Employment Tribunal legal help

mqgt

I have a date set in a few months for an ET due to unfair dismissal although there were also breaches by the employer of statutory law. I have discovered that my ex employer has the legal services of a very expensive law firm and although happy to get the evidence and case together I'm intimidated by the idea of facing a legal expert in court. If I could afford the legal fees quoted for taking on my case I probably wouldn't need to work!. Is there any affordable way to get legal representation even if only for the days in court? If not, how could I best prepare myself for the hearing

[Deleted User]

Get googling of services near you that offer free representation. I know some CAB have legal aid funding and near me in liverpool there's a charity law firm who will take you on if they think you have a case.

jobbingmusician

And don't be intimidated! If you prepare a good bundle and have the law on your side there is no reason why you shouldn't win. (And they are likely to try to settle right up to the time you walk into the court, by the way. Be clear in your mind about how much money and how good a reference you will accept if you are suddenly faced with a last minute offer.)

Brynsam

Depending on where you live, this may help: http://www.thefru.org.uk/about-fru

If you've never been to an ET, go and sit in on a few - they are generally open to the public.

steampowered

Going to a barrister through direct access just for the hearing can sometimes be much cheaper than getting a firm of solicitors to run the entire case.

It is worth going to the ET where your case will be heard and sitting in on a few hearings. They are open to the public and staff are usually happy to direct you.

You can try getting referred to FRU through I think that's only an option if your hearing is in London or the South-East.

There are good resources here: http://www.redmans.co.uk/top-10-easy-tips-to-succeed-in-an-unfair-dismissal-claim-in-the-employment-tribunal/

mqgt

Thank you all for your help. I shall try to sit in on some ETs. Does anyone know if there is an equivalent to FRU for the South West?

steampowered

You could try https://www.lawworks.org.uk/legal-advice-individuals/find-legal-advice-clinic-near-you

Free representation is worth exploring but I wouldn't get your hopes of free representation up too much - do be prepared to represent yourself if needed.

ETs are not rocket science but do require a bit of homework to make sure you understand the process and present your evidence in a clear way.

It is worth checking whether your home insurance has legal expenses cover.

mqgt

I have to prepare a bundle of documents by "list and copy documents" - Does this mean an index list and a copy of the documents ?

robatwork

mqgt wrote: »

I have to prepare a bundle of documents by "list and copy documents" - Does this mean an index list and a copy of the documents ?

Ensure you put page numbers on all your bundles (you will need to produce several, probably 4). An index at the start is useful too.

jobbingmusician

If you search this forum for a thread I started MANY years ago on Employment Tribunals, there is quite a lot on preparing your bundle. Most of the thread is out of date, but the bundle prep section will still be useful!


......here you are https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1462615/employment-tribunal-help&highlight= Skip down to 'the format of your bundle'

Me2you

Do you have home legal expense policy with contents insurance?