Equality law
Understanding equality law
Expert guidance and support from specialist equality law solicitors
The Equality Act 2010 and wider human rights law protect individuals and organisations from discrimination and unfair treatment in a broad range of contexts—employment, education, service provision, public authority decision-making and beyond. Our Equality Law Hub brings together our expertise across regulation, discrimination, education, employment and human rights to offer clarity in an increasingly complex area of law.
We regularly advise employers, schools and education providers, charities, public bodies and individuals on equality and discrimination issues.
How our solicitors can help you navigate equality law
Practical, expert advice on equality, discrimination and human rights
We advise individuals, service providers, businesses, charities, regulators, schools and public authorities on all aspects of Equality Act 2010 compliance and litigation. Our team brings together specialists in public law, education, employment and human rights to offer nuanced, technically excellent guidance.
We can help you:
- Understand how equality and human rights law applies to your organisation or personal situation
- Navigate complex situations involving competing rights or policy objectives
- Manage risk across employment, education and service provision
- Challenge discriminatory treatment
- Defend discrimination claims brought against your organisation
- Review and update policies, procedures and training
- Address disability discrimination concerns, including reasonable adjustments in schools and the workplace
We do not offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Our advice is tailored to your context, your values and your legal obligations.
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 education providers)
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.
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 education providers)
All children and learners have the right not to be discriminated against.
We advise on:
- Securing reasonable adjustments in schools and higher education
- Challenging unfavourable treatment
- Drafting and progressing Equality Act claims to the First-tier Tribunal
- Disputes about exam arrangements, exclusions, pastoral care
- Negotiated solutions where a continuing relationship with the school is desirable
Our education team has created foundational case law on disability discrimination in schools and is recognised as a leader in this area.
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...
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.
15.05.2025
Trans people fearing arrest due to ‘confusion’ around Supreme Court ruling, say campaigners—The Independent