Cole Khan announces first lateral Partner hire - Mike Cain
13 August 2025 – Cole Khan, announces the appointment of Mike Cain as its first Partner hire. The move marks a significant milestone for the firm, enhancing its ability to take on the highest-profile cases in the sector while staying true to its founding mission of fighting injustice and championing equality in the workplace.
Cain, one of the UK’s most respected employment lawyers, was admitted as a solicitor in 2009 following a decade in the trade union sector. He rose to prominence for leading the groundbreaking collective redundancy litigation connected with the insolvency of Woolworths, which went before the Court of Justice of the European Union and reshaped UK employment law. His more recent track record includes representing senior executives in complex whistleblowing and discrimination claims, including the much-publicised Afrifa v Goldman Sachs and Maria Bamieh’s whistleblowing claim against the Foreign Office.
Ranked in Chambers and Partners and recognised in every edition of Legal 500 since 2013, Cain is lauded for his expertise in the banking and financial services sector and for his exceptional client care. His arrival brings additional firepower to Cole Khan’s leadership team, now comprising three Partners recognised for their work on cases that have defined employment law in recent years.
Mike Cain said: “Cole Khan has rapidly established itself as one of the most dynamic and high-impact firms in the employment law sector. I’ve watched Emilie, Shazia, and the wider Cole Khan team build a values-driven practice that consistently secures exceptional results in cases closely followed across the legal community. I’m delighted to now have the opportunity to join them, combining our strengths to drive the firm’s next phase of growth.”
Emilie Cole, Co-Founder of Cole Khan, said: “This is a huge moment for our firm. Mike’s arrival strengthens our leadership at the very top level and reinforces our ability to take on the most complex, high-stakes cases in the sector. His reputation, expertise and values are a perfect fit for Cole Khan. Mike is widely respected not only for his technical skill and strategic insight, but also for his commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for his clients. We are thrilled to have him join us as we continue our growth and deliver on our mission to champion equality in the workplace.