employment
lawyers London
specialists in disability discrimination and mental health at work.
- chambers & partners 2024
- the legal 500 2024
- the times best law firms 2024
Didlaw specialises in providing high quality employment law advice & representation to employees and senior executives. We are the leading Claimant firm for disability discrimination law & mental health at work and discrimination in the workplace. Contact us today if you require expert legal guidance. We are didlaw, employment lawyers London.
employment lawyers London
Didlaw is a boutique discrimination law firm founded by a woman and led by an all female partner team. Our reputation has been built on innovation, pragmatic problem-solving and outstanding litigation outcomes delivered by leaders in the field of discrimination.
We specialise in discrimination and workplace health issues including mental and physical health issues and neurodiversity.
What does didlaw stand for?
Our name D-I-D-law signals our special and long-standing interest in Disability, Illness and Discrimination. No other firm has our reputation for disability discrimination work. We are recognised leaders in this space. We also have a strong practice in related disciplines such as income protection and the tax treatment of termination payments made wholly on account of disability.
Mental health at work
Many of our clients have suffered mental illness because of work stressors and are treated poorly by their employers because of it. Others have been managing health conditions for many years but suddenly hit a roadblock. Some of our clients are neurodiverse and come up against invisible barriers and stigma which we fully recognise.
We will fight for you
We are here to defend you and your position. To protect your job. To get you back on track. To find a solution to the workplace issues that are causing stress, and which may be a threat to your career, your financial situation and your reputation, not to mention your wellbeing.
We understand that these issues can make health issues worse but also that there is a lot at stake. You need to know you are in good hands and can achieve the best possible outcome with our support.
What kind of work do we do?
We also deal with other common workplace issues such as stress at work, harassment and bullying, sexual harassment, whistleblowing, redundancy, restrictive covenants and settlement agreements. We are strong in the field of protected beliefs including those around religion, political beliefs and the gender critical agenda. We understand the interplay with freedom of speech and the protection of human rights.
Women’s rights
The rights of working women and working mums are hugely important to us. All too often we see women demoted and treated detrimentally following pregnancy and maternity or just because they decide to have kids and this can lead to mental illness too. This should never happen, it is unlawful employee discrimination which can have a devastating impact and which no mother should ever have to deal with at a time when they are most vulnerable.
We conduct high level, high value negotiations
We can advise across all forms of discrimination in the workplace including ageism, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, redundancy, grievances, disciplinaries and settlement agreements. We routinely conduct high-level and high-value negotiated exits which are far preferable to resignation followed by litigation. We achieve results that allow you to move on and rebuild your life and career.
We act across all sectors to the highest levels
We have a depth of expertise across many different sectors that is unrivalled and routinely act for people across all types of roles including C-suite executives, senior managers, people working in financial services (whether FCA regulated or not) and law firm partners.
We’re a small firm and choose to stay that way so that we can offer bespoke personal ‘hands on’ service to our clients, but we punch above our weight with regular appearances in all courts and tribunals including the High Court and the Supreme Court. We are ranked in the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 legal directories.
We’re passionate about discrimination and fighting for the rights of our clients. Our lawyers are first class: the best in the business, working for you.
We are winners. We get results in the shortest possible timeframe and with as little extra stress for our clients as possible. We find solutions so that you can focus on more positive things.
Our world view
Our world view is based on a very simple premise: providing legal advice and solutions for our clients but supporting and encouraging you along the way, helping you deal with conflict and distress. Legal advice with an added dimension: the human touch.
Conflict is stressful – we will support you
We understand the stress of any dispute. Our aim is to get you through it with our support. This is not just law: we care. We work for your benefit not ours and we provide legal services with an added dimension: the human touch.
We are employment solicitors in London who advise across the UK across all sectors and who –
- have a unique depth of experience & expertise in employment discrimination
- are known experts in the field
- are human and approachable
- act only in the best interests of our client achieving the resolution they seek
- advise our clients in a clear, plain English & constructive way;
- use technology to reduce the burden on our clients of dealing with us; and;
- aim to make the legal experience less stressful for our clients
what our clients say
Outstanding!! I had a very tricky case that I had started with another firm, I decided to switch law firms to didlaw. They grabbed the case and transformed my position. We did end up going the...
