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Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing
Tuesday, 08 April 2025
12:00 - 04:15 (-8 hrs)
In Person
Have you ever wondered what a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Adjudication Hearing is like or how you, as an employer or HR professional, would handle one? Well, now you can find out!
Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing 2
Event details
About the event?
-
1 Half Day Duration
8th April -
In Person Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre
€395.00 + VAT Early bird ends 25th February 5pm. Standard rate: €445.00 +VAT Charity and Small Business rate also available
In Partnership With
Overview

With WRC hearings at record levels, this half-day Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing is an opportunity to see how it operates in practice and, more importantly, how the decisions you make in the workplace play out in a WRC Adjudication Hearing.  

The Mock Adjudication Hearing will be conducted by a former WRC Adjudication Officer and legal professionals with extensive experience of proceedings and will demonstrate the common pitfalls for employers and their HR advisors.  

This Mock Hearing gives you the opportunity to experience what happens at this type of hearing without the cost, preparation and stress involved in the real thing! 

Mary Gavin, Managing Associate at Ogier will lead the day’s event by giving you tips on how to prepare for a WRC hearing in 2023 and beyond. We have experienced employment law barristers who will lead a team playing various roles during the hearing, to take you through a ‘real life’ case. It will be presided over by experienced former WRC Adjudicator, Dr Gerry McMahon. 

Who should attend this event?

This Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing is designed for employers and HR professionals but would also benefit those with line-management responsibilities. It is an ideal event for respondents, claimants and other witnesses who wish to experience a realistic adjudication process in a safe environment.

Why should you attend this event?

After attending this event you will:

  • Obtain procedural guidance when initiating a complaint
  • Understand WRC procedural changes following the Supreme Court Zalewski decision 
  • Know how to carefully complete and respond to a WRC complaint form
  • Be aware of the necessary time limits for referring a case to the WRC and when an extension may be granted
  • Know what happens when a case is referred to the WRC
  • Know whether mediation is a feasible option in order to encourage and facilitate both parties to resolve issues as an alternative to a formal hearing
  • Gain practical tips on drafting submissions 
  • Learn about what information and documentation is required by the parties
  • Witness first hand a full hearing and decision – you will see what to expect on the day, understand likely awards, structure of the hearing and when adjournment of a hearing may be granted
  • Delegates will be asked to participate in the hearing by raising questions or offering their views. 
  • Learn about appeals and enforcement
Programme

What to expect on the day...
Time
Session
12:00 pm - 12:40 pm
Registration & Lunch
12:45 pm
Main Hall
Overview of the WRC Adjudication Process & The Case Study

Mary Gavin, Managing Associate, Employment and Corporate Immigration Department at Ogier will look at the entire life cycle of a typical claim in the WRC from completing a WRC complaint form through to the substantive hearing, and the possibility of appeals. She will also share her experiences of what to ‘expect on the day’ of the hearing itself, from the point of arrival at the WRC to giving evidence to understanding the decision, highlighting procedural changes following the Supreme Court Zalewski decision. 

She will consider the practical aspects of preparing the case, looking at the specific case study, highlighting any documents that will bear particular importance at the hearing in the afternoon. She will take you through some practical tips on how to always be prepared for a hearing and which will inevitably assist with an employer’s defence when before the WRC. 
Testimonials

Don't take our word for it...

Here's what previous attendees have to say about our Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing event.
"Gerry McMahon is so experienced, I hang on his every word and he is fun too. The role play was very engaging - well done to all involved."
Michelle Mc Donnell Head of HR, Leinster Rugby
"It was very realistic and felt like the real thing. Gerry is fantastic and used to be my lecturer so if he's involved I'm normally interested."
Marion Gammell HR Manager, Mason Hayes & Curran
"It was excellent. Every HR professional who has limited experience with the WRC should go to this event. I feel better prepared for the future armed with how a WRC hearing is conducted and what to watch out."
Conor Coppinger HR Executive, The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
"So interesting to see the steps and processes involved in a WRC Case."
Aine O'Connor Executive Officer, Legal Aid Board
"The mock adjudication was really engrossing. It was great to see it in action and to get a sense of what it might be like to experience a real hearing."
Anonymous
Presenters
Explore the presenters on the day
Mary Gavin Managing Associate - Employment
Mary Gavin Managing Associate - Employment

Mary has over 15 years of experience advising on all aspects of employment law. Mary advises employers across the public, private and third sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters including employment contracts and policies, complex employee relations issues, equality matters, disciplinary actions, dismissals, redundancies, and employment related disputes. Mary is a managing associate in our Employment and Corporate Immigration team. Mary works with national and multinational clients in a variety of sectors, including technology, fintech, real estate and pharmaceuticals.

Mary has represented clients before the Workplace Relations Commission, Labour Court and High Court and has amassed considerable experience in employment related civil litigation including injunctive relief and judicial review applications. She has also advised extensively in respect of professional regulation, and GDPR compliance. Mary is a member of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association Employment Law Committee.  A graduate of University College Dublin, Mary also has a masters from Queens’ University Belfast and a diploma in Employment Law from the Law Society of Ireland.

Admitted in: 2007- Northern Ireland (non-practising), 2013 – Ireland

Noted as a Key Lawyer for previous firm in Legal 500 2022 “Focused approach, works with the client to seek best dispute resolution approach, provides confidence and reassurance of legal position …  excellent service.”
Cathy McGrady Barrister
Cathy McGrady Barrister

Cathy McGrady has been a barrister since 2007 practising on Employment and Equality matters, Tort & Personal Injury claims, as well as General Practise. Prior to being called to the Bar, her previous role was as an HR Manager. She is a seasoned professional that frequently appears in front of the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, Circuit Court, and High Court for employment law disputes. She has also acted as an independent investigator in workplace investigations. 
Dr Gerry McMahon Managing Director
Dr Gerry McMahon Managing Director

Gerry McMahon is acknowledged as a national expert in the area of People Management and Employee Relations.  He has over 40 years’ practical experience working as an advisor/consultant in the area, across a range of sectors.  He also has extensive experience working as a consultant, trainer, facilitator, team builder, negotiator, adjudicator, mediator, coach, investigator, researcher, arbitrator and expert witness on behalf of a wide range of Government departments, public sector enterprises, semi-state entities, blue chip companies, professional institutes, trade unions, staff associations, employer and community/voluntary and religious organisations.
Paul D Maier BL
Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing...
In Person
Early bird offer
€395.00 +VAT Standard Rate: €445.00 +VAT Early bird ends 25th February 5pm
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