal claims rise sharply

HR Magazine

January 17, 2022

The Littler European Employer COVID-19 Survey Report

Littler Report

September 22, 2020

Work-related stress concerning employers

HR Magazine

February 11, 2020

Fit notes for stress-related disorders rise by 8 percent

Workplace Insight

February 11, 2020

Littler Global Guide - United Kingdom - Q4 2019

Global Guide Quarterly

January 22, 2020

Littler Global Guide - United Kingdom - Q3 2019

Global Guide Quarterly

October 16, 2019

Littler Global Guide - United Kingdom - Q3 2018

Global Guide Quarterly

October 11, 2018

Speaking Engagements

Littler's Women's Leadership Initiative Presents: A Guide to Women’s Issues in the Workplace

Littler Executive Employer Conference, Phoenix, AZ

May 8, 2024

International Women’s Day – Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace

March 8, 2022

Bar Admission

United Kingdom (England and Wales)