Chris Mayers

About me

Employment law, which has been my focus for the last 30 years, is central to many people’s lives because, after your family and friends, your employment relationship is the most important one in your life. I focus on getting my clients the best result for them, whether as an adviser, litigator or mediator.

The breadth of my experience means that I have expertise in several fields, including professional negligence and healthcare – not only was I previously the Law Society’s Intervention Agent in Wales but I have also acted for NHS organisations across Wales and have an abiding interest in NHS issues.

I am well-placed to understand the needs of a wide variety of clients, from SMEs to large public bodies. I handle all kinds of employment issues, including those where those involved still need to work together, so my accreditation as an employment and workplace mediator is invaluable. Discrimination and whistleblowing cases particularly interest me.

Outside work, I love sailing and photography – I am a Royal Yacht Association accredited skipper.

Employment partner’s empathy, support and knowhow leads to outstanding testimonial

Employment Partner Chris Mayers was quick to act when he was contacted by a healthcare professional who had become unwell after a dispute with the NHS. Along with his expertise in the employment sector, Chris provided empathy and support when his client needed it most. This resulted in peace of mind for his client and her family, along with a substantial settlement. Following the closure of the case, she provided this testimonial: “I cannot thank Chris enough for the help he gave me. This was at a time in my life when I was at my lowest. I found myself in a devastating position, left feeling very alone and destroyed emotionally at the loss of a much-loved career, that I had worked so very hard for. “From the outset Chris went above and beyond. He helped us through a myriad of issues and was unerring in his support from the outset. This really helped to take the pressure off me and my family at such a stressful and difficult time. “The thing that I felt made Chris really stand out is his caring nature. The empathy he shows is such an amazing quality and it really helped me to start getting back on my feet. Having someone fight my corner and believe in what I was saying, made me start to believe in myself again. “He negotiated a substantial settlement, but what he did for me personally is priceless. Thank you so much for helping me gain my confidence and my life back.”

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From crisis to a new start, with expert employment advice

For one partner in a professional firm, whose fellow partners attempted to expel them based on unfounded allegations of misconduct, Chris Mayers’ help was a lifeline. After he had quickly established that the allegations were largely unsubstantiated, he was able to negotiate a considerable settlement. The partner was able to leave and set up their own business. The client described Chris as “a godsend on a professional and personal level at one of the most intensely stressful moment of my life.” The client added: “When I woke up one morning to find myself in a distressing work-related situation, I was blind-sided. I had so many different concerns, questions and emotions to deal with that I wasn’t able to think clearly at that moment. I did realise, however, that I needed professional advice from someone who knew the relevant law and could think clearly for me, speak and battle on my behalf. “A friend put me in touch with Chris and it was a turning point. Chris is not only excellent on a professional level, but he relates to his clients in a way that makes all the difference. He is clear and pragmatic in his advice, and strikes the right balance between going on the offensive against the other party and [knowing] when to compromise. He enabled me to turn the corner and walk into a better professional life, and I’m grateful.”

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Top Tips & FAQs

Discover my top tips

Be proactive. A problem rarely gets better by ignoring it. Seek our advice before the problem intensifies. Ensure that all your employment policies and procedures are in place and up-to-date. They may well be your salvation if a problem arises and you end up in an employment tribunal.

Be frank. Every employer or employee has issues which are of concern and which they are reluctant or embarrassed to mention. I’ve seen it all before and there is no predicament which we cannot help you to resolve.

What are you trying to achieve? Whether you are in litigation or an ongoing employment relationship has soured, consider mediation as a swift, confidential and less expensive alternative to litigation.

Read questions I'm frequently asked

How do we resolve this?

I have been practising long enough that there is rarely a problem I have not previously encountered and hopefully resolved. It is essential to ascertain at the outset what it is that my client wants to achieve. They are often surprised when I ask that very question at an initial meeting. It is not my practice to provide you with dry extracts from legal textbooks but rather to provide the real world, pragmatic solutions.

Can we claim costs from our opponents if and when they lose?

The general principle in employment tribunal proceedings is that, win, lose or draw, each party is responsible for payment of their own costs. However I have achieved considerable success in obtaining orders for costs where it can be demonstrated that an opponent has behaved unreasonably, vexatiously or dishonestly.

How much will this claim cost?

It is extremely difficult to provide a very accurate estimate of costs in advance, but costs are regularly reviewed and a better estimate can be given as the claim progresses, depending on what issues remain in dispute.

Every claim I deal with is subject to a regular costs/benefit analysis. Legal fees are only part of the overall picture; if a matter is not handled efficiently, you will soon incur considerable management time, stress and effort.