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What does an employment solicitor do?
Published 22 October 2026
If you are in serious trouble at work and are desperately in need of legal advice, how much do you really know about what an employment solicitor can do for you?
Work-related situations where you may need to know the answer to that question can arise if you are facing serious allegations, dealing with unlawful discrimination, trying to negotiate an exit package, or taking your employer to an employment tribunal.
Employment law is complex and is constantly changing, so expert legal advice and assistance can be invaluable in dealing with many work-related problems.
Here, we take a look at what an employment solicitor does, when you might need one, whether they can represent you at disciplinary and grievance hearings, how legal fees work, and what you need to do if you have been offered a settlement agreement.
What is an employment solicitor?
A legal professional specialising in employment law (1) [cited 21.10.26]. They can, and do, advise and support both employees and employers on workplace rights, responsibilities and disputes.
For employees, an employment solicitor can help with issues such as:
- Unfair dismissal
- Discrimination
- Harassment and bullying
- Redundancy
- Disciplinary procedures
- Grievances
- Whistleblowing
- Settlement agreements
- Contract disputes
- Wage and holiday pay issues
- Flexible working requests
Employment solicitors do not only help when a case reaches an employment tribunal. Their role can be key in resolving a wide range of workplace matters long before they reach that stage.
There is an old saying that "the pen is mightier than the sword", and sometimes, although certainly not always, a well-written letter from a solicitor can achieve more than months of arguments between an employee and employer.
When am I likely to need an employment solicitor?
It’s a great question because many employees will wait until a situation is serious or maybe even out of control before seeking legal advice and help. Getting early advice can often prevent many work situations from getting much worse.
You may want to speak to an employment solicitor if:
- You have been invited to a disciplinary hearing.
- You have been suspended.
- You believe you are being discriminated against.
- You have raised concerns and are now being treated differently.
- Your employer is making you redundant.
- You have been dismissed.
- You are being pressured to resign.
- You have been offered a settlement agreement.
- You are considering bringing a tribunal claim.
Can an employment solicitor help with a disciplinary hearing?
Yes. An employment solicitor can provide advice prior to a disciplinary hearing and help you to understand any allegations levelled against you.
They can:
- Review the evidence.
- Identify weaknesses in your employer's case.
- Help draft a written response.
- Prepare questions for witnesses.
- Advise on procedural fairness.
- Help prepare an appeal if necessary.
If you are invited to a disciplinary hearing, you will want the best support available. There is a common misconception that solicitors can attend disciplinary hearings.
In reality, most workplaces do not allow a solicitor to act as your representative during a disciplinary hearing unless there are exceptional circumstances. In most cases, your statutory right is to be accompanied by either a trade union representative or colleague (2) [cited 21.10.26]
Although a solicitor cannot attend an actual hearing, they can do work behind the scenes to support your case.
Can an employment solicitor help with a grievance?
Absolutely.
A grievance procedure is a formal way for you to raise a problem or complaint with your employer (3)[cited 21.10.26]. If you are suffering bullying, discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment, a solicitor can help you prepare a grievance.
Many grievances can fail because employees focus on emotions rather than facts.
A solicitor can help ensure that your concerns are presented clearly and professionally.
Do I need a solicitor who specialises in my particular type of case?
Not necessarily. Most employment solicitors can and will deal with a wide range of work-related disputes.
That said, some solicitors do have particular expertise in certain areas.
If your case involves something highly specialised, such as whistleblowing, senior executive contracts, complex discrimination claims or large-scale redundancies, it may be worth looking for someone with specific expertise in that area.
The most important thing is to choose an employment solicitor who regularly practises employment law and has experience dealing with cases similar to yours.
Can I get help with legal fees?
Because legal aid is available in criminal cases, this is one of the most common questions employees ask because fees can be expensive.
The answer depends on your circumstances. Possible options include:
Legal expenses insurance
Many people do not realise they may already have legal expenses cover (4) [cited 21.10.26] . This can be through:
- Home insurance
- Car insurance
- Bank account packages
- Trade union membership
It is worth checking your policies before paying privately.
Trade union representation
If you are a trade union member, you may be entitled to advice and representation at no additional cost.
No-win-no-fee arrangements
Some employment solicitors may offer no-win-no-fee arrangements for certain claims.
The solicitor will usually assess the strength of your claim before deciding whether this option is appropriate.
Is there any free support?
You may be able to get free or low cost support.
Citizens Advice offers free guidance on work problems and localised case help (5) [cited 21.10.26]
Local law centres offer free, independent legal advice if you live in the area and cannot afford a solicitor (6) [cited 21.10.26]
Free Representation Unit can provide free case preparation and tribunal representation if a referral agency sends your case to them.
Does a good solicitor guarantee that I will win?
No. This is one of the biggest myths in employment law.
Even the best solicitor cannot guarantee victory.
A solicitor does not control:
- The evidence.
- The witnesses.
- The employer's actions.
- The tribunal judge's decision.
What a good solicitor can do is:
- Give honest advice.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Present your case effectively.
- Maximise your chances of success.
- Help avoid costly mistakes.
Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a result.
No professional lawyer can honestly promise that you will win a case. Outcomes often depend on the facts and evidence available.
I have been offered a settlement agreement, so what does that mean?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement between you and your employer (7) [cited 21.10.26] .
Typically, a settlement agreement usually involves your employer offering a financial payment in return for you agreeing not to pursue legal claims arising from your employment or its termination.
You should never sign a settlement agreement without taking legal advice.
In fact, the agreement is normally only legally valid if you receive advice from an independent solicitor or qualified adviser.
5 FAQs
- Can a solicitor attend my disciplinary hearing?
Usually no, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- Do I need an employment solicitor before raising a grievance?
Not always, but legal advice can help ensure your grievance is clear.
- Is legal aid available for employment cases?
Generally, legal aid is not available.
- Can I negotiate a settlement agreement?
Yes. Many settlement agreements are negotiated before being signed.
- Can I change solicitors during my case?
Yes. If you lose confidence in your solicitor or are unhappy with the service.
Finally
An employment solicitor can provide invaluable support and assistance when things go wrong at work. So, if you are unfortunate enough to be facing a disciplinary hearing, considering a grievance, negotiating a settlement agreement or bringing a tribunal claim, obtaining advice early can make a significant difference.
But, and this is important, it is essential to remember that a solicitor is not a magician. They cannot change the facts of a case or guarantee success. What they can do, and do well, is help you to understand your rights, avoid mistakes and present the strongest possible case.
If something does not feel right at work, seeking professional advice sooner rather than later is often one of the best decisions you can make.
