Employment Law Paralegal: Supporting Clients at the Employment Tribunal

The Employment Tribunal and Litigants in Person

The Employment Tribunal (ET) hears claims relating to employment rights, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, wrongful dismissal, and unpaid wages. Unlike most civil courts, the ET was designed to be accessible to unrepresented parties — there are no court fees, the rules of evidence are relaxed, and the tribunal actively assists litigants in person.

Despite this accessibility, the reality of ET proceedings is complex. Claims involve detailed legal analysis, extensive document management, and the preparation of witness statements and legal submissions. Many claimants — particularly those who have recently lost their jobs — cannot afford a solicitor but need professional support to present their case effectively.

This is where employment law paralegals play a vital role.

What an Employment Law Paralegal Can Do

Pre-claim support

• Advising on whether a claim has merit (with appropriate caveats about the limits of paralegal advice)
• Calculating time limits (the ET1 must be submitted within 3 months of the act complained of, subject to ACAS early conciliation)
• Preparing the ET1 claim form
• Advising on ACAS early conciliation

Case preparation

• Preparing the schedule of loss (calculating the financial value of the claim)
• Reviewing and organising disclosure documents
• Preparing the chronology and cast list
• Drafting witness statements
• Researching relevant case law and preparing legal submissions

Hearing support (as McKenzie Friend)

• Attending the hearing with the claimant
• Taking notes during proceedings
• Quietly advising the claimant during breaks
• Helping the claimant to organise their papers and follow the proceedings

Post-hearing support

• Reviewing the judgment
• Advising on enforcement of any award
• Preparing for any appeal (though the appeal itself requires an authorised person)

The ET1 and ET3: Getting the Claim Right

The ET1 is the claim form submitted by the claimant. It is the foundation of the entire case — a poorly drafted ET1 can undermine an otherwise strong claim. Key points:

• The particulars of claim must be clear, specific, and supported by dates and facts
• The schedule of loss must be accurate and complete — underestimating the loss can limit the award
• Time limits are strict: the ET1 must be submitted within 3 months of the act complained of (subject to ACAS early conciliation)

The ET3 is the response form submitted by the respondent. Reviewing the ET3 carefully is essential for understanding the employer's case and identifying the key issues in dispute.

Market Rates for Employment Law Paralegal Support

Based on data from Interim Lawyers, TotallyLegal, and direct market research:

Employment law paralegal work commands a slight premium over the general paralegal market, reflecting the complexity of the legal framework and the high stakes involved for clients.

Building Your Employment Law Practice

For paralegals looking to specialise in employment law:

• The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) offers training and professional development
• The Equality and Human Rights Commission publishes guidance on discrimination law
• The ACAS website provides practical guidance on employment rights and procedures
• The Employment Tribunal's own guidance notes are essential reading

Our Freelance Paralegal Rate Calculator includes employment law as a practice area and provides a personalised rate recommendation based on your experience and location.