CLEAR, AGREED LEGAL FEES - ON YOUR TERMS

We prefer to agree fixed or capped fees up front with you. If this is not possible at the outset, we will provide an estimate of our fees based on a clear scope of work.

Fixed Fees

Ask us about a fixed fee or a bank of hours for a specific project, such as drafting your contract of employment or negotiating a settlement agreement for you

Capped Fees

For complex and ongoing matters, we will agree periodic caps on fees to help you manage your budget and spend on legal fees

Retained Fees

We offer an outsourced legal department at a fraction of the cost of an in-house lawyer. Starting at £500 pcm for unlimited advice and drafting

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EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL FEES

The cost of defending unfair and wrongful dismissal Claims against you in the Employment Tribunal can vary greatly and much will depend on the nature of the case and the issues involved.

Our fees are based on an hourly charge out rate which will depend on who handles the case on your behalf, but it will range from £100 per hour for a trainee solicitor to £250 per hour for a solicitor and £350 per hour where our Founder is involved. You will be notified at the outset who will be dealing with your matter and what rates will apply.

For illustrative purposes only, the typical costs of bringing and defending claims are as follows:

Low complexity case: £5000-£8000 (excluding VAT)

Medium complexity case: £8000 £10,000 (excluding VAT)

High complexity case: £10,000 plus  (excluding VAT)

Factors that could make a case more complex:

  • If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
  • Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
  • Making or defending a costs application
  • Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
  • The number of witnesses and documents
  • If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
  • Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

There will be an additional charge if we have to attend a Tribunal Hearing  of £500 to £1000 per day (excluding VAT). Generally, we would allow 2-3 days depending on the complexity of your case.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Counsel’s fees estimated between £1000 to £3000 per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation)

Key stages

The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:

  • Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)
  • Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;
  • Preparing claim or response
  • Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party
  • Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
  • preparing or considering a schedule of loss
  • Preparing for (and attending) a Preliminary Hearing
  • Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
  • Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses
  • preparing bundle of documents
  • Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
  • agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
  • Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs.

How long will my matter take?

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 4 to 6 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 26-52 weeks. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

Alternative means of funding

At our first meeting, we will discuss with you all potential means of funding the matter, which may include exploring the possibility of any pre-existing legal expenses insurance