Irwin Mitchell Successfully Defends Client As Employment Tribunal Dismisses All Allegations As False

A leading London Barristers’ Chambers has successfully defended in a high- profile case brought by a former member of Chambers, after all her allegations were rejected by an Employment Tribunal.

The case against Goldsmith Chambers was brought by Karen Gillard. She was expelled from Chambers after various serious complaints were made against her including that she was bullying staff, had carried out some financial improprieties and that she had threatened to damage chambers’ reputation.

Anthony Metzer QC, who is the Head of Chambers and a Deputy High Court Judge, and other members  of the Chambers Management Committee were accused by Ms Gillard of discrimination and subjecting her to detriments as she claimed she was a whistle-blower. 

Goldsmith Chambers, which was represented by Anthony Johnston, counsel and Irwin Mitchell vigorously denied the claims. 

Following a trial which lasted over 20 days, all allegations by Miss Gillard were dismissed. The 87 page judgment was unanimous in its ruling that all allegations made by Karen Gillard were false. 

With regard to her discrimination claims, the Tribunal found that she had failed even to persuade the Tribunal that she had a prima facie case of discrimination. The Tribunal found no evidence whatsoever that Karen Gillard was treated in any way differently or less favourably as a result of her sex or sexuality. In fact, the Tribunal made findings that Goldsmith Chambers has a roughly 50/50 split in male/female members with women reaching senior positions in Chambers. 

Samantha Owen, an employment solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, who represented Goldsmith Chambers, said:

Expert Opinion

“Miss Gillard made a string of serious and unfounded allegations against Mr Metzer QC and other senior members of the Management Committee and they have all been found to be false. Mr Metzer QC, the members of the CMC and a number of members of staff have found the whole episode upsetting and difficult and are now relieved that they can finally put this matter behind them.” Samantha Owen - Associate Solicitor