WORKPLACE DISPUTE SOLICITORS
Problems at work can affect your confidence, wellbeing and financial security. Whether you are facing unfair treatment, conflict with a colleague or concerns about your employer’s conduct, seeking legal advice early can help you understand your rights and decide how to respond (before signing any agreements). Our employment law solicitors provide clear, practical advice to employees involved in workplace disputes. HM3 Legal can support you through internal procedures, negotiations and potential legal claims while helping you protect your position and professional reputation.
We are experienced workplace dispute solicitors
Workplace disputes can arise for many reasons and may become more difficult to resolve if concerns are not addressed promptly. Our employment law solicitors will listen to what has happened, explain the legal protections available to you and help you identify the most appropriate next steps.
We can advise you before raising a formal complaint, support you during an internal process or communicate directly with your employer where necessary. Our approach is empathetic, and focuses on protecting your rights while working towards a practical resolution.
We can advise you on:
- Bullying and harassment.
- Discrimination at work.
- Employment Tribunals.
- Grievances and grievance appeals.
- Disciplinary proceedings.
- Unfair treatment by managers.
- Workplace investigations.
- Pay and contractual disputes.
- Changes to employment terms.
- Performance management concerns.
- Whistleblowing.
- Suspension from work.
- Mediation and negotiated resolutions.
- Settlement agreements.
- Constructive dismissal concerns.
Our workplace dispute solicitors
Justine Watkinson
Partner & Head of Employment Law
Charissa Lewis
Associate
Deana Phillips
Senior Associate
Megan Richardson
Paralegal
Finnula Clements
Paralegal
Our workplace dispute legal services
Grievances and internal complaints
If you are experiencing unfair treatment at work, raising a formal grievance may give your employer an opportunity to investigate and resolve the problem. During the pressure of the process it is important to present your concerns clearly and provide the relevant facts, evidence and outcome your are hoping for. Our solicitors can advise you before you submit a grievance and help you prepare a detailed written complaint. We can identify potential legal issues, review workplace policies and ensure that important incidents are properly recorded.
We can also support you during grievance meetings, advise on the outcome and help you prepare an appeal where your concerns have not been addressed fairly. HM3 Legal will help you approach the process strategically, particularly where you are worried about retaliation, damage to working relationships or the effect the dispute may have on your continued employment.
Bullying, harassment and discrimination
Bullying, harassment and discrimination can make the workplace feel hostile and may have a serious effect on your health and career. The legal options available will depend on what happened, why you were treated unfairly and how your employer responded when concerns were raised. Our employment solicitors can assess whether the conduct may amount to unlawful discrimination or harassment connected with a protected characteristic. We can also advise on repeated intimidating behaviour, exclusion, offensive comments, unreasonable management practices and retaliation after making a complaint.
We will help you preserve relevant evidence, raise concerns through the appropriate internal procedure and protect important legal deadlines. Where the matter cannot be resolved internally, we can advise you about ACAS Early Conciliation, settlement negotiations and bringing a claim before an Employment Tribunal.
Negotiating a resolution
Not every workplace dispute needs to end with resignation or an Employment Tribunal claim. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to resolve the problem through an internal agreement, mediation, changes to working arrangements or a negotiated exit. Our solicitors will help you consider the practical and legal consequences of each option. We can communicate with your employer, propose an appropriate resolution and advise you during protected conversations or settlement negotiations.
If your employer offers a settlement agreement, we will review the compensation and wider terms, including notice pay, confidentiality, references and restrictions on future employment. Our aim is to achieve an outcome that protects your financial position, professional reputation and future career. HM3 Legal will provide realistic advice throughout so that you can make informed decisions during what can be a confusing time.
Our legal offices
Chester
George Street
Chester
CH1 3EQ
Liverpool
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
Manchester
Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF
Wirral
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
Reasons to instruct HM3 Legal
Plain English promise.
A jargon and waffle-free zone. Helping you to understand your options and make the right decisions.
No chase pledge.
Peace of mind. Removing the frustrations of wondering where things are up to and what is next.
Fixed fees options.
Removing uncertainty. With fixed fee options and clear pricing we will not land you with a surprise bill.
One central point of contact.
Looking at your needs holistically. Chances are, your business operations do not work in silos so neither do we.
Workplace disputes key contact: Justine Watkinson
Partner and Engagement Director
Justine Watkinson is a Partner at HM3 Legal, bringing decades of legal and commercial experience to employment law and HR matters. Supporting HR teams, providing tailored training covering employment law and culture, and transforming workplaces are her areas of expertise. Known for practical, people-focused advice, she helps businesses understand their culture, manage change and plan for expansion. A trusted legal adviser and positive change-manager, Justine combines commercial insight with genuine commitment to clients, colleagues and business impact.
Are you dealing with a dispute at work?
You do not have to manage a workplace dispute without legal support. Seeking advice at an early stage can help you avoid common mistakes, preserve important evidence and understand how internal decisions could affect a future legal claim.
Our approachable employment law solicitors will listen to your concerns and provide advice tailored to your circumstances. We can help you raise a grievance, respond to an investigation, challenge unfair treatment or negotiate an appropriate resolution with your employer.
Contact HM3 Legal today for clear advice about your workplace dispute and the options available to you.
During my visits to the Chester office, I was always treated well by all members of the team.
All my queries were resolved in a satisfactory manner, and I now have the safe knowledge that my will has been updated.
My only negative is your introduction, in that you addressed me as Barry James. The latter is indeed my middle name, but not my surname..
Deana has been extremely proactive employing her natural communication skills, moving the process forward very quickly, and achieving a swift conclusion. She explained the legal jargon clouding the agreement, putting it into straightforward language. Making it clear to understand, and combined with her most amiable manner, Deana ensured the process was both pleasant and enjoyable, whilst maintaining a highly professional legal service.
I can wholeheartedly and without any reservation recommend the services of HM3 Legal for top notch advice, service and speed.
Thank you.
The advisory team, led by Justine and supported by Megan and Deana, has done a fantastic job. They consistently exceeded my expectations, managed all communication seamlessly, and kept me proactively updated at every stage of my case. Their fee structure was entirely transparent, I was always informed of the costs upfront before any work started.
I would not hesitate to use their services again.
Throughout the last 5 months, Deana has been straight forward in her advice, being true to her word from day one. She is honest, avoids talking jargon and took into consideration the needs of the people involved and their personal circumstances.
The entire team at HM3 have treated us with the upmost compassion and we never once felt overwhelmed with the information and advice we were given. Deana worked at our pace and ensured we never felt pressured. She continually reassured us with our questions and concerns though our the entire relationship.
Highly recommended and thank you so much for all your support. We will always be grateful
Would recommend
I would definitely use HM3 Legal myself and recommend anyone in need of a trusted firm..
She was prompt with communications and kept us informed in the process.
We managed to recover 75% plus of money after more than a year of back and forth.
Thank you.
The whole team are responsive and demonstrate a real desire to provide guidance across a range of disciplines. .
HM3 Legal delivered better service than expected and I would highly recommend them for wills and estate planning.
Robbie Oates was also great at keeping me updated throughout and nothing was too much trouble.
This is not a nice thing to have to go though but thanks to Holly and Robbie, I felt fully supported the whole 2 years 7 months through! I would definitely say they both provided a WOW service.
Ian reviewed the lease promptly, identified the key issues, and explained everything in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. Rather than overwhelming me with legal jargon, he provided practical advice that gave me complete confidence in the decisions I needed to make.
The whole team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Their excellent communication and attention to detail made what could have been a complex and time consuming process feel straightforward and stress free.
If you're looking for commercial solicitors who combine first class legal expertise with exceptional client service, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ian Millington and the team at HM3 Legal.
Jill Walker
Managing Director
Indigo Home & Gift
I would highly recommend Clare to any of my peers. Her professionalism was exceptional.
From our initial meeting with Frances, we were informed of the methods and techniques to structure our wills in the most efficient formats.
Frances explained complex legal structures in easy to understand terms and was a pleasure to deal with.
Shannon was excellent with the back office work making sure everything came through promptly and in the right fashion.
Many thanks to everyone at HM3.
Only 4 Stars because we were never notified as to the change from Hillier & McKeown to HM3 Legal.
It was only when we wanted to alter the wills that by good fortune I still had phone number of Hamilton Square. Well done to Ceri for patience and knowhow.
Paul Roberts
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
She kept me posted at all times and always returned telephone calls.I recommend her.
They both have been very diligent, responsive and solid in their responses and actions.
I would highly recommend their services. Happy to expand on my experience if anyone would like to know more!
I’m very happy with the service. I would gladly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy legal assistance.
Fees were clearly explained before work commenced and were fair and competitive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ruth and HM3 to anyone seeking expert legal support with personal or family matters.
Workplace dispute FAQs
What is considered a workplace dispute?
A workplace dispute is a disagreement or conflict involving an employee, employer, manager or colleague. It may relate to bullying, discrimination, pay, workload, contractual terms, performance management or working conditions. Some disputes can be resolved informally, while others require a formal grievance or legal action. The appropriate response will depend on the seriousness of the conduct and the outcome you want to achieve. Taking advice early can help you protect your position and avoid unnecessary escalation.
Should I raise a formal grievance against my employer?
A formal grievance may be appropriate if you have been unable to resolve a serious workplace concern informally. Your grievance should explain what happened, provide relevant evidence and state what you would like your employer to do. Before submitting it, consider how the process could affect your working relationship and any potential legal claim. HM3 Legal can review your concerns, help you prepare the grievance and ensure the most important factual and legal issues are clearly presented.
What evidence should I keep during a workplace dispute?
Keep copies of relevant emails, messages, meeting invitations, performance records, policies and written decisions. You may also find it helpful to create a dated record of incidents, including who was present and what was said. Evidence should be obtained lawfully, and you should avoid removing confidential documents without advice. Contemporaneous records can be particularly valuable (accounts can differ, as may be revealed later). A solicitor can advise which evidence is relevant and how it may support a grievance, negotiation or legal claim.
Can my employer treat me differently after I raise a grievance?
Your employer should not punish you simply for raising a genuine workplace concern. Additional legal protections may apply if your grievance involves discrimination, harassment, health and safety or whistleblowing. Unfavourable treatment could include exclusion, reduced responsibilities, disciplinary action or dismissal. Each legal position will depend on the nature of your complaint and your employer’s reasons for its actions. HM3 Legal can assess the treatment you have experienced and advise whether further steps should be taken.
What should I do if my grievance is not upheld?
You may be able to appeal the grievance outcome, particularly if the investigation was incomplete, evidence was overlooked or the decision was unreasonable. Your employer’s grievance policy should explain the appeal process and any relevant deadline. An appeal should identify specific problems with the original decision and include any new evidence. If the internal process does not resolve the matter, a solicitor can advise you about settlement negotiations, ACAS Early Conciliation or a potential Employment Tribunal claim.