Conference Chambers
Barristers' Chambers that specialise in Employment Law & Human Resources (HR)
Barristers regulated by the Bar Standards Board
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We specialise in all aspects of employment law, which includes, amongst other things, unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, contractual matters/disputes, 'Whistleblowing', TUPE, discrimination and all matters covered under the Equality Act 2010 (race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, religion or belief and age, pregnancy & maternity), Harassment, Victimisation, Redundancies, Unlawful Deduction from Wages, Disciplinary & Grievances, negotiate Settlement Agreements.
Experienced Professionals
Approach
We are very thorough and make sure we are on top of all cases for our clients well in advance. Our first objective is to understand our clients’ issues and give the best advice possible at the relevant stages throughout the process. We believe that as barristers it is a mistake to give our clients false expectations and place them in a position where costs are needlessly incurred. It is important to take a realistic view of the risks of taking the case to Court.
Employers & Employees
We represent both employers/respondents and (ex/former/current) employees/claimants at employment tribunals, at the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. We also advise clients on the merits of their case at each and every stage, incuding whether or not there are grounds of appeal.
Human Resources
We advise employers/organisations on human reasoure management and good working practices, We write and advise on policies and their implementation, and we provide training on such good working practices.
OUR EXPERTISE
We advise our clients on all aspects of employment law in conference/in a meeting orally and in writing (Advice/Opinion); write/draft our clients' ET3s/Responses/Defences/ET1s/Complaints/Claims; help write/draft Witness Statements and represent our clients at tribunals throughout the UK, at the Employment Appeal Tribunal and in the Court of Appeal.
Also, Ryan is a trainer and writer on employment law and human resource management. He conducts training for employers/organisations – for profit and non-profit – on employment law, good practices and diversity awareness & inclusion; write/draft staff/employee/company handbooks; advise on and write/draft policies; he has had many articles on employment law related matters published in legal journals.
We are prepared to travel to our clients if this is more convenient for them.
OUR APPROACH
Once we have received our clients' details, we make contact (by mobile, phone or email) as soon as possible in order to ascertain the facts or issues and to see if and how we can assist. In addition to what we have been told we like to see key documentation, if any. If, having seen the documentation, we feel that we can assist the client, we will propose a course/plan of action for the client to consider. Clients are encouraged to consider and discuss the proposed course in order that we may agree the plan together on which to move forward.
Once we have identified the key factual issues and legal principles these will be used as the basis to run the case, as we believe effective cross-examination is fundamental to running a claim in the Employment Tribunal successfully. As barristers it is our job to know both sides of the case and have a full and detailed knowledge of any documents, witnesses might and will rely on. Therefore, we look at and assess the case from both sides so as to ascertain the the strengths and weaknesses of both our client's and opponent's cases. This approach informs our clients fully of what to expect at trial from an opponent. Ideally, we will have a pre-trial conference with the client and have a cross-examination session in order to prepare them for the forthcoming/impending case. Naturally, our clients are informed of and involved in each and every aspect of the case. We are a team!
Additionally, I advise employers/organisations on human reasoure management and good working practices, I write and advise on policies and their implementation, and I provide training on such good working practices.
Testimonials
We were very grateful for the specialist advice and support offered by Conference Chambers and impressed by the helpfulness of everyone we dealt with.
Hillingdon Citizens Advice Bureau
From the first phone call with Carole I felt at ease and it felt like I had someone in my corner. Ryan is thorough and confident, which helps with the whole process. Conference Chambers go above and beyond often dealing with me after hours and keeping me on the right track. I can’t wait to see Ryan work his magic in court. Carole has kept me positive at a very difficult time and has been a great help throughout.
L. Watson A Groom With A View Ltd
I cannot recommend the services of Conference Chambers enough. The team are both friendly and professional and helped me through my employment tribunal of 2018. Nothing was too much trouble for either party if I had a problem. A truly outstanding service.