Introduction
Shaniqua McKenzie is a barrister specialising in employment, discrimination and personal injury law. She acts for Claimants, Respondents and Defendants and has expertise in Equality Act litigation.
Before coming to the Bar, Shaniqua worked as a Litigation Consultant representing Respondents in Employment Tribunal proceedings and volunteered with the Free Representation Unit representing Claimants. She has managed more than 50 Employment Tribunal cases across England and Wales, including claims valued at up to £220,000.
Her employment practice covers the full range of Employment Tribunal litigation. She undertakes advisory and written work and regularly appears in preliminary hearings and multi-day final hearings.
Shaniqua also has appellate experience in the Employment Appeal Tribunal. She recently represented an Appellant in a successful appeal concerning the strike-out of Equality Act claims on jurisdictional and time-limit grounds. The decision was subsequently featured in LexisNexis Current Awareness.
Her discrimination practice extends beyond employment. She advises on, and can undertake advocacy in, Equality Act claims in the County Court, including claims arising in education settings. Her recent work includes advising a university student in a disability discrimination claim and a parent in relation to alleged discrimination affecting their children at school.
Shaniqua’s personal injury practice has a particular focus on psychiatric injury, including cases where employment, discrimination and personal injury issues overlap. Her experience includes litigating psychiatric injury claims, advising on valuation, negotiating settlements and securing compensation for psychiatric injury arising from discriminatory treatment. She has also advised in a complex stress-at-work claim involving psychiatric injury and multiple defendants.
Shaniqua completed pupillage at St Philips Chambers in September 2026 under the supervision of Andrew Evans and Anthony Johnston, gaining experience across employment and personal injury work.
She is particularly well regarded by both lay and professional clients and frequently receives excellent feedback for her advocacy, client care and strategic approach.
Notable Cases and Advisory Work
- Dr S Mokhammad v (1) General Medical Council (2) HCL Doctors Ltd (3) University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust [2026] EAT 79– Successfully represented an Appellant before the Employment Appeal Tribunal in an appeal concerning the strike-out of Equality Act claims on jurisdictional and time-limit grounds. The decision was subsequently featured in LexisNexis Current Awareness.
- S Iqbal v Joint Security Services Limited, Case No: 1308205/2023– Represented a Respondent in a five-day Employment Tribunal final hearing involving claims of race and religious belief discrimination, unfair dismissal and unlawful deduction from wages. All claims were dismissed.
- Mr H Kellermann v Pets Abroad UK Ltd: 3312215/2023– Successfully represented a Respondent in obtaining dismissal of a claim on jurisdictional grounds, establishing that the Claimant was self-employed and did not have employee status for the purposes of the claim.
- Represented a Respondent in a multi-day Employment Tribunal final hearing concerning a claim of automatic unfair dismissal arising from the alleged exercise of a statutory right. The claim was dismissed.
- Secured a six-figure settlement through the Free Representation Unit in a complex disability discrimination claim involving psychiatric injury.
Testimonials
“At the hearing, she was truly outstanding. She presented my case with calm authority and confidence, remaining composed and focused throughout. Her advocacy was clear, persuasive and strategically sharp.”
Claimant – 2026
“My appeal was successful on 21.04.2026. Ms Shaniqua McKenzie represented my case outstandingly. Her skeleton argument was outstanding; she was very professional during the hearing and all meetings with me. She was very hardworking, informative, very accessible and very approachable.”
Claimant – 2026
“From the moment she got involved, she was an absolute powerhouse, sharp, calm and completely on top of everything. Her knowledge and professionalism were second to none, but what really stood out was how supported she made me feel throughout the entire process.”
Claimant – 2025
“Her clear and insightful guidance at every stage was immensely valuable. She remained consistently accessible, addressing our numerous questions with patience and professionalism, and played an integral role in helping us plan, prepare and execute effectively.”
Respondent – 2025
Education
- Barristers Practical Training Course (2024) – Distinction
- Graduate Diploma in Law (2023)
- Psychology and Forensics (2022)- Upper Second-Class Honours Degree
Awards & Memberships
Scholarships & Awards
- David Karmel Scholarship – Gray’s Inn
- Lord Bingham of Cornill Scholarship – Gray’s Inn
- Career Commitment Scholarship – BPP University
- Gold Award – Goldsmiths University
Memberships
- The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
- The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn Equality and Diversity Committee
- The Employment Lawyers Association
- The Personal Injuries Bar Association
