Jolene Charalambous

Call: 2019

Employment, Police Misconduct

"From the moment I engaged your services, I was impressed by your professionalism, knowledge, and dedication. Your guidance and expertise were invaluable in navigating the complexities of my case, and your strategic approach helped me achieve a favourable outcome. Your attention to detail, meticulous preparation, and excellent communication skills were evident at every stage of the process, and I felt confident and supported throughout."
feedback from a case relating to unpaid wages
"Jolene was assigned to us to cover our case this week, and her approach was second to none. She spent time with us, ensuring that we were comfortable, confident, and sure of the process and what would be expected from us at each stage. Throughout the proceedings, Jolene's ability to communicate and explain the legal procedures, as well as the judge’s comments, was remarkable. She was patient, thorough, and always available to address any questions or concerns we had. Her clarity and expertise instilled a sense of trust and reassurance in us during what was undoubtedly a stressful time. Thanks to Jolene's exceptional representation, we felt supported and well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the tribunal process. Her strategic guidance and support were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome for our case."
feedback from a case relating to discrimination on the basis of philosophical belief

Overview

Jolene began her practice focusing on Employment Law cases. As she has advanced in her career, she expanded her practice into County Court discrimination; considering the overlap in the relevant statues and underlying principles.

Jolene prides herself on her approach with clients, ensuring that they feel supported and informed throughout proceedings.

Prior to the Bar Jolene worked for a HR company assisting with the preparation of Tribunal cases for the Litigation department. Jolene therefore has an understanding of the nuances of case management having prepared pleadings, defences, lists of issues, scott schedules, witness statements and advices.

Jolene also has experience advising on and running discrimination training, conducting investigations, disciplinary and grievances hearings.

In her free time Jolene is a keen Gardener and is in a constant quarrel with the weather to keep her fig tree in sufficient sunlight.

Awards

Employment

Jolene accepts instructions for representation and drafting in all areas of Employment Law. Her clients have included Claimants (as well as multi-Claimant cases against Employers), Trade Unions, National Health Providers, Hospitality Chains and family run businesses. Jolene also provides written opinions, advice, list of issues, Scott schedules, applications and skeleton arguments where requested.

Her most recent work has included:

M v RG [2025] – Successfully defended the Respondent during a 5-day hearing for race discrimination, unfair dismissal and unpaid wages.
M v L [2025] – Successfully secured a finding of unfair dismissal for a Claimant during a 3-day final hearing where the Claimant had been accused of gross misconduct.
F v G [2025] – Successfully defended the Respondent during a 2-day final hearing for failure to pay wages in excess of £151,000.
A v T [2025] – Successfully secured strike out and a contribution towards the costs incurred by the Respondent for attendance at a previous hearing, the Claimant’s behaviour was found to be unreasonable, disruptive and scandalous.
JA v GM [2024] – During a 3-day final hearing, successfully defended against the Claimant’s allegations that they had been automatically unfairly dismissed for making protected disclosures and that they had been discriminated against based on their gender critical beliefs.
JS v ORL [2024] – During a 4-day case successfully defended the Respondent against allegations of disability discrimination and part-time worker discrimination and obtained a significant reduction to an unfair dismissal award through Polkey and Contributory conduct.
DD v UD [2024] – Successfully obtained a finding of unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal for a Claimant in a 7-day hearing on liability showing the process followed by the Respondent was not sufficient for there to have been a fair dismissal.
W v F [2024] – Successfully defended the Respondent in a wages claim for unpaid sick pay securing costs against the Claimant.

Civil

Jolene represents both Claimants and Defendants in County Court Litigation mostly for matters relating to claims under the Equality Act 2010. Jolene is able to address preliminary matters such as advice and preliminary hearings, as well as liability and quantum hearings.

Her most recent work has included:

CB v WL [2025] – Successfully secured a stay of proceedings despite the Claimant’s application for a default judgment and securing costs for the Defendant in relation to a disability discrimination claim requiring an auxiliary aid.
ADA v T [2025] – Successfully defended an extension of time application and secured wasted costs against the Claimant.
T v A [2025] – Successfully securing a finding of contributory negligence for the Defendant in an RTA.
W v S [2024] – Advised the Claimant as to the merits of pursuing a claim for disability discrimination (S15 – discrimination arising from a disability, S19 – indirect discrimination, S20 and S21 – failure to make reasonable adjustments) experienced when seeking to access leisure facilities.
C v H [2024] – Advised the Claimant as to the merits of pursuing a claim for disability discrimination (S20 and S21 – failure to make reasonable adjustments, S26 – harassment, S27 – victimisation) experienced by a public body and advice as to the structure of an order and forms that had been issued before the County Court.