Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing

Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing

This event is brought to you by Legal Island in association with Ogier.

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 will lead the day’s event by giving you tips on how to prepare for a WRC hearing in 2024 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
  • Understand WRC procedural changes following the Supreme Court Zalewski decision
  • 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, the 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

When and where?

12.00pm – 4:15pm on Tuesday 1st October

Lunch will be provided from 12:00pm to 12:45pm   

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, D02 YT21

In association with:

Programme

12pm

Registration & Lunch

 

12:40pm

Welcome & Introduction to the Claim

Victoria Smith, Legal Island

12:45pm

Overview of the WRC Adjudication Process & The Case Study

Mary Gavin, Managing Associate, Employment and Corporate Immigration Department at Ogier 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.

Shewill 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.

1:10pm

An Adjudicator’s Perspective

Our 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.

1:30pm

Refreshment Break & Networking

1:45pm

The Hearing 

Cathy McGrady BL and Paul D. Maier 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. 

3:15pm

Discussion/Panel Q&A

Before 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.

3:45pm

Decision 

Dr Gerry McMahon, as acting Adjudication Officer on the day, will deliver his decision on the hearing.

3:55pm

Closing Comments 

Mary Gavin will close out the day by briefly explaining the appeal process before the Labour Court and to answer any additional questions. 

4:00pm

Event Close

Testimonials

"Felt like a real live hearing - was so professional and serious at cross examination. Gerry McMahon is so experienced, I hang on his every word and he is fun too. The role play was very engaging - well done to all involved." Michelle Mc Donnell, Head of HR, Leinster Rugby 

"It was excellent. Every HR professional who has limited experience with the WRC should go to this event. I feel better prepared for the future armed with how a WRC hearing is conducted and what to watch out." Conor Coppinger, HR Executive, The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)

“The mock adjudication was really engrossing. It was great to see it in action and to get a sense of what it might be like to experience a real hearing.”

“Mock format and content was really valuable in giving a practical insight into the WRC process”

Presenters


  • Mary Gavin
    Mary Gavin Managing Associate - Employment
    Ogier

    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.”

  • Dr Gerry McMahon
    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.

     

  • Cathy McGrady
    Cathy McGrady Barrister

    Cathy McGrady has been a barrister since 2007 practising on Employment and Equality matters, Tort & Personal Injury claims, as well as General Practise. Prior to being called to the Bar, her previous role was as an HR Manager. She is a seasoned professional that frequently appears in front of the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, Circuit Court, and High Court for employment law disputes. She has also acted as an independent investigator in workplace investigations. 

Event details

Duration

12:00pm – 4:15pm

Date

01 October 2024

Location

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, D02 YT21

Price

Standard Rate: €445

*Save an additional €20 when you book and pay online at the time of booking.