Martin Mensah

I am a former clerk to the school appeals panel

I provide advice and represents local authorities in the First Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) on disability discrimination claims and all other aspects of Education law.

I defend schools against claims of discrimination and appeals against decisions of the First Tier Tribunal

I also welcome instructions from parents in relation to school appeals relating to admissions and disability discrimination claims.

I act for Appellants and Respondents at the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal in Special Educational Needs and Disability matters, dealing with contentious tribunal hearings and also providing advice and assistance on the formulation of EHC plans.

My approach

I can provide a speedy advice at the initial stage outlining your prospects of successfully claiming/defending.

I can represent your interests from the outset of your claim right to the final tribunal hearing, ensuring consistency of approach and a direct point of contact at a competitive rate.

I am an expert in Employment law and regularly advise in conference, in writing and appear in the Employment tribunal. I have also taken cases to the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

I am happy to agree a fixed fee or flexible funding arrangement in advance and may be able to resolve your claim without proceeding to the tribunal, I am able to attend appointments and conferences both in Chambers and at your location.

About me

I have been a barrister for more than 10 years, encompassing a wide range of specialisms and offering high calibre advocacy and written advice on prospects of success on claims.

Notable cases

I act for various trade unions and local authorities. Should matters proceed to the Tribunal, I am an experienced trial advocate retained by local authorities (and so very familiar with Respondent work) with an excellent track record of success. I am adept at handling work for Claimants and Respondents. I have been direct access accredited since 2008 and have been dealing direct with clients since then. I have experience of many such enquiries and endeavour to offer a user-friendly and reliable service. I have successfully run multi-day unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. In addition to trials, I provide advice on all aspects from recruitment to termination, draft and negotiating compromise agreements and employment contracts, can assist with the enforcement of restrictive covenants and confidentiality against departing or ex-employees, advise on managing sickness absence, disciplinary and grievance procedures and provide you with bespoke training on all aspects of employment law. I advise businesses and charities on all aspects of employment law and have a particular interest in the development of social media and its impact in the workplace. I regularly advise and represents large and small businesses in discrimination claims, TUPE issues, restrictive covenants including the removal of confidential business information and unfair dismissal disputes. My recent advisory experience involves assisting companies with the TUPE implications of service provision changes and the contractual implications for several employees. My recent tribunal experience involves defending an employer against an unfair dismissal claim based on childcare requirements and a whistleblowing claim against employers. I deliver seminars and have recently provided an in-house seminar on discrimination in the provision of goods and services and spoke about the impact of religion and belief in the workplace for my Chambers employment law seminar. I keep up to date with the latest legal developments and have recently provided an article on the potential impact of tribunal fees. My recent tribunal experience involves defending an employer against an unfair dismissal claim based on childcare requirements and a whistleblowing claim against employers. I deliver seminars and have recently provided an in-house seminar on discrimination in the provision of goods and services and spoke about the impact of religion and belief in the workplace for my Chambers employment law seminar. I keep up to date with the latest legal developments and have recently provided an article on the potential impact of tribunal fees I recently represented a Doctor in a multi-day hearing where he was cleared of all charges relating to alleged misconduct involving the handling/care of a vulnerable patient. I have also represented a Teacher involved in the communication of inappropriate messages/communications with pupils and successfully argued that a number of the claims against them had no merit and should be dismissed. I have represented Doctors with substance abuse problems and persuaded the Tribunal to be lenient and draw back from the most draconian sanctions against them. I am instructed to deal with interim order panel hearings to deal with such matters. I represented the local authorities in the Upper Tribunal in the reported cases of MW v Halton Borough Council [2010] UKUT 34 (AAC) and St Helens BC v TE and another [2018] UKUT 278 (AAC)

Professional & academic

LLB Law, University of Liverpool. Bar Vocational Course, Nottingham Law School