Equality law
Understanding equality law
Trusted guidance from specialists in equality law
The Equality Act 2010 and wider human rights law protect individuals and organisations from discrimination and unfair treatment in a broad range of contexts, including employment, education, service provision and public authority decision-making. Our Equality Law Hub brings together our expertise in regulation, discrimination, education, employment and human rights to offer clarity in an increasingly complex area of law.
How our solicitors can help you navigate equality law
Practical, expert advice on equality, discrimination and human rights
We advise a wide range of clients including employers, schools and other education providers, charities, public bodies and individuals on equality and discrimination matters.
We can help you:
Understand how equality and human rights law applies to your situation
Navigate complex issues, including competing rights
Manage risk in employment, education and service delivery
Bring or defend discrimination claims
Review and improve policies, procedures and training
Address disability discrimination, including reasonable adjustments
Our advice is tailored to your specific circumstances, values and legal responsibilities, and is never one-size-fits-all.
Equality law services
Our equality law services cover workplace, education, regulatory and public law issues for individuals and organisations.
Sex, gender reassignment & gender equality law
Clear, practical advice on sex, gender reassignment and gender equality law, helping organisations and individuals navigate Equality Act duties, policies and rights with confidence.
Disability discrimination (including schools and higher education)
Specialist advice on disability discrimination law, supporting children, families, schools and education providers with reasonable adjustments, Equality Act compliance and fair outcomes.
Workplace discrimination (for individuals)
Expert advice on workplace discrimination law for individuals, supporting employees facing unfair treatment, harassment or dismissal, including complex and high-value employment disputes.
Discrimination and whistleblowing for businesses
Strategic advice on discrimination and whistleblowing law for businesses, helping organisations manage risk, respond to claims and disclosures and maintain Equality Act compliance.
Human rights and public law
Expert advice on human rights and public law, supporting individuals, organisations and public bodies on challenges, compliance and equality-driven public law matters.
Equality law in the sports sector
Specialist advice on equality law in the sports sector, supporting individuals and organisations on discrimination claims, workplace issues, governance responsibilities and Equality Act compliance.
Why choose Russell-Cooke for advice on equality law
- Multidisciplinary expertise across employment, public, education, commercial and regulatory law
- A balanced, legally robust approach to sensitive and complex rights issues
- Proven track record in high-profile equality, discrimination and human rights cases
- Recommended in Legal 500 and Chambers for employment, public law and education
- Empathetic, practical and proportionate advice
You may wish to seek advice if you are facing a discrimination complaint, reviewing policies following legal or regulatory change, or managing competing rights in a sensitive context.
The team has an extensive knowledge of the area but can also combine that with a pragmatic and practical approach.
Get in touch
If you have questions about discrimination, equality or human rights issues affecting you or your organisation, contact our our experts at Russell-Cooke by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7479 or complete our enquiry form.
Sex, gender reassignment & gender equality law
Following the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, organisations and individuals have been seeking clarity on the wide-ranging implications of this decision, in terms of the protections afforded under the Equality Act.
We can help with:
- Service providers navigating single-sex policies
- Employers updating internal policies to remain compliant or dealing with conflicting interests between employees
- Individuals concerned about their rights and treatment
- Charities and membership bodies balancing inclusion with legal obligations
Equality and human rights
Our experts recognise that issues relating to human rights and civil liberties can arise anywhere and at any time...
Disability discrimination (including schools and higher education)
Children and students have the right not to be discriminated against. We advise individuals and education providers across schools, colleges and universities on a full range of disability discrimination issues.
We advise on:
Securing reasonable adjustments in schools, colleges and higher education
Challenging unfavourable treatment and exclusion decisions
Drafting and progressing Equality Act claims, including claims to the First-tier Tribunal
Disputes relating to exam arrangements, academic decisions, pastoral care and student services
Negotiating practical solutions where an ongoing relationship with the institution is important
Managing risk and responding to discrimination complaints within education settings
We also support education institutions on their broader legal and regulatory obligations, including governance, employment, public law and data protection, providing pragmatic, commercially grounded advice in an increasingly complex and high‑profile sector.