View Alldidlaw were utterly incredible throughout my difficult time. They were always on hand, whatever time, night or day, and helped me navigate this minefield of rules and laws. I would thoroughly...
View AllReally professional, refreshingly direct and very efficient with your time. I dealt with the Principal Karen Jackson and one of her top support staff members. Always courteous, always on time and...
View AllSpecialist knowledge + smart thinking + excellent teamwork = record result! See Tribunal Case 2303683/18 and search for media coverage that speaks for itself. If you are an employee or claimant...
View Alldidlaw were brilliant on both the occasions I used them. I worked with Anita who was fantastic. They were supportive, professional, empathetic and knew the best way to negotiate. My interactions with...
View AllVery personal and prompt service. Use of telephone for discussions/updates.
View AllThe responsiveness was particularly valued – but the whole experience was excellent.
View AllYou showed you cared in every communication.
View AllThe team were very efficient and effective with great communications. Simple, no nonsense approach. Great and easy to understand advice. Very personable approach from all of the team which made me...
View AllAlthough I was advised not to continue with my employment tribunal case, and this was disappointing, I do think it was the correct advice, and only wish I had used this solicitor earlier in my...
View AllAnita was very clear with her comms, very professional and very sensitive to my needs. Should I ever need legal advice again, she will be the first person I call. Thank you very much Anita.
View AllQuick initial availability of Solicitor, and quick overall turnaround time.
View AllKaren and her team were professional and transparent at all times. I was wary about instructing a law firm to act on my behalf, but am so glad I did. didlaw represented me to the highest level. The...
View AllThe fact that they provided total confidence in what we were doing and reassured we would reach the desired outcome, which they did. It was great from the off, how they listened and helped exactly...
View AllFor me, the process was really simple. I received clear and helpful advice and was able to complete all the paper work without having to travel to the office.
View AllI really appreciated being kept in touch with expected timelines and being contacted accordingly. It meant I wasn’t having to wonder if things were happening or not. – Karen is an extremely open...
View AllI dealt mainly with Karen and Anita on an employment issue. What I really appreciated is “they got it”. I didn’t have to continuously explain how I was feeling, they just knew. That helped a...
View AllA very thorough job. Excellent service. Very friendly. I would like to say thank you very much.
View AllThe very quick and personal response and the very clear and positive advice from Karen.
View AllGreat experience. At a stressful time I was reassured I was in good hands. I appreciated the honesty & directness of the conversations throughout the process.
View AllI was having a very difficult time with my employers and didlaw gave me the support and legal clout that I needed in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion. I found everyone at didlaw to be very...
View AllBoth Elizabeth McGlone and Kim Evans were SUPERB! They made an otherwise very stressful and unhappy time so much easier to bear. Kept things simple and costs down. The importance of the personal...
View AllBeyond being a great professional, Yavnik has always been very empathetic, kind and understanding making me feel secure throughout the process.
View AllElizabeth saved my life. Honestly. She’s a powerhouse and genuinely one of the kindest people I’ve ever been lucky enough to know. I’ve come a long way, but without her none of this would have...
View AllDidlaw is characterised by the team’s people-focused approach, genuine empathy and ability to provide astute legal advice.
View AllKaren Jackson is superb at what she does; one of the best negotiators I have ever met; excellent client care skills; measured; knows both the law and how to use it. Provides good instructions at...
View AllKaren has a real skill in being able to deliver clear and coherent advice to vulnerable people in a manner which empowers them to make decisions about their rights and claims.
View AllI can’t recommend Didlaw enough. From my initial telephone call right through to the end, their professionalism was exceptional. I absolutely trusted their advice which resulted in a wonderful...
View AllKaren is passionate about holding organisations to account when they treat their employees unfairly at work. If you need legal experts to fight your corner then I strongly recommend that you contact...
View AllThe whole process from the point of instruction to finish was smooth, well managed and quick. The relief of having Karen fight my corner was immense and I would recommend her and her firm in a...
View AllImmediate responsiveness, and complete efficiency to close the process in less than 2 days. Thank you!
