Basra v University of East London (2023) (ET)
successfully defending the University in a claim for discrimination involving 75 specific allegations
Mugni Islam-Choudhury has over 25 years’ experience as an employment law specialist, and is currently Head of the Employment group at No5 Chambers.
Mugni started his career in a London chambers in 1996, moving to in-house employment advocacy roles in Bevan Brittan and then Eversheds before joining No5 in 2012.
His practice involves niche sectors such as NHS, charities, schools and financial services, acting mainly for large institutional employers. He enjoys dealing with the most complex employment claims involving TUPE, equal pay, discrimination and multi-claimant litigation and also injunction work in the High Court. He appears regularly in the ET, EAT, High Court and has appeared in the Court of Appeal.
He is regularly instructed on confidential and sensitive whistleblowing, grievance and disciplinary investigations, usually involving investigation of executive directors of large employers. He is known particularly for his strong cross examination style but also putting client care at the forefront of his practice.
He was appointed Deputy District Judge in 2019 and sits as judge in the County Court on civil matters.
Mugni is an experienced employment law specialist who has conducted employment-related hearings in the ET, EAT and civil courts for over 25 years. Mugni is a firm believer in client care and takes time to understand the needs of the client.
He is a specialist in complex and/or technical areas of law in employment litigation and has particular interest and expertise in dealing with high value claims or complex matters in the field of TUPE, discrimination, equal pay, interim relief, whistleblowing, interim relief and/or where there is a High Court connection (e.g. injunctive relief involving confidentiality breaches or in doctors’ disciplinary hearings). He has appeared against or alongside leading employment silks.
Mugni’s civil law practice is focussed on injunction work in the High Court, where he acts for employers and employees in cases involving restrictive covenants, wrongful dismissal, data theft, and unfair competition.
He has successfully applied for and defended applications/claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, interim relief and springboard injunctions, as well as defending proceedings for committal for breach.
Mugni also sits as a Deputy District Judge in the County Court.
Mugni is instructed by a number of national law firms and large employers to conduct either independent or legally privileged investigations concerning conduct involving very senior employees or directors. Matters usually involve issues of discrimination, whistleblowing, safeguarding, fraud, gross misconduct, bullying and harassment.
Mugni appears regularly for a number of FTSE100 and FTSE250 clients that are household names. His wider practice also includes acting for airlines, aerospace and engineering, banks and professional services businesses such as accountancy and law firms.
He is also experienced in representing employers who wish to protect themselves from their departing employees trying to poach their business, and appears in the High Court on restrictive covenant injunction cases.
Mugni has built up an extensive knowledge over the last 20 years of the workings of the NHS/health sector, acting for a whole range of acute trusts, FTs, mental health trusts, and other health entities He has experience dealing with:
Mugni is familiar with the specific needs of NDPBs and local authority clients (particularly in respect of schools) and the complex legislative framework in which they operate. He has many years of experience in acting in discrimination or whistleblowing claims for such clients, but also has experience in acting in niche areas by providing:
Over the years, Mugni has developed expertise in dealing with cases in the education sector, acting for Universities, academics, FE Colleges and private schools.
successfully defending the University in a claim for discrimination involving 75 specific allegations
acting in serious harassment related to sex claim, and successfully showing that the Claimant was not a credible witness
successfully defending the NHS trust in this whistleblowing claim involving patient safety issues
acting for the claimant in an age discrimination case challenging the legality of the university retirement policy
a case concerning procedural requirements in multiple equal pay claims
acting for the second respondent, now the leading authority in respect of estoppel when a claim has been withdrawn in the tribunal and re-started in the High Court.
successfully acting for employer in an appeal about admitting fresh evidence.
correct test for nil award for contributory fault and/or Polkey.
correct test for finding discrimination when a discriminatory reference is received.
correct test for definition of disability for undiagnosed impairments.
correct test for wrongful dismissal and contributory fault.
correct test for causation for detriment in a whistleblowing claim.
correct test for dismissing proceedings upon withdrawal.
correct test for indirect race discrimination re qualifications to apply for a post.
The No5 Employment Group invites you to attend our Spring Seminar at our new office at 7 Savoy Court in London. Talks will cover topics…
The No5 Employment Group invites you to attend our Spring Seminar at our new office at 103 Colmore Row in Birmingham. Talks will cover topics…
"He is a very good barrister, and his sympathetic yet informed approach to both client and opponent in this matter helped secure a settlement that I do not think would have been reached without his approach." "His analysis is excellent and quickly identifies the key matters on which focus should be directed. His preparation is meticulous, and his scrutiny and cross- examination of witnesses is spot on."
"Mugni is fantastic. His knowledge is incredible and his advice clear and easy to understand for solicitor and client alike."
"Extremely sound in his legal understanding, and tenacious and courageous in cross-examination." "Very down to earth and easy to get on with, which is important for clients."
"Excellent skills with clients and is able to summarise complex issues very succinctly." "Excellent cross-examination skills and tactical awareness."
"A strong advocate who can be counted on to knock complex cases into shape."
“Extremely sound in his legal understanding, and tenacious and courageous in cross-examination.” “Very down to earth and easy to get on with, which is important for clients.”
"A barrister you would always want on your side.”
The No5 Employment Group invites you to attend our Spring Seminar at our new office at 7 Savoy Court in London. Talks will cover topics…
The No5 Employment Group invites you to attend our Spring Seminar at our new office at 103 Colmore Row in Birmingham. Talks will cover topics…
