supreme court’s definition of ‘Woman’ - header image

Equality law

Clear, modern guidance on equality, discrimination and human rights across the public, private and education sectors

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.

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.
The Legal 500 (2024)

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

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.

School boy in wheelchair at the back of a classroom. Equality Act Claims-Disability discrimination in schools

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...

Children sat together at school. Special educational needs and disability solicitors

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

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

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

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

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.
Chambers UK (2024)

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.

News

15.05.2025

Trans people fearing arrest due to ‘confusion’ around Supreme Court ruling, say campaigners—The Independent

Associate Lui Asquith is quoted in an article by The Independent about the widespread misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the legal...
Lui Asquith, Associate in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, regulation and compliance team.
Lui Asquith
1 min Read
View all News & Insights