Going to employment tribunal without a solicitor

Most people who win at employment tribunal do not have a solicitor. The process is designed to be accessible, and with the right preparation you can handle your own claim effectively.

Can I go to employment tribunal without a solicitor?

Yes — and most claimants do. Around 59% of employment tribunal claimants represent themselves. There is no legal requirement to have a solicitor, and employment tribunals are specifically designed to be accessible to non-lawyers. The tribunal panel (usually an Employment Judge and two lay members) are experienced in dealing with self-represented claimants and will ensure the process is fair.

What are the advantages of representing myself?

Self-representation is free. You avoid paying £200–£450/hour solicitor rates. You control your own case. You often present more authentically as someone directly affected — tribunals respond well to honest, credible personal testimony. AI tools like Start My Claim can help you with all the technical parts — ET1 drafting, evidence bundles, witness statements — so you get the structure of professional preparation without the cost.

What are the risks of going to tribunal without a solicitor?

The main risks are: missing procedural steps (incorrect ET1, late disclosure), failing to present your case in the correct legal structure, and not knowing how to cross-examine the other side effectively. These risks are manageable with good preparation. Using AI-powered tools, ACAS guidance, and tribunal procedural guides significantly reduces them.

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports you in court or tribunal — taking notes, quietly advising, and helping with paperwork — but who does not have a right to speak on your behalf. They do not need legal qualifications. A trusted friend, family member, or lay adviser can act as your McKenzie Friend at no cost. You must inform the tribunal in advance.

How do I draft my ET1 without a solicitor?

Your ET1 needs to set out: your employment history, the claim you are making (unfair dismissal, discrimination, etc.), the key facts in chronological order, and the remedy you seek. It must be accurate — it is hard to change later. Start My Claim has an AI-powered ET1 compiler that guides you through every section, prompts you for the right information, and drafts the narrative sections.

How do I build an evidence bundle without a solicitor?

An evidence bundle is a paginated PDF of all the key documents in your case — contracts, emails, dismissal letters, payslips, etc. You submit it to the tribunal and share it with your employer before the hearing. It should be well-organised, logically ordered, and only include documents that are relevant and help your case. Start My Claim's evidence bundle builder guides you through what to include and how to format it.

Can I use AI to help with my employment tribunal claim?

Yes — AI tools can significantly help self-represented claimants. Start My Claim (startmyclaim.ai) uses AI to help you assess your claim, draft your ET1, build your evidence bundle, write your witness statement, and prepare for the hearing. It does not replace legal advice but provides professional-quality documents at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor.

Self-representation guide

Going to employment tribunal without a solicitor

Last updated: April 2026

Of claimants self-represent

Tribunal filing fees

Typical solicitor hourly rate

Start My Claim — AI-guided

What you can do yourself — with the right tools

When a solicitor might be worth the cost

Most straightforward unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal claims are manageable without a solicitor. However, specialist legal advice is worth considering if:

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The professional tools — without the professional cost

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Frequently asked questions

Representing yourself at tribunal

Practical tips for self-represented claimants on presenting their case.

Do I need a solicitor?

An honest guide to when legal representation is worth it.

How to use a McKenzie Friend for support at your tribunal hearing.

Free employment tribunal help

All the free options available to UK workers — compared.

How to make a tribunal claim

A step-by-step guide to making an employment tribunal claim.

What the statistics say about tribunal outcomes and success rates.