Employment law and discrimination claims

'unrivalled knowledge in pregnancy and maternity rights' - Chambers guide to the legal profession 2010

Our employment and discrimination team is made up of recognized leading experts in employment, equal pay and discrimination law. The team is led by Camilla Palmer and Chris Benson and provides specialist, supportive and cost effective advice and representation to employees.

The law is complex, but we try to explain it as simply as possible and explain alternative options. We focus on the client's primary aim. This may be to obtain the highest payment which negotiation or litigation can achieve. It may be to avoid redundancy or to agree flexible working arrangements, equal pay or satisfactory terms for ending their employment.

We will only take on a case if we consider that there are reasonable prospects of success.  We will give clients an honest view about the prospects of success at an early stage and guide and support them through the options, such as how to negotiate with their employer, whether to take out a grievance and when to lodge a tribunal claim.

Recognizing the cost, stress and uncertainty of  litigation we strive first to settle disputes in other ways, such as through discussion and meetings with an employer or formal mediation. The vast majority of the cases we take end in a substantial settlement without a hearing. Some clients keep their jobs and, as one client commented, her career. 

If clients want to litigate, or there is no other option, “we are not frightened by the opposition” to quote the legal directory Chambers. We are experienced, thorough and tough litigators. Most cases go no further than the employment tribunal, but where necessary we can and have taken appeals to the higher courts and even the European Court of Justice.

News

A forum for women to share discrimination experiences at work has launched
 
Miriam O’Reilly adds voice to calls for more women in senior roles on television
 
Employment barrister at Leigh Day successfully applies for permission for disability discrimination case to be heard
 
Journalist who was sacked from Countryfile is parting company with the BBC to focus on Women’s Equality Network
 
Leigh Day launch legal action against Ealing Hospital NHS Trust and South London Healthcare NHS Trust
 
Thomas Hammarberg speaks on the protection of human rights at event supported by Leigh Day & Co
 
Home Office launches Transgender Equality plan
 
Equal pay claims will be heard in the High Court following ruling
 
Employment solicitor Michael Newman was recently invited to be a legal observer in Turkey
 
Jacqueline Cartner was passed over for promotion by the Royal Navy
 
Only 9% of women are board members in Britain’s top 350 companies
 
Diplomat Jane Cordell has lost her appeal
 
Leigh Day is representing Jane Cordell, a former diplomat with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
 
Client wins sex discrimination claim against former boss
 
Miriam O'Reilly looking forward to working for the BBC again
 
Leigh Day has successfully concluded a race discrimination claim for Judy Williams
 
Miriam O’Reilly investigates ageism in the media and society
 
Miriam O'Reilly has won her landmark claim against BBC for age discrimination.
 
The British Chamber of Commerce is calling for the introduction of an Employment Tribunal fee for employees
 
The High Court rules 100s of women can continue with unpaid bonuses case
 
The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010
 
Leigh Day is representing Jane Cordell in a disability discrimination case
 
Leigh Day's discrimination team win important pregnancy discrimination case
 
Camilla Palmer was by my side throughout the fight of my life and I would not have come through it without her. She is not only a brilliant lawyer, she is an exceptional woman who is not afraid to stand up for what is right and fair.

Miriam O'Reilly

Contact us

To contact the team please call 020 7650 1200

Email: complete our online enquiry form

Our team


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