Ryan Clement

I represent employers/respondents at employment tribunals, at the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. I also advise employers/respondents on the merits of a case at each and every stage, including whether or not there are grounds of appeal. Furthermore, I advise employers/organisations on human resources management and good working practices, I write and advise on policies and their implementation, and I provide training on good working practices.

I have an excellent track record in helping my clients to resolve their legally-related workplace problems. See what my clients say.

My main specialist practice area is employment and employment-related fields. I mainly act for respondents, schools, Local authorities, charities, employment consultant firms, HR providers as well as professional firms and small businesses.

I have been a barrister for more than 20 years.

I was called to the Bar in 1996. Prior to this I worked as a Quantity Surveyor in private practice. Later I worked in Construction Management for two multi-national companies. I appear regularly in Employment Tribunal up to the Court of Appeal. Also, I am a trainer and writer on employment law and human resource management. I conduct training for employers/organisations – for profit and non-profit – on employment law, good practices and diversity awareness & inclusion; write/draft staff handbooks; advise on and write/draft policies; I have had many articles on employment law related matters published in legal journals. I am a proud governor of two schools; one is a non-maintained special school providing for profoundly and severely deaf children and young people from all over the UK. The other is a local maintained school. I am also a Trustee of St Joseph’s Specialist Trust which is a co-educational residential and day school catering for children with complex and severe learning difficulties who are on the Autistic Spectrum.

Once I have received a client's details, I will make contact with the client (by mobile, phone or email) as soon as possible in order to ascertain the facts or issues and to see if and how I can assist. In addition to what I have been told I like to see key documentation, if any. If, having seen the documentation, I feel that I can assist the client, I will propose a course/plan of action for the client to consider. Clients are encouraged to consider and discuss the proposed course in order that we may agree the plan together on which to move forward. I advise my clients/employers/respondents on all aspects of employment law in conference/in a meeting orally and in writing (Advice/Opinion); write/draft my clients' ET3s/Responses/Defences; help write/draft Witness Statements and represent my clients at tribunals throughout the UK, at the Employment Appeal Tribunal and in the Court of Appeal.

Once I have identified the key factual issues and legal principles these will be used as the basis to run the case as I believe effective cross-examination is fundamental to successfully running a claim in the Employment Tribunal. I will look at the case from both sides so the client will have an idea what the opponent is likely to ask them in Court. I will meet with the client and have a cross-examination session to prepare them for the case. As a barrister it is my job to know both sides of the case and have a full and detailed knowledge of any documents, witnesses might and will rely on. I will involve my clients throughout the whole matter including their responses to opponent’s witness statements.

I am prepared to travel to my clients, although I would charge the costs of travel. I usually set fixed fees, so that you know exactly how much you will have to pay all through your case.
 

• I represented the respondent a director of an import company with complex financial issues, which included work abroad. The case brought was unfair dismissal, breach of terms of contract, unpaid holiday and failure to provide written employment particulars. After a conference the case changed significantly, which resulted ultimately in a good result for the client.
   
• I represented the respondent who was the owner of a financial services company. It was a legally difficult case of automatic unfair dismissal as well as unlawful deduction of wages. The case went over a period of 5 day, including cross examination on complex financial affairs which ultimately led to a good result for the client.

What my clients say

Ryan is very professional, knowledgeable and very approachable. His counsel and guidance steered me to a very satisfactory remedy in the case. Throughout the matter, he kept me informed and grounded He was very supportive during very difficult times while maintaining unparalleled professionalism. Ryan was very capable and more than up to the challenge I presented, he is the man you want fighting your corner. I have no hesitation in recommending him. Christopher Green – Comtran Ltd
 

I was a claimant and client of Conference Chambers with regard to a matter of civil litigation. During a difficult and testing period he kept me reassured at all times of my legal position and the financial implications of my case. John Field – John Field International

We are delighted to have been able to work with Conference Chambers who are supporting us in updating our Staff Handbook and Policies. More importantly however, their advice enabled us to manage a delicate HR situation effectively and the support provided by Carole and Ryan was invaluable. We would highly recommend that any organisation looking for legal or HR support contact Conference Chambers. Lynne Laverty, Centre for ADHD and Autism Support.

Conference Chambers have had a real impact on the Voluntary sector in Hillingdon, putting on free training and providing HR expert support is the sort of corporate interaction the sector needs. Rob Burton, Director, Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS)