I worked as a trade union rep for most of my life and faced up many an issue with management and staff. One thing you should be mindful of sallying into a Small Claims Court is to have your homework done and well rehearsed. Then prepare your answers for the questions you think will be asked of you. Also, appearance is everything. Your opponent likely will appear as if a terrible wrong had been done to her/him and could turn on the tears and all he/she seeks is "satisfaction" and "the money is only part issue." You'll need to be a skilful talker , decisive, honest and well dressed. Don't show up in torn jeans and a tee-shirt faded to white from being originally a dark colour. You need to win this case hands down; a photo-finish could damage your professional reputation. You don't know what magazine, newspaper, blog, etc will have a representative in court. Like Roy Keane said:- Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Ask any Cork hurler.