Department profile
Guildhall Chambers

Employment

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Western (Bar)


Guildhall Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - Western (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Guildhall Chambers offers strong experience in the prosecution and defence of Employment Tribunal claims including those relating to unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment and whistle-blowing. Police forces and other public bodies are well represented among the chambers' clients in these areas. The barristers cover the full employment suite and are experienced in business protection elements of employment law, including restrictive covenants and the misuse of confidential information. Members recently acted on behalf of the claimant in Morris v Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, relating to sex harassment and discrimination. One interviewee reports: "Each barrister at this set brings their own skills but all are a pleasure to work with."

Caroline Evans is the senior clerk for employment instructions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerking team are also very responsive and go the extra mile to help when needed.

    Employment respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are also very personable, efficient and helpful.

    Employment respondentUK Bar
  • The clerking is great.

    Employment respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Allan Roberts
    Band 1Allan Roberts

    Allan Roberts

    Respected for his expertise in whistle-blowing and discrimination matters, Allan Roberts predominantly deals with high-level tribunal claims and High Court cases. He is particularly noted for dealing with complex police cases and often represents constabularies. He appears regularly in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

    • Allan Roberts is is exceptional and our counsel of choice for complex litigation or matters requiring delicate handling.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • He's the best in the business.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Debbie Grennan
    Band 1Debbie Grennan

    Debbie Grennan

    Debbie Grennan is highly experienced in high-value and complex discrimination and whistle-blowing claims, regularly appearing in the ET and EAT. Debbie also handles matters relating to equal pay and TUPE. She regularly receives instructions on behalf of public sector clients, including respondent local authorities and the NHS.

    • She is one of those devastatingly calm advocates who is always prepared and keeps a calm manner when dealing with complex matters.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • She is completely unflappable and a very calming influence on our frustrated and sometimes confused client.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Douglas Leach
    Band 1Douglas Leach

    Douglas Leach

    Douglas Leach has a well-rounded practice which encompasses all areas of employment law. He has significant experience in technically complex TUPE and disability discrimination matters. He is also well versed in competition-related cases involving confidence breaches, restrictive covenants and injunction relief.

    • He is a great advocate who always seeks to adopt a commercial approach.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Douglas Leach is technically brilliant.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Julian Allsop
    Band 1Julian Allsop

    Julian Allsop

    Julian Allsop handles employment matters in both the courts and tribunals, predominantly acting for employers. He is known for his expertise in complex disability discrimination, pregnancy and maternity discrimination, and whistle-blowing litigation. He also works in director-level remuneration claims and restrictive covenants.

    • He is very calm in a crisis and expertly guides us and clients through the process.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Julian is quite simply excellent.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Julian Allsop is very strong technically.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Nicholas G Smith
    Band 1Nicholas G Smith

    Nicholas G Smith

    Nicholas Smith is widely respected for his work on whistle-blowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal, including cases arising out of insolvency. He has vast experience of appellate work, and is highly regarded for complex and high-value cases that have commercial significance. He acts for both respondents and claimants.

    • Nick is supportive counsel, he is strategic and creative.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • He is very personable and has an air of gravitas in ET.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Geraint Probert
    Band 2Geraint Probert

    Geraint Probert

    Geraint Probert has a practice covering a broad range of employment work, including discrimination, TUPE and whistle-blowing cases. He is experienced in leading complex and lengthy tribunals, and also handles sensitive issues relating to tribunal practice, injunctions, strategy and settlement.

    • Geraint is very personable and brilliant with clients, and putting witnesses at ease. He is unflappable.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • He is well prepared and he gets results.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Kerry Gardiner
    Band 3Kerry Gardiner

    Kerry Gardiner

    Kerry Gardiner advises both claimants and respondents on the full spectrum of employment law including whistle-blowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal cases. She has notable experience in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and frequently handles jurisdictional matters at pre-hearing reviews.

Ranked Barristers at Guildhall Chambers (7)

Western (Bar)

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