All-Star Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year 2025 & 2026

Employment
Matters.

Workplace Mediation & Dispute Resolution

With over 15 years on the front line of employment law, we understand every side of a workplace dispute. Now we bring that expertise to the mediation table — helping employers and employees find fair, lasting resolution without the cost and conflict of litigation.

15+ Years in Employment Law
Both Sides Truly Understood
One Goal — Fair Resolution

"Your guidance, expertise and advice made a very difficult experience bearable and gave me the confidence to keep going."

— VS, Client
🏆

Employment Matters & Ormonde Solicitors — named All-Star Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year 2025 & 2026 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. A reflection of our commitment to fair workplaces and expert legal representation.

Why Mediation

We've spent 15 years in the
trenches of employment law.

We know what drives workplace disputes — and more importantly, we know what it takes to actually resolve them. Our background working exclusively for employees gave us a rare insight: we understand what both sides fear, need and deserve.

Mediation with Employment Matters isn't just a box-ticking exercise. It's a structured, legally-informed process led by professionals who have seen the full spectrum of workplace conflict — and know how to navigate it with care, clarity and purpose.

No jargon. No judgment. Just honest, human support to help you move forward.

See how we can help →
Litigation

The old way

  • Months or years to resolve
  • Expensive legal costs
  • Public hearings & records
  • Adversarial by design
  • Damages relationships permanently
  • Outcome decided by others
vs
Mediation

The better way

  • Resolved in days, not years
  • Fraction of the cost
  • Completely confidential
  • Collaborative & respectful
  • Preserves working relationships
  • Both parties shape the outcome

Our Services

What we help
resolve

Click on any service below to learn how Employment Matters can support your specific situation.

How It Works

A clear process.
A human approach.

We've designed every step to feel manageable — not overwhelming. From the first phone call to a signed resolution, you'll know exactly where you stand and what comes next.

01

Book a Free Call

Start with a no-obligation call. We'll listen to your situation, explain how mediation could help, and tell you honestly whether it's the right path. No pressure, no jargon.

02

Individual Meetings

We meet privately with each party first. This gives everyone the chance to speak openly — helping us understand the full picture before bringing people together.

03

Resolution & Agreement

In a structured mediation session, both parties work toward an agreement they've shaped together. We document it clearly — and offer follow-up to make sure it holds.

Why Employment Matters

We don't just know the law.
We know people.

Most mediators come from a neutral background. We come from 15 years of fighting for employees — and that changes everything. We've sat across the table from every type of employer dispute imaginable. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and what both sides are really afraid of.

That means when we mediate, we bring something rare: genuine empathy for every person in the room, backed by deep legal knowledge. Our clients — whether employer or employee — leave feeling heard, respected and fairly treated.

⚖️

Legally Grounded

Every process is underpinned by 15+ years of employment law practice.

🤝

Genuinely Neutral

We've worked for employees — which means we understand both sides deeply.

🔒

Fully Confidential

Everything discussed stays private. No tribunal records, no press coverage.

💬

Human First

We speak plainly, listen properly and treat every client as a person — not a case number.

15+
Years of Experience
Exclusively in employment law — WRC, Labour Court and beyond.
2025 & 2026
Award Winners
All-Star Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year — All-Ireland Business Foundation.
Both
Sides Welcome
Employers and employees. We understand what you need — whoever you are.

The Team

The people in
your corner

We are a team of humans and we bring humanity to everything we do. We won't speak to you like you're an idiot or drown you in jargon.

Sean Ormonde

Sean Ormonde

Principal Solicitor

Melissa Wynne

Melissa Wynne

WRC Case Manager

Daithi O'Maonaigh

Daithi O'Maonaigh

Client Support

Kristina Erlic

Kristina Erlic

Commercial Operation Manager

Neil J Breheny

Neil J Breheny

Consultant Solicitor

Maria Lacson

Maria Lacson

Admin

What Clients Say

People just like you say...

Thank you for advocating so strongly on my behalf. I appreciate all you have done so far. I look forward to working with you on my case going forward.

CC

Thank you for all the support you have given me. Your guidance, expertise and advice made a very difficult experience bearable and gave me the confidence to keep going. I’m happy with the result and can finally close the chapter.

VS

Not sure where to start?
Talk to us in confidence.

Contact Details

Speak with us
in confidence.

Whether you are an employer, an employee, or simply unsure what your next step should be, you can contact Employment Matters in confidence. We will help you understand your options clearly and calmly.

Phone

051 841 641

Office

6A Wallace House,
Canada Street,
Waterford

FAQs

Still have questions?
We've got answers.

Mediation can feel unfamiliar at first. These quick answers explain how the process works and what you can expect when you contact Employment Matters.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Mediation is a confidential process. It gives both sides a private space to speak openly, explore possible solutions and work toward resolution without the pressure of a formal hearing or public dispute.

Do both parties have to agree to mediation?

Yes. Mediation is voluntary, so both parties must be willing to take part. The process works best when everyone enters it with a genuine willingness to listen, discuss the issues and explore a practical way forward.

Can mediation help before a workplace issue becomes formal?

Absolutely. Early mediation can be one of the most effective ways to prevent a workplace issue from escalating into a grievance, disciplinary process, WRC claim or wider breakdown in working relationships.

Is mediation only for employers?

No. Mediation can support employers, employees, HR professionals and teams. The goal is not to take sides, but to create a fair and structured process where the issue can be discussed properly.

What happens after I contact you?

We will start with a confidential conversation to understand the situation. From there, we can explain whether mediation may be suitable, what the next steps would look like and how the process could be approached.

Not sure whether mediation is the right next step?

Talk to us first →

We are honoured to share that Employment Matters & Ormonde Solicitors has been name the Business All-Star Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year 2025 & 2026. This prestigious recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation reflects our ongoing commitment to fair workplace practices and expert legal representation, led by the dedication and vision of Sean Ormonde. We are deeply grateful to our loyal clients, dedicated team, and the AIBF for their continued support and trust