12/06/2026

Our Mock Tribunal, held at the Culloden Hotel, offered attendees an authentic and practical understanding of Employment Tribunal proceedings. The event centred on a case involving claims of unfair dismissal and sex discrimination, brought by a female employee dismissed after making inappropriate comments to a manager, colleague, and customer.

Kathryn O’Lone, Senior Employment Solicitor, represented the Claimant, while Michelle McGinley, Managing Director, acted for the Company. We were honoured to have Eileen McBride CBE, former President of the Employment Tribunal, preside as Judge, and Sara Plower, Employment Lawyer, open the case as Clerk.

Setting the Scene

Before the hearing commenced, Karen Moore, Senior Employment Lawyer & Head of Training, guided attendees through the process leading up to a tribunal, explaining what typically happens before a case reaches hearing and what to expect on the day.

The Hearing

The proceedings began with the Claimant’s cross-examination, which prompted some attendees to reconsider their views on the likely outcome. After a brief interval, the Company presented its evidence and underwent cross-examination. What truly set this session apart was its unscripted nature; questions and responses developed organically, mirroring the pace and unpredictability of a real tribunal hearing.

Participation & Learning

Trainee barristers Joel Hames and Falon McLean appeared as witnesses, experiencing the genuine pressure of cross-examination. This provided the opportunity to observe several key aspects:

• The experience of giving evidence under questioning
• The importance of consistency and clarity in responses
• How evidence is tested and challenged during a hearing
• The impact of detail on how a case is interpreted

Attendees gained a genuine insight into the challenges of giving evidence and the significance of every word in a tribunal setting.

Feedback all praised its realism, with many participants commenting on the value of seeing a tribunal played out in such a practical real time environment. One attendee commented their only regret was not attending sooner.

Thank you to all who attended.