Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing
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Have you ever wondered what a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Adjudication Hearing is like or how you, as an employer or HR professional, would handle one? Well now you can find out!
With WRC hearings at record levels, this half-day Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing is an opportunity to see how it operates in practice and, more importantly, how the decisions you make in the workplace play out in a WRC Adjudication Hearing.
The Mock Adjudication Hearing will be conducted by a former WRC Adjudication Officer and legal professionals with extensive experience of proceedings and will demonstrate the common pitfalls for employers and their HR advisors.
This Mock Hearing gives you the opportunity to experience what happens at this type of hearing without the cost, preparation and stress involved in the real thing!
Mary Gavin, Managing Associate at Ogier Leman LLP will lead the day’s event by giving you tips on how to prepare for a WRC hearing in 2023 and beyond. We have experienced employment law barristers who will lead a team playing various roles during the hearing, to take you through a ‘real life’ case. It will be presided over by experienced former WRC Adjudicator, Dr Gerry McMahon.
Who should attend?
This Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing is designed for employers and HR professionals but would also benefit those with line-management responsibilities. It is an ideal event for respondents, claimants and other witnesses who wish to experience a realistic adjudication process in a safe environment.
After attending this event you will:
- Obtain procedural guidance when initiating a complaint
- Know how to carefully complete and respond to a WRC complaint form
- Be aware of the necessary time limits for referring a case to the WRC and when an extension may be granted
- Know what happens when a case is referred to the WRC
- Know whether mediation is a feasible option in order to encourage and facilitate both parties to resolve issues as an alternative to a formal hearing
- Gain practical tips on drafting submissions
- Learn about what information and documentation is required by the parties
- Witness first hand a full hearing and decision – you will see what to expect on the day, understand likely awards, structure of the hearing and when adjournment of a hearing may be granted
- Delegates will be asked to participate in the hearing by raising questions or offering their views
- Learn about appeals and enforcement
This event is brought to you by Legal Island in association with Ogier Leman LLP.
Programme
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12pm
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Registration & Lunch |
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1pm
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Welcome & Introduction to the ClaimLaura McKee, Legal Island |
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1:15pm
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Overview of the WRC Adjudication Process & Case Study
Mary Gavin, Managing Associate, Employment and Corporate Immigration Department at Ogier Leman LLP will look at the entire life cycle of a typical claim in the WRC from completing a WRC complaint form through to the substantive hearing, and the possibility of appeals. She will also share her experiences of what to ‘expect on the day’ of the hearing itself, from the point of arrival at the WRC to giving evidence to understanding the decision, highlighting procedural changes following the Supreme Court Zalewski decision. Mary will consider the practical aspects of preparing the case, looking at the specific case study, highlighting any documents that will bear particular importance at the hearing in the afternoon. She will take you through some practical tips on how to always be prepared for a hearing and which will inevitably assist with an employer’s defence when before the WRC. |
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1:35pm
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An Adjudicator’s PerspectiveOur chair for the hearing, former WRC Adjudication Officer, Dr Gerry McMahon, will outline the practical and procedural elements of an adjudication hearing from an Adjudicator’s perspective, highlighting the do's and don'ts, and offering practical tips in line with WRC guidance and noting any changes for remote hearings.
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2:00pm
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Refreshment Break & Networking |
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2:15pm
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The HearingLauren Tennyson BL and Owen Keany BL will act as representatives for the employer and employee, while running a WRC hearing based on the case study. Dr Gerry McMahon will be overseeing the hearing as the Adjudication Officer. You will see both barristers questioning witnesses, including the complainant, just as you would at an unfair dismissal hearing, in order for you to gain a practical understanding of the adjudication process. |
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3:45pm
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Discussion/Panel Q&ABefore Dr Gerry McMahon delivers his decision in the hearing, Mary Gavin will lead a discussion on the hearing to determine what the most likely outcome will be and to highlight where any of the parties may or may not have gone wrong. |
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4:15pm
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DecisionDr Gerry McMahon, as acting Adjudication Officer on the day, will deliver his decision on the hearing. |
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4:25pm
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Closing CommentsMary Gavin will close out the day by briefly explaining the appeal process before the Labour Court and to answer any additional questions.
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4:30pm
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Event Close |
Testimonials
Presenters
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Mary Gavin Managing Associate - Employment
Ogier Leman
Mary has over 15 years of experience advising on all aspects of employment law. Mary advises employers across the public, private and third sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters including employment contracts and policies, complex employee relations issues, equality matters, disciplinary actions, dismissals, redundancies, and employment related disputes. Mary is a managing associate in our Employment and Corporate Immigration team. Mary works with national and multinational clients in a variety of sectors, including technology, fintech, real estate and pharmaceuticals.
Mary has represented clients before the Workplace Relations Commission, Labour Court and High Court and has amassed considerable experience in employment related civil litigation including injunctive relief and judicial review applications. She has also advised extensively in respect of professional regulation, and GDPR compliance. Mary is a member of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association Employment Law Committee. A graduate of University College Dublin, Mary also has a masters from Queens’ University Belfast and a diploma in Employment Law from the Law Society of Ireland.
Admitted in: 2007- Northern Ireland (non-practising), 2013 – Ireland
Noted as a Key Lawyer for previous firm in Legal 500 2022 “Focused approach, works with the client to seek best dispute resolution approach, provides confidence and reassurance of legal position … excellent service.”
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Dr Gerry McMahon Managing Director
Productive Personnel Ltd
Gerry McMahon is acknowledged as a national expert in the area of People Management and Employee Relations. He has over 40 years’ practical experience working as an advisor/consultant in the area, across a range of sectors. He also has extensive experience working as a consultant, trainer, facilitator, team builder, negotiator, adjudicator, mediator, coach, investigator, researcher, arbitrator and expert witness on behalf of a wide range of Government departments, public sector enterprises, semi-state entities, blue chip companies, professional institutes, trade unions, staff associations, employer and community/voluntary and religious organisations.
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Lauren Tennyson BL
Lauren Tennyson BL is a practising barrister since 2007 specialising in employment and equality law. She appears regularly before the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, Circuit Court and High Court in employment law disputes, as well as in employment mediations. She advises and acts for large multinationals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. She is also frequently engaged to act as an independent investigator in workplace investigations.
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Owen Keany BL
Barrister
Owen Keany is a Junior Counsel and was called to the Bar in 2007. He has a general civil practice, with a focus on labour and employment law. Owen regularly provides talks and updates on employment and industrial relations law and he has written numerous papers on topics relating to the area. Owen is a committee member of the Employment Law Association of Ireland and Employment Bar Association.