Philippa has significant experience across the full spectrum of employment and incentives advisory, transactional and litigation matters, with particular knowledge of complicated and reputationally sensitive employment and remuneration matters.
Philippa has worked with some of the world’s largest corporates on their knottiest employment issues and is a trusted adviser to numerous remuneration committees, GCs and HR directors.
Her typical advisory work includes supporting listed and private companies in relation to executive recruitments and terminations, highly sensitive investigations, grievances and disciplinary matters, corporate governance and the application of malus and clawback. She also advises on the employment and incentives aspects of public and private transactions including private sales and acquisitions, capital raisings and public takeovers. Philippa has a particular interest in workplace conduct, culture and diversity.
Philippa’s recent highlights include advising:
- A listed financial services firm on its successful defence of an application for interim injunctive relief from the former employer of a new executive hire, who was seeking unsuccessfully to enforce a non-compete restrictive covenant against the new hire.
- International Distribution Services PLC (IDS, parent company of Royal Mail on the employment and incentives aspects of the £3.6bn high profile takeover of Royal Mail by Daniel Křetínský’s EP Group.
- DS Smith plc on the employment and incentives aspects of the all-share offer by International Paper Company.
- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc on a wide-ranging review of its business, which included a highly complex separation process affecting employees in multiple overseas jurisdictions.
- NewDay Cards Ltd on the employment law implications of the acquisition of the Argos-branded store card portfolio from Home Retail Group Card Services Ltd, a subsidiary of J Sainsbury plc.
Philippa is a member of the Pastoral Committee of the Employment Lawyers Association and a member of the Share Plan Lawyers Group.
“Philippa is an excellent adviser who is fantastic to work with. I would highly recommend her.”
“She's just really practical and thoughtful and will give sensible information immediately and off the cuff, which is what you need. She is really talented and knowledgeable. I love working with her.”
“Philippa is always available; nothing is too much trouble for her and she is very helpful and practical in her advice. She is really focused on the commercial outcomes and produces great guidance.” (Chambers 2025)
‘Philippa O'Malley combines fantastic understanding and technical skill with a really deft client touch. She has an unassuming, relaxed approach, but commands respect by really knowing her stuff.' (Legal500 2025)