Anthony Johnston represents leading set of London barristers’ chambers

Anthony Johnston, instructed by Irwin Mitchell, has successfully represented a leading set of London barristers’ chambers in defending a high-profile case brought by a former member of Chambers, after all of her claims were rejected by an Employment Tribunal.

The case against Goldsmith Chambers was brought by Karen Gillard. Miss Gillard was expelled from Chambers after various serious complaints were made against her including that she was bullying staff, that she had carried out some financial improprieties and that she had threatened to damage chambers’ reputation.

Anthony Metzer QC, who is the Head of Chambers and a Deputy High Court Judge, and other members of the Chambers Management Committee were accused by Miss Gillard of discrimination and subjecting her to detriments as she claimed that she was a whistle-blower.

Goldsmith Chambers vigorously denied the claims.

Following a 4-week hearing, all allegations by Miss Gillard were dismissed by the Tribunal. In a unanimous 87-page reserved judgment, the Tribunal found that all of Miss Gillard’s allegations were unfounded. With regard to her discrimination claims, the Tribunal found that Miss Gillard had failed even to persuade the Tribunal that she had a prima facie case of discrimination. The Tribunal found no evidence whatsoever that Miss Gillard was treated differently or less favourably as a result of either her sex or sexual orientation.

Press coverage from The Times can be found here.