Employment Equality & Discrimination Law

ADVOCACY

A persuasive and tenacious advocate with meticulous attention to detail

Nick is an instinctive and tenacious advocate. Representing employers in the public and private sectors, and individual employees, Nick’s national practice embraces most employment law claims, and he regularly acts in lengthy or complex proceedings. Nick is also a part time Employment Judge appointed to the Bristol region.

Nick has successfully resisted and represented multiple claimants before the Tribunal and Appeal Tribunal, and is often involved in proceedings involving senior employees before the Tribunal and civil courts. Nick has successfully represented clients in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal. Nick is instructed by employers such as Debenhams, Next, Boots, BAE Systems, BP, Evans Halshaw, and various public bodies from parish councils to Local Authorities and NHS Trusts.

Combining attention to detail with an unstuffy approach, Nick has an ability to put witnesses at ease and minimise the inevitable concerns surrounding legal proceedings.

Current / recent caseload includes:

20 day PIDA detriment and dismissal case on behalf of an NHS Trust
17 day case for an employee against a Local Authority, involving discrimination, harassment and victimisation on various grounds
10 day discrimination, harassment, victimisation and dismissal case, representing the Respondent finance house
Representation of a parish council against allegations of PIDA detriment and constructive dismissal
8 day trial for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal of hotel manager, on behalf of Respondent hotel group
7 day constructive dismissal, PIDA detriment and age discrimination hearing on behalf of niche business, resisting claims brought by former finance director
Resisting various claims, particularly disability and associative discrimination, on behalf of Local Authority
Representing the wrongfully dismissed head coach of a well known rugby club
Breach of contract proceedings on behalf of a consultant surgeon against an NHS Trust
Regularly instructed by a national car retailer, Nick has resisted numerous unfair dismissal claims on their behalf, including senior management dismissals

Possessing a strong technical knowledge of procedural rules and current awareness of emerging trends and principles, Nick provides robust representation and reinforces client confidence.

Call: Middle Temple (2000)

Member: Employment Lawyers’ Association

Winner: 1 Essex Court prize for advocacy in 2000

Dispute resolution

Nick also provides internal dispute resolution services. The legal landscape for internal hearings is evolving, with employees in certain circumstances being entitled to legal representation, even if the employer’s policies state otherwise. Whether representing employees in internal hearings, or providing an independent and impartial internal decision making function, individuals and employees can benefit from Nick’s extensive experience of attacking and defending internal processes before the Employment Tribunal.

Training

Nick is a naturally talented speaker who adds wit and interest to engage delegates in internal training environments. He also delivers accredited CPD training in employment law for HR and legal professionals, and can also assist in management training to effect policy implementation with memorable and practical training sessions.

Nick also runs a specialist employment law website at www.nickcooksey.co.uk, providing news and resources in employment law. To learn more about Nick’s practice, or how he can assist you or your client, please get in contact.

nick@riverchambers.com

"He is one of the most user-friendly barristers out there." "He's excellent. Clients absolutely love him – he's a go-to employment counsel." Chambers and Partners 2014