View AllEveryone I spoke to was professional and courteous but also kind and empathetic.
View All
hot topics
didlaw feature in 'the lawyer' publication
We are proud to be recognised as a leading employment and disability discrimination law firm fighting for women at work.
religion and belief discrimination
didlaw is pleased to announce that the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) (Mrs Justice Eady) has handed down judgment in this case and has dismissed the Claimant’s appeals in their entirety.
the legal mind podcast: bullying and workplace culture with karen jackson
disability discrimination (with karen jackson)
Employment Solicitors in London
We are different from other employee lawyers in London and regularly take over cases from other law firms who are unable to offer our unique client-focused approach. Being smaller means, we don’t lose the personal service. When you are in crisis this support is critical. Most employment lawyers in London cannot get close to our service levels or our expertise in health-related work issues.
Here’s what some of our clients have to say about how we work and why we are the best employment lawyers for employees:
Senior Executive clients say:
“The level of service really made the difference for me, not just in the administrative issues which were handled seamlessly; but primarily in that I felt that they were really going to bat for me.”
“My experience was outstanding from start to finish in terms of communication, transparency, compassion, expertise and turnaround time.”
“A huge thank you once again. You are genuine down to earth people who actually care for their clients. That really stood out for me. I would heartily recommend you.”
“Legal advice that was genuinely accessible underpinned by a deep insight into my needs as a client. When seeking advice, I was pretty vulnerable as I was suffering from mental illness. I felt I had the weight of my employment law issue on my shoulders. Along with my other struggles, it was just too much. I felt as if the weight was lifted as soon as I spoke with Karen. I thought: “This is someone I can trust. She sees me as a whole person. She knows what she’s doing. She cares, understands my needs and will fight for my best interests”. Not only did I end up with a much better outcome than I would have without her advice, I believe being able to hand off this weighty issue aided my recovery. Karen and her firm are a rare find. I cannot recommend them highly enough!”
When you are choosing employment lawyers, you have to be sure that they have your best interests at heart. Everything we do is aimed at making things better for you. We act in your best interests not ours. The trust our clients have in us as employee rights lawyers is well-placed and honestly deserved. You only have to look at our client testimonials to appreciate this. We also won’t ever take on a case that is hopeless and will be upfront and honest with you from the start.
Our MD solicitor Karen Jackson, previously shortlisted for Woman Lawyer of the Year, is a leading expert in disability discrimination. Market commentators say “she wrote the book on disability discrimination”. Read more about her here. Chambers & Partners call her “a foremost expert in disability discrimination claims for senior employees” with “an encyclopaedic knowledge and complete mastery of this area of law”.
Karen has handpicked her team of exceptional lawyers to carry on her good work and to ensure that the service our clients receive is the same unparalleled service across the firm. From your first phone call to us, you will see the difference.
Recent feedback from the legal directories about us and our partners speaks for itself.
On the firm:
Didlaw houses a number of expert lawyers who are able to assist senior executives and City lawyers in their employment claims. The firm stands out for its in-depth knowledge of discrimination cases, and within this area of specialism it has carved out a particular niche in disability discrimination. It is also able to advise employees on other contentious employment matters, including those involving bullying and harassment.
Chambers & Partners
Didlaw is at the forefront of disability discrimination cases, for which ‘excellent litigation strategist’ Karen Jackson is a key contact. Commended as ’outstanding’, Elizabeth McGlone is experienced in gender critical review claims as well as sex discrimination matters.
Legal 500
Chambers & Partners on Karen Jackson, Managing Partner:
“She is fabulous on disability discrimination matters.”
“She is truly excellent, quick witted and smart.”
“She is not just outstanding as a lawyer but she also goes over and above to provide support, guidance and reassurance.”
“A real tower of strength for anyone dealing with a complex case or long, drawn-out negotiations.”
“Karen was very kind, responsive, highly committed and she demonstrated a very sophisticated expertise of what needed to be done to achieve outstanding results.”
Chambers & Partners on Elizabeth McGlone:
“She has an eye for novel points in the law and is an extremely hard-working lawyer.”
