Over 30 different businesses from across Yorkshire were in the audience of a live ‘mock’ employment tribunal hosted by Winston Solicitors this month. During the course of the evening there were show-stopping performances from qualified solicitors and barristers, with the roles of the Claimant and Respondent witnesses being played by members of the Winston Solicitors team.
The free event provided a unique opportunity for those working in HR and line management to receive valuable training and gain an insight into employment tribunal preparations and procedures and centred around a claim of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.
Prior to the event the tribunal bundle and witness statements were distributed to all attendees in accordance with case management orders giving a real life experience.
Attendees played an interactive role in the proceedings and were able to follow the paperwork throughout. They were also invited at the beginning and end of the hearing to make their own judgement as to the outcome of the case.
Marie Walsh, Partner and Head of Employment at Winston Solicitors and the Employment Team including Caroline Acton and Jessica Oliver, wrote, produced and co –ordinated the event. Marie even acted out the part of the Clerk.
Bruce Frew, a barrister from St Philips Chambers, together with his colleagues Helen Gardiner and Stuart Roberts, both from Chancery House Chambers, conducted the advocacy on the night in order to make the event as authentic an experience as possible.
Feedback from the attendees included “what a brilliant insight into the tribunal process” and “the whole event was a real eye opener”. The entire audience became immersed in the event and enthusiastic encouragement for the advocates could be heard, especially during a particularly tense moment of cross examination and following certain questionable comments from the Respondent!
Winston Solicitors prides itself on its presentation of high calibre interactive training events for its clients and contacts. Keep checking for further details about our next events including free half hour webinars with a view to connecting with more of its contacts.
