From vulnerability to victory: How Valla helped me win my Employment Tribunal case

Jamie Blackwood was thriving in his role as a recruitment consultant, bringing energy, confidence, and determination to his work. But as his mental health began to decline, so did the support from his employer. What started as an open and honest dialogue about his struggles quickly turned into relentless scrutiny, unfair treatment, and a workplace that became impossible to endure.

Determined to stand up for himself, Jamie knew he needed help — but navigating the legal system felt overwhelming. Then he found Valla. Our guidance gave him the knowledge, confidence, and strength to fight back, ultimately securing justice in an employment tribunal.

Jamie shared his journey with us — from feeling lost and vulnerable to reclaiming his power — and how Valla became the crucial support system he never knew he needed.

A life-changing journey with Valla

When I took my employer to court, I was at my lowest. As a recruitment consultant, I thrived in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, but balancing that with my ongoing struggle with mental health was always a challenge. At first, I managed. I was open about my mental health with my employer, and they seemed supportive. But when my anxiety worsened, their attitude changed. Suddenly, I was subjected to constant performance reviews, excessive scrutiny, and an overwhelming sense of pressure. Eventually, it all became too much, leading to a complete breakdown at work.

I knew something wasn’t right. I knew I had to fight back. But I had no idea where to start.

Discovering Valla: A game-changer

At first, I tried researching the tribunal process on my own. It was overwhelming. The legal jargon, the procedural requirements — it felt impossible. Then, almost as if the universe was listening, I stumbled across Valla - the videos they provided explained complex legal concepts in simple, digestible steps. For the first time, I felt a spark of hope.

"Valla was like a breath of fresh air. The guidance they provide breaks everything down into easy-to-understand steps, giving me clarity and confidence."

Valla’s resources opened my eyes to aspects of Employment Law I hadn’t even considered. I learned about different types of discrimination — direct, indirect, harassment. I realised that my case wasn’t just about poor treatment; it was about my employer failing to make reasonable adjustments for my mental health.

Support that was invaluable

The deeper I got into the process, the more I leaned on Valla’s services. The webinars were invaluable. They didn’t just provide legal knowledge — they created a community. I connected with others who had been through similar experiences, making me feel less alone.

"The webinars weren’t just informative; they were empowering. Valla created a space where I could learn, ask questions, and gain the confidence to fight my case."

When I realised I needed more guidance, I opted for legal coaching. Traditional legal services were out of reach at £400 per hour, but Valla offered affordable, flexible options. I purchased three hours of legal coaching with Valla for £225, which I could use as needed. Each session was tailored to my concerns, ensuring I got the most value from my time. Without Valla’s coaching sessions, I would have been lost. This gave me the knowledge, the structure, and the moral support to keep going.

The Tribunal: My defining moment

Armed with everything I had learned from Valla, I stepped into the courtroom feeling prepared. The process was intense — cross-examination was the most challenging part. But thanks to Valla’s guidance, I knew exactly how to handle it.

"The cross-examination training from Valla was crucial. It taught me how to ask closed questions, how to lead the respondent down a path, and how to discredit false claims."

I stood my ground. I refused to be intimidated. And when the judges delivered their verdict — three counts of harassment and one count of failure to make reasonable adjustments — I was overwhelmed with emotion. I had won.

More than just a win 

Looking back, I’m not just grateful for the victory; I’m grateful for the transformation. I entered this process feeling vulnerable, lost, and powerless. I emerged feeling strong, confident, and determined to help others facing similar battles.

With Valla’s help, I turned one of the most challenging experiences of my life into a moment of empowerment. If I can do it, anyone can.

"Valla isn’t just a legal resource — it’s a lifeline. It gave me the tools, the knowledge, and the resilience to fight for what was right."