Legal 500 Rankings 2025 - Cole Khan ‘bring both legal precision and strategic insight to sensitive, high-stakes situations’
London, 01 October 2025 – Cole Khan is proud to announce its recognition in the newly released Legal 500 UK 2026 rankings, published today. Clients have recognised Cole Khan as being ‘at the cutting edge of claimant-side employment law with particular expertise in discrimination and whistleblowing cases.’
The prestigious legal guide, which independently assesses law firms across the UK has once again highlighted Cole Khan’s strength in its three practice areas:
- Employees & Unions: Band 2
- Senior Executives: Band 4
- Professional Discipline: Band 4
Cole Khan has also been provided an accolade for client satisfaction with feedback such as where ‘The ethos of this firm is to value people over profit, and it shows.’
This represents the fourth year in a row the firm has been recognised, moving up the bands each year since the firm’s inception.
Cole Khan has been recognised for its work in acting for doctors, social workers, senior executives, unions, and academics in an array of employment, discrimination and regulatory matters. The ‘tenacious and robust’ Shazia Khan co-leads the practice, with expertise spanning education litigation, complex discrimination matters, and employment tribunals involving maternity and race-related claims. Co-leading the team, Emilie Cole is skilled at leading high-profile whistleblowing, disability discrimination, and unfair dismissal matters. Emilie Cole is commended by clients as ’outstanding, thoughtful, and cerebral.’
Cole Khan’s Founding Partners, Shazia Khan and Emilie Cole, have each been recognised by Legal 500 as a ‘Leading Partner.’
Our partners, Shazia Khan and Emilie Cole, have been described as ‘stand out performers in the employment field.’ They are acknowledged as ‘The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.’
Colin Davidson, Legal Director at Cole Khan, has been recognised as a ‘Leading Associate’ for his experience in union employment tribunal claims and disability discrimination matters.
Cole Khan Solicitors LLP‘s professional discipline and regulatory team advises professionals from the legal, financial services, education, and accountancy sectors in matters brought by both regulators and employers.
Key clients include Equality & Human Rights Commission, STAMMA, University College Union, Accord Union, Senior Trader at International Bank, Dr Omer Karim, The BMA, and Unite the Union.
It is a great privilege to receive testimonials from both clients and referees quoted as follows:
‘Cole Khan is a very strong firm for advising senior executives on discrimination, dismissal, and complex disputes. Their expertise in Equality Act claims is particularly strong, and they bring both legal precision and strategic insight to sensitive, high-stakes situations. The team understands the pressures faced at executive level — including the need for discretion, speed, and commercially and practical advice. ’
Cole Khan has a wealth of experience in professional discipline, particularly in the medical and solicitors' regulation fields.'
‘Shazia Khan and Emilie Cole are the founders of Cole Khan and have years of experience in professional regulation. Shazia is extremely tenacious and driven to get a positive outcome for her client. Emilie is very cerebral and strategic in her approach.’
‘The ethos of this firm is to value people over profit, and it shows.’
'They communicate with care and precision, respond quickly, and explain complex legal matters in a clear and reassuring way.'
‘Cole Khan were recommended to me by a barrister for their ability to balance practical legal advice with a deep expertise in employment law and the nuances that arise with senior executives working in global organisations. They have consistently brought in excellent specialist advice where needed and they really do bring the very best aspect of diversity and inclusion to live.’
‘At the cutting edge of claimant-side employment law with particular expertise in discrimination and whistleblowing cases.’
‘They have created a boutique, claimant-orientated firm who fight difficult cases, especially in the discrimination field.'
Once again, Shazia Khan has been noted for the great work she does, especially in complex employment litigation on behalf of employees and senior employees, notably solicitors and doctors. She has also been ranked as a Band 1 lawyer:
'Shazia Khan is outstanding and tenacious lawyer who fights hard for her clients with great strategic insight.'
‘Shazia Khan was always professional and it was clear she wanted to best outcome for my dispute and approached it in a holistic manner. Had Shazia not been so brilliant then I would have likely given up and left my employer without my case being settled.'
‘Shazia has a really good approach, she remains practical but balanced at all times and has a great network of specialists which we have called upon where necessary. Shazia cares passionately about her team and really focuses on their development. Shazia has proactively managed the costs of my case at every stage, making sure I have an estimate of costs whenever possible.’
'Shazia Khan is tenacious and robust, always gets a strong result for her client.'
‘The team is led by Shazia Khan, a truly amazing lawyer. She puts her clients at ease, but puts up a strong fight. You know you are in safe hands and that Shazia and team will do everything they can for you.’
Additionally, Emilie has been celebrated again, and has been ranked as a Leading Partner:
‘Emilie Cole has particular expertise in whistleblowing claims where she has a strong record in high profile claims.'
‘Emilie Cole is excellent. She is very committed to her clients, savvy and smart.’
‘Emilie Cole is outstanding, thoughtful, and cerebral.'
‘Emilie Cole is a strategic, focussed employment lawyer who considers the development of the law in the cases she brings.'
'Emilie stands out as a calm, highly capable presence who inspires confidence from the very first interaction.'
Link to the full Cole Khan rankings below:
L500 | Cole Khan Solicitors LLP > England | Legal 500 law firm profiles | Rankings