“Her ability to cut through legalese and communicate straightforwardly is priceless.”
“I highly rate Elizabeth’s capabilities, relatability and communication.”
Chambers & Partners on Anita Vadgama:
“She was a really good listener and highly competent.”
“Anita guided me through a stressful litigation with expert knowledge and a wealth of tactical experience.”
Legal Directories
faqs
- What are employment lawyers?
If you have an issue at work, for example if you have been bullied or harassed, made redundant, or treated poorly because of a disability, an employment lawyer can advise you on whether there has been a breach of the law and what can be done to correct the situation.
At didlaw, we advise individuals in a wide range of situations. We are particularly known for our expertise in advising on disability discrimination, mental health issues including stress at work, and women’s rights. We have expertise in all discrimination issues regarding age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation discrimination, as well as in unfair dismissal, contracts of employment, and advising on restrictive covenants. We are passionate about these issues and will fight for your rights to get you a successful outcome, whatever that means in your case.
- What do employment lawyers do?
When an employment lawyer is advising, they will first conduct a review of the evidence. Evidence might be documents but also what you have to say about what has happened. From this review they will set out the options available and provide their opinion on the best option to pursue. Lawyers follow the instructions of clients and are duty bound to represent their client’s best interests, whatever their choice. Pursuing the client’s preferred option might include writing letters to the other side setting out any breaches of legal obligation, making phone calls to your employer, in some cases starting litigation.
In some situations a strong letter from one of didlaw’s lawyers is all that is necessary to persuade the other side to make amends. Other options can include trying to reach a financial settlement, or litigating the matter through an Employment Tribunal. If your matter does require litigation, didlaw will support and represent you through the process to make sure your claims are best prepared for success in the tribunal.
- How to find the best employment lawyer
The right lawyer for you will likely be based on a few important factors, including experience, cost, and reputation. Some develop sub-specialisms or have specific experience in a specific industry. If you have a relatively simple matter, it might make sense to instruct a more junior solicitor who will help you find the outcome you are looking for in a cost-effective way. Conversely, if you have a complex matter based on an unusual legal point, a more senior solicitor will be able to advise on how best to approach it.
A good personal connection and trust between lawyer and client is as important as any other factor in reaching the client’s goal. Being friendly and approachable is something we value at didlaw. If you need advice about a situation our team is available to discuss how we might help. We will match you to the most appropriately qualified lawyer for the issue you are dealing with.
- What do employment lawyers deal with?
Employment lawyers deal with issues varying from complex appeal litigation to simple settlement agreements, which require the solicitor to advise the client on the terms and effects of a proposed agreement. Issues that employment solicitors advise on include recruitment and contracts of employment, staff handbooks, restrictive covenants, maternity, paternity and other “family friendly” rights such as flexible working, discrimination, whistleblowing, data protection, long-term sick leave, employment status, and redundancy.
Within discrimination, there are nine protected characteristics, namely age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. There might be multiple issues that interrelate and must be addressed to solve the client’s problem. At didlaw, our solicitors have experience across the full range of employment matters and commonly help people with issues from discrimination to redundancy.
- How do i choose an employment solicitor?
Personal recommendations are often the most reliable way to get an idea of whether a lawyer might be suitable for you. Websites that offer reviews of solicitors and law firms can also give you an indication of the experiences that previous clients have had. Do remember that many good firms will not appear on every or any review website, and that reviews can be misleading or out of date. Some firms will offer an initial call with a solicitor, in which you will be able to get a sense of whether that solicitor is the right one for you. didlaw offers a free short initial consultation. Some matters can be dealt with entirely electronically and over the telephone. Many firms now work almost entirely remotely.
Factors such as the cost and experience of the solicitor will always be important to consider, and whether this is proportionate to the complexity of your matter. If you would like a call to discuss how we can assist with your case, our team at didlaw employment lawyers London will be happy to speak with you.
© didlaw 2024
didlaw is a trading name of Didlaw Limited, a limited company registered in England & Wales under co. number 8642712.
The registered office is 3 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London, EC1N 2SW. Solicitor | Director Karen Jackson. Non-lawyer | Director Chris Jackson
