Allan Roberts > Chambers of Anna Vigars KC > Bristol, England > Barrister Profile

Allan Roberts

0117 930 9000 allan.roberts@guildhallchambers.co.uk

Work Department

Employment and discrimination; professional discipline.

Position

Allan is a specialist employment and commercial barrister recognised in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 where he has been described as “…astute, commercial and tenacious”, “approachable and inspiring of confidence”, and someone who is “…very well prepared, won’t stop fighting, and can almost win the unwinnable”.  He prides himself on being very client-friendly and takes a proactive role in case preparation and analysis.  This allows him to provide clear and effective advice.  At each stage of the process, Allan maintains a view on achieving a successful outcome in line with the client’s objectives.

Allan has a national practice and regularly appears before the Employment Tribunal, High Court, disciplinary panels (both internal and regulatory) and at the appellate level.  He has a particular expertise in complex discrimination claims, whistleblowing claims, actions for restraint of trade and breach of confidence and cases involving partnerships.

g very client-friendly, a quality recognised in Chambers & Partners. This involves taking a proactive role in case preparation and analysis, enabling him to provide clear and effective advice. At each stage, Allan maintains a view on achieving a successful outcome in line with the client’s objectives.

Career

Managing director 1998-99; business consultant 1999-2000; called 2004, Middle Temple; practicing employment law 2006 to date.

Allan acts for both claimants and respondents in all areas of employment law. Key clients have included:

• Royal College of Nursing;
• Several Chief Constables;
• FTSE Indexed companies, including the World’s largest company for outsourced communications; and
• A class action on behalf of over 100 Claimants

Of the solicitors who regularly instruct Allan, 3 have asked him to defend employment disputes brought against their firm.  Allan is frequently instructed in high value and media sensitive cases including those involving the Ministry of Defence, Crown Prosecution Service and several Police Forces.

He undertakes all aspects of employment work covered by the specialist employment team at Guildhall. He has a keen interest in the following areas:

• Discrimination;
• Whistleblowing;
• TUPE including issues of insolvency;
• Internal and Regulatory Discipline; and
• Restrictive Covenants (see also under Commercial).

Allan regularly appears before the Employment Appeal Tribunal, including having received instructions only at the appeal stage. Issues dealt with at this level include:

• Employee status;
• Whistleblowing;
• Disability discrimination;
• NHS pay policies; and
• Perversity appeals

He has also appeared before the Court of Appeal with success in Launahurst v Larner. In a Judgement of Underhill. J sitting in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, Allan’s arguments were described as “vigorous” and “effective” and in referring to his presentation stated “the exercise is a tribute not only to the quality of Mr Roberts’ notes but also to the industry and care with which he has prepared for this appeal.”

Memberships

• Discrimination Law Association
• Employment Bar Association
• Employment Law Association
• Industrial Law Society

Education

• BVC, UWE Bristol
• LLB Hons, UWE Bristol
• Lord Diplock Scholar 2004