We have adopted a specialist team approach to our practices for many years. We feel that this is the way our clients want us to work, and that specialisation leads to the provision of a better service.
Rob McDonald
Practice Manager - Employment & Discrimination
0117 930 9000
Click here to email
Faye Bennett
Assistant Practice Manager – Employment & Discrimination
0117 930 9000
Click here to email
James Lewis-Bale is a specialist barrister in Employment & Discrimination law.
He specialises in a broad range of claims and provides a detailed and meticulous approach in advocacy and advisory work. He acts for both employees and employers at all levels. He is sensitive to clients’ needs and is known for both his pragmatism and practical approach to claims.
James is instructed regularly in multi-week hearings and appeals. He appears frequently in the Employment Tribunal and also in the County Court in respect of issues arising out of non-workplace discrimination.
Outside of Chambers, James enjoys being a Helm with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, having been involved with the institution since 2012. He has been involved in and commanded numerous search and rescue operations.
James acts for claimants and respondents in a wide range of employment law matters. He offers comprehensive advice and advocacy with pragmatism and a realistic commercial awareness. He is sensitive to the issues facing clients and tailors his advice to ensure a realistic and objective focus is clear.
He is often instructed to provide advice on the merits and quantum of Employment Tribunal matters, in addition to providing specific advice on questions which arise in respect of a claim. He has advised on complex and difficult issues arising, such as jurisdictional issues and other preliminary matters.
James is regularly instructed to attend multi-day Employment Tribunal hearings including discrimination claims. He often appears in preliminary matters determining issues such as disability, jurisdiction and strikeouts.
He also acts in discrimination claims arising outside of the workplace. Examples of previous work include education providers and other services. He has appeared in the County Court on these matters and offers robust, clear advice in such circumstances.
Representing claimant in a unfair dismissal and breach of contract. Following strikeout of response, secured award of £138,585 for claimant.
Representing a respondent in a 10 day unfair dismissal and discrimination complaint. All discrimination claims dismissed and secured 100% reduction on unfair dismissal complaint.
Representing a claimant in a 5-day employment tribunal in respect of maternity discrimination and automatic unfair dismissal. Claimant obtained over £47,000 in compensation.
Representing 2nd respondent in a 4-day employment tribunal in respect of pregnancy discrimination. Claim against 2nd respondent dismissed in its entirety.
Securing the dismissal of a claim at preliminary hearing for a respondent on the grounds that the claimant did not hold employee status.
Representing the claimant as sole counsel in a 3 week employment tribunal in respect of race discrimination, harassment related to race and unfair dismissal. Thanked by Employment Judge for the manner in which proceedings were conducted.
James has an interest in commercial matters which compliment his practice in employment and discrimination.
He has acted for parties in respect of injunctions and matters regarding restrictive covenants in the County Court. He has appeared in claims before the County Court arising out of breach of contract for matters arising from employment contract such as breach of wages claims which were more suited to the County Court than the Employment Tribunal.
He has previously also been involved in disputes relating to international master franchise agreements and other franchise issues.
Rob McDonald
Practice Manager - Employment & Discrimination
0117 930 9000
Click here to email
Faye Bennett
Assistant Practice Manager – Employment & Discrimination
0117 930 9000
Click here to email
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