Anna Johns

” ‘I was fortunate to be represented by Anna Johns for a 10 day final hearing.

I immediately felt at ease after speaking to Anna prior to my claim commencing; it was crystal clear to me that she had read the papers of my claim, of which there were over 2000 pages.

At the final hearing, I was astonished by how good Anna was at cross examining the Respondent’s witnesses, and her grasp on the detail of my claim. Beyond the legal expertise she demonstrated, Anna was just lovely to be around. She was down to earth and personable. I will always be grateful to her for her support and would not hesitate to recommend Anna as an advocate at Tribunal. ” – Lay Client, 2023

” Anna’s professionalism, support and guidance was invaluable to us over the last few days. She gave us confidence that we were in safe hands – and so it proved!” – Lay Client, 2021

“… It became very clear very quickly that Anna was on top of all aspects of the 200+ bundle of information and nearly instantly made me feel at ease and in safe hands. Throughout the hearing Anna was professional, courteous and completely unflustered … she was laser like in her questioning and built up a sequence of events and answers that supported our case … I have no qualms in recommending Anna to anyone who found themselves in a similar unfortunate emotionally charged position as myself.” – Client in the Employment Tribunal

“Anna is an exceptional all round advocate. She has the intelligence and flexibility to quickly master a brief and adapt her arguments and approach to developments in the court room. Perhaps more importantly from a Claimant perspective, she is also extremely personable and is adept at guiding clients through the stressful and potentially life changing experience of tribunal litigation. Highly recommended.” – Employment Solicitor

“I just wanted to say thank you again, I genuinely felt I had a friend there with me today and that made all the difference. You helped make an awful situation very bearable with the best outcome I could have asked for. If ever I need a barrister again, I shall most definitely be knocking on your door.” – Lay Client in the Employment Tribunal

Anna is frequently instructed in complex multi-day cases in all areas of employment law, representing both claimants and respondents. She has particular experience in cases involving unfair and wrongful dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, unlawful deduction from wages, harassment and victimisation.

Recent cases include:

• Successfully representing a claimant in a 4 day unfair dismissal and age discrimination case, which involved cross examining 6 witnesses and adapting to a significant shift in the case as the evidence developed.
• Defending a whistleblowing and unfair dismissal claim on behalf of a small family-run business. The Tribunal found in favour of the respondent in an ambiguous resignation/dismissal situation. All of the claims were dismissed.
• Succeeding in a 3 day final hearing against a construction company after the claimant was dismissed for gross misconduct. The Tribunal was persuaded to award a longer period for loss of earnings than it had originally indicated.
• Representing a high-earning claimant in his unfair dismissal claim against a bank. After a day of cross examining the respondent’s witnesses, the bank put forward a settlement offer which was subsequently negotiated to a higher figure before being accepted.
• Obtaining a very good settlement figure at a final hearing representing a claimant with autism who was dismissed from his apprenticeship.
• Successfully striking out a claim brought against a sixth form college with an order for costs on the basis that the claim had no reasonable prospects of success and the former employee had acted unreasonably.

Anna provides advice on prospects and quantum at all stages of the Tribunal process. She gives realistic advice on settlement and her pragmatic mindset is often appreciated by those instructing. She is happy to complete paperwork within short timescales.

Anna drafts clear and concise pleadings. She is happy to complete all types of paperwork including applications, responses and other correspondence with the Tribunal and/or opposing party.

Anna often delivers training to solicitors’ firms. Recent topics have included claims under the Equality Act 2010, redundancy processes and case law updates.