Our education team has been involved in landmark disability discrimination cases and is recognised for its expertise across both school and higher education contexts.
Equality Act claims—disability discrimination in schools
We have a proven track record of bringing successful Equality Act claims against schools as well as negotiating resolutions where this is best...
Special educational needs and disability
Our highly specialist team of education lawyers has a proven track record of success, particularly for those children with the most complex and profound needs...
Workplace discrimination (for individuals)
We support employees across all levels and sectors experiencing discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment at work, including:
- Sex, race, religion, disability, age and sexual orientation discrimination
- Victimisation, harassment and failure to make reasonable adjustments
- Wrongful and unfair dismissal
We regularly handle high-value, complex disputes involving loss of career.
Discrimination and whistleblowing for individuals & businesses
Our experts help whistleblower employees who have been dismissed or treated unfavourably by their employer because they disclosed...
Discrimination and whistleblowing for businesses
We help employers, charities, professional bodies and organisations defend or avoid discrimination claims.
We advise on:
- Claims relating to service provision, membership rules, and corporate policies
- Internal investigations and responding to disclosures
- High-value Employment Tribunal litigation
- Risk management and equality compliance across the organisation
Our team acts for both employers and employees, giving us rare insight into strategies used on both sides.
Discrimination and whistleblowing for businesses
We advise employers (ranging from London based, national and multi-national) on issues relating to discrimination law and whistleblowing...
Human rights and public law
Human rights issues cut across many areas of practice.
We advise individuals, communities, charities and public authorities on:
- Judicial review challenges
- Human rights due diligence for businesses
- Privacy, technology and surveillance concerns
- Policy development and compliance
- LGBTQ+ rights and other equality-driven public law matters
Equality and human rights
Our experts recognise that issues relating to human rights and civil liberties can arise anywhere and at any time...
Public law
Our public law specialists offer expert, cost effective legal advice tailored to meet your specific requirements...
Equality law in the sports sector
With increasing scrutiny of equality, diversity and inclusion across professional and amateur sport, organisations and individuals are seeking clear, practical guidance on how equality law applies to governance, employment, safeguarding and decision making at all levels of sport.
We can support you with:
Equality and diversity audits and policy reviews
Helping clubs, governing bodies and sports organisations assess and strengthen policies to ensure compliance with the Equality Act and relevant regulatory frameworks.
Managing workplace discrimination issues in sport
Advising clubs and employers on discrimination claims, disciplinary and dismissal processes, and fair, compliant internal procedures.
Support for individuals facing discrimination
Acting for athletes, coaches and participants who believe they have been treated unfairly or unlawfully.
Governance and compliance for sports charities and membership bodies
Supporting organisations to balance inclusion with legal, regulatory and safeguarding responsibilities.
Sports law
In the fast-paced world of sports, legal challenges can arise at any level, from grassroots to professional leagues. Our dedicated sports law team combines industry...
Lui is a very impressive solicitor. They are hardworking and very attentive to client needs.
Get in touch
If you have questions about discrimination, equality or human rights issues affecting you or your organisation, contact our our experts at Russell-Cooke by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7479 or complete our enquiry form.
Related insights
The latest news and insights from our equality law team.
19.05.2026
Governance and safeguarding: the responsibilities of a trustee
In this article, associate Erin Smart explores the legal, ethical, and practical responsibilities of trusteeship within a local pre-school, with a particular focus on safeguarding...
13.04.2026
When will communications with HR be protected by privilege in the UK?—International Employment Lawyer
Employment tribunals in England tend to be very difficult to persuade that the principal reason for a dismissal was discriminatory, even...
16.04.2025
The UK Supreme Court hands down judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers
The UK Supreme Court has handed down judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16. The Supreme Court considered...
