Richard O'Dair

Practice Summary

Richard O’Dair is a highly experienced barrister specialising predominantly in employment law, with deep expertise in complex discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE (transfer of undertakings), restrictive covenants and immigration-related workplace matters. He appears regularly before the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

He is particularly sought after for advice on discrimination law and TUPE. As a trial lawyer, he is recognised by clients to be an incisive cross–examiner (one grateful client spoke of him “annihilating” the other side’s witnesses). He has therefore been very effective in highly contentious whistleblowing cases.

Richard practices employment law in all of its various forms, including complex discrimination and whistleblowing cases in the ET. And, in addition, High Court litigation arising from employee competition (team moves, breach of restrictive covenant and breach of confidentiality claims). He recently represented 10 former employees who had allegedly conspired to move en masse to new employment. One recent whistleblowing claim lasted three weeks and involved a claim for £1.5million on compensation.

Employment disputes often lead to employer referrals to the professional regulator such as the GMC or the NMWC. Richard recently brought about the dismissal by the NCTL of some very serious charges against a teacher.

Richard is recognised for incisive advocacy and robust cross-examination, particularly in highly contentious and high-stakes cases. He has acted for both employees and employers, including in noteworthy appellate decisions and major tribunal litigation.

In 2025, he was shortlisted for Barrister of the Year at both the Legal 500 Bar Awards and Legal Business Awards, reflecting his standing in the profession.