Richard has a busy employment practice, representing both Claimants and Respondents in the Employment Tribunals and beyond, acting for individuals, SMEs and large employers, including the automotive and airline sectors, universities, police forces and other public bodies. He also accepts instructions in appropriate cases via Direct Public Access.
He is regularly instructed to appear in Preliminary Hearings dealing with issues such as time limits, employment status and territorial jurisdiction, disclosure issues, strike out and deposit orders, as well as Final Hearings on both liability and remedy, and Judicial Mediations.
Richard has extensive experience of cases involving unfair and constructive unfair dismissal; redundancy; discrimination, harassment and victimisation; whistle-blowing; restrictive covenants, and TUPE. He has particular expertise in complex discrimination claims, often involving multiple protected characteristics, including disability, age, race, religion, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment.
Richard thrives on document-heavy multi-day Final Hearings in which his attention to detail and focused cross-examination come to the fore. A tenacious advocate in Tribunal, outside court he is noted for his approachable manner and ability to put clients at their ease, particularly those with mental health or neurodiversity issues. He gives clear, practical, commercial advice, whether dealing with individual litigants or senior management.
When not in Tribunal, Richard assists by drafting key documents on behalf of clients, including Grounds of Claim and Response, Schedules of Loss and Lists of Issues; advising on the merits of a case, points of law and settlement negotiations, and of course strategy and tactics at all stages of a case. Clients often find that early advice from Richard enables them to avoid costly and drawn out litigation.
About me
Richard Wayman is a specialist employment barrister who has spent nearly a decade practising in this fast-moving area of law. Prior to this he developed extensive hands-on commercial experience of employment law as Managing Director of a long-established family printing business with 80 employees.
Richard went on to read law at Magdalene College, Cambridge (Upper Second Class) and complete the Bar Professional Training Course at the City Law School (Outstanding), before being Called to the Bar and awarded the Certificate of Honour by the Middle Temple in 2015. He also holds an Honours degree from the University of St. Andrews (First Class).
What my clients say
Selected Feedback
“Richard is always my “go to” barrister when I have an Employment Tribunal case. Not only is he an excellent advocate but he is also great with clients – a combination that, in my experience, is not that easy to come by. His recent (successful) representation of my client in a pregnancy discrimination case demonstrated these skills in abundance. The client and my colleague were hugely impressed by Richard’s meticulous attention to detail, his expert cross-examination of witnesses and his well-argued and concise submissions.” – Solicitor
“Very impressed with the service provided by Richard Wayman during an Employment Tribunal. His sense of humour is much appreciated when nerves are tightly strung, but this doesn’t prevent him from being highly knowledgable and professional. His approach could be summed up as ‘gentle and subtle, but still deadly’. It was a pleasure to watch him work.” – Claimant’s partner
“The way you conducted yourself has just been amazing, and that word deadly is right – the way you just do it, it’s not like a performance, it’s just so slick, but it’s so effective … You come across as a consummate professional. We couldn’t have asked for better.” – Claimant
“Richard is absolutely brilliant from start to finish. His advice is clear and he has a great manner with clients. The feedback from clients has been universally excellent. He’s helped me with Tribunal claims and preliminary opinions – all of which he has carried out brilliantly. We honestly don’t have any ‘weaknesses’ to mention.” – Senior Associate Solicitor
“I just wanted to send a message to say thank you to Richard for an excellent result yesterday. I have a very happy client. Richard dealt with several last minute curve balls and I am deeply appreciative of all his work.” – Partner
“Thank you for your guidance whilst trying to navigate the Employment Tribunal case. You steered us quietly the whole time in the right direction and patiently explained the vagaries of employment law when we got confused! It was just quite something to be part of your masterly follow through after the preliminary hearing which led to the withdrawal of the entire claim. It was a daunting process but we had you to take the strain! Thank you.” – Direct Access client
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you very much for your help and assistance in this matter. Although I didn’t secure the outcome (as you pre-warned), I cannot thank you enough, for the assistance you provided, especially explaining the law in plain and simpler terms. Your advice and representation meant that I was significantly less anxious about the Tribunal hearing in the days leading up to it and on the day.” Direct Access client
“Richard recently successfully represented our client in her constructive dismissal claim and we were very happy with the excellent service he provided. He was easy to work with and great with our client – taking care to explain everything clearly and to put her at ease. He was equally impressive in the hearing. His advocacy was rigorous and persuasive and his cross-examination was some of the best I have seen.” – Solicitor
“Richard thank you for a truly formidable performance … Your legal knowledge, thorough preparation, focus on the key facts, mental agility, impressive cross-examination and compelling closing statement resulted in an exceptional result. Always professional and respectful towards the Respondent … you clearly commanded the respect of the Tribunal and succeeded against a very competent barrister of some 20 years’ experience.” – Direct Access client
“I learned a lot, both from working with you and from watching you in action. I thought a real strength was the way you engaged with the client, ensured he was involved and understood proceedings and got to grips with the complexities of his case so quickly. I also appreciated your preparation, stamina and concentration through the long sessions of cross-examination and calm, efficient and wise management of the settlement negotiations.” Citizens Advice caseworker
Professional & academic
- Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding), City Law School
- B.A. (Law) (Upper Second Class), Magdalene College, Cambridge
- M.Theol (Hons) (First Class), University of St. Andrews
- Hampshire
- London