Client Engagement Agreement 

Version 2026.1 – Effective from 9 February 2026

This Client Engagement Agreement ("Agreement") sets out the terms under which WorkplaceDisputes.ie ("we", "us", or "our") will provide workplace dispute support services to you ("the Client"). By accepting this Agreement, you confirm that you understand and agree to be legally bound by its terms.

1. Structure of This Agreement

This Agreement sets out the general terms governing our relationship with you.

The specific services to be provided, and the applicable fees, are those selected by you at the time of engagement and are set out in one of the following schedules:

  • Schedule A – Tier 1 Internal Workplace Support, or
  • Schedule B – Tier 2 Full Dispute Representation

Only one Schedule applies at any given time. The applicable Schedule forms part of this Agreement and is binding once accepted by the Client.

2. Nature of Services

WorkplaceDisputes.ie provides workplace dispute support, advocacy, strategy, and representation services to employees. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal services. Any representation provided is non-legal advocacy to the extent permitted by law.

The Client remains responsible for all decisions taken in relation to their matter.

3. No Guarantee of Outcome

We will act in good faith and exercise reasonable professional skill and care. However, no guarantee is given or implied as to any specific outcome, settlement, award, or result.

4. Fees and Payment

Fees are set out in the applicable Schedule selected by the Client.

All fees are payable in accordance with the agreed terms. Failure to make payments when due may result in suspension or termination of services.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, fees are non-refundable.

5. Success Fees (Where Applicable)

Where a success fee applies (as set out in Schedule B), it is payable on any financial outcome arising from the matter, including settlements, awards, redundancy payments, or other agreed compensation.

The success fee applies regardless of when the financial outcome is achieved, provided it arises from work carried out under this Agreement.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

  • Provide accurate, complete, and timely information
  • Engage with the process in good faith
  • Follow reasonable guidance provided
  • Make payments in accordance with agreed terms

Failure to do so may result in suspension or termination of services.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All client information is treated as strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of providing services under this Agreement.

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Acts 1988–2018.

8. Communication

We aim to respond to communications within 1–2 working days. Urgent matters will be prioritised where possible. Clients are expected to respect reasonable working hours and professional boundaries.

9. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice.

Where the Client terminates:

  • Any outstanding fees become immediately due
  • Any applicable success fee remains payable if a financial outcome later arises from work carried out under this Agreement

WorkplaceDisputes.ie may terminate immediately where there is a material breach, including non-payment, failure to engage in good faith, or unreasonable conduct that materially impedes service delivery.

10. Cooling-Off Period

By accepting this Agreement and requesting that services commence immediately, the Client acknowledges that once performance has begun, the statutory cooling-off period under Irish consumer law no longer applies.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client under this engagement.

12. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising between the parties shall first be addressed through good-faith informal discussion. Where unresolved, the matter may be referred to mediation prior to legal proceedings, save where urgent relief is required.

13. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland.

Schedule A – Tier 1 Internal Workplace Support

Purpose

Tier 1 provides support for internal workplace processes only. It is intended to help the Client protect their position, understand risks, and prepare for potential escalation.

Services Included

  • Strategic advice and coaching on internal workplace matters
  • Drafting or review of internal documents (for example, a grievance or response)
  • One scheduled support call per month (up to 60 minutes)
  • Limited email support linked to live internal developments

Services Excluded

  • WRC complaints, hearings, mediations, or adjudications
  • Direct engagement or negotiation with the employer
  • Attendance at meetings or hearings
  • Unlimited drafting or repeated redrafting

Fees

  • €450 per month (inclusive of VAT), payable in advance.
  • Tier 1 runs month-to-month following an initial minimum one-month period.

Scope Limits

Where monthly limits are reached, work will pause until the next billing period or until the Client agrees to upgrade to Tier 2. No additional work will be carried out without express agreement.

Escalation

Where the matter escalates beyond internal processes, Tier 1 will no longer be appropriate and Tier 2 will be required.

Schedule B – Tier 2 Full Dispute Representation

Purpose

Tier 2 provides full support and representation for escalated disputes, including matters before the Workplace Relations Commission.

Services Included

  • Strategic case management
  • Drafting of complaints, submissions, responses, and appeals
  • Representation in WRC mediations and adjudications (where permitted)
  • Settlement strategy and negotiations

Fees

  • Retainer fee of €1,845 (inclusive of VAT), payable in instalments
  • Success fee of 20% of any financial outcome plus VAT

The retainer is non-refundable and is not credited against the success fee.

Transition from Tier 1

Where a Client transitions from Tier 1 to Tier 2 within 60 days, up to one month of Tier 1 fees (€450) may be credited against the Tier 2 retainer, at our discretion.

Duration

Tier 2 applies for the engagement period agreed and continues in accordance with this Agreement.

End of Agreement

Discovery Call