Elizabeth Hodgetts, leading Connor Wright, instructed by James Powell of Capsticks LLP and Stephen Ellerby of TLT LLP, represented the Solicitors Regulation Authority and 5 other Claimants in their application for an ECRO in the High Court.
Background
The Defendant, who had a law degree and Master’s in commercial law, had made, or claimed that he wanted to make, job applications to the Claimants and several other organisations, in highly competitive job application processes; many for legal roles. He then presented ET claims complaining that he had been discriminated against in relation to the 4 cognitive disabilities relied upon. Among other things, he complained that as a reasonable adjustment, he should have been provided with work experience in lieu of aspects of the job application processes.
To date, the Defendant had presented 42 ET claims; he also made applications for reconsideration, and instituted – or purported to institute – appeals in the EAT.
Of the claims determined as at the date of the CRO application, none had been successful; the vast majority were struck out or withdrawn following the making of deposit orders; 2 were settled for nuisance payments. The ET repeatedly found that the adjustments sought were not reasonable; 5 claims were declared by EJs to be totally without merit.
Application for CRO
On the application, the High Court found a further ET claim and application, not originally so certified, to be totally without merit. It further found that there was a high risk of such claims in the future; and concluded that it could not rely on the Defendant’s assertion that he did not intend to present further claims. It granted an ECRO which prevents the Defendant from presenting ET claims, applications in ET claims, or appeals in the EAT, in relation to any job application made by him or asserted to have been made by him, or in relation to any job application process, without permission of the High Court; for a period of 3 years.
The Defendant’s cross-application to strike out the CRO application and for miscellaneous relief was itself dismissed, and certified as totally without merit.
A copy of the Judgment can be found here. https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/KB/2025/1378.html
Press articles:
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/law-graduate-bringing-meritless-claims-against-sra-ordered-to-stop/5123585.article
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/13/serial-complainer-ban-claim-discrimination-before-apply-job
