A chap contacted me yesterday and he was seeking some advice for going to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
He was representing himself and had no idea whatsoever what to expect.
When I thought about it the best advice I could give him was to ensure he was able to explain his case, the basis of his claim, as simply as possible. This way he would be making it easy for the decision maker-the Adjudication Officer-to arrive at a decision in his favour.
Most people with a problem, especially an employment claim, will have nursed that problem and all the details for a considerable period of time. They may even, mistakenly, assume that others will immediately see the alleged wrong they have suffered.
They will have lived with it for a long time and will be more than familiar with every nook and cranny of the issue(s).
But the other person may not be so familiar. That other person has her own problems and will not be faimilar with yours.
So, make it easy for them. Ensure you can state your claim and how you arrived at the remedy you seek in an easy-to-understand manner.
And then show the law is on your side.
If you can prove the facts and the law is on your side, you will have done all you can. It is in the hands of the decision maker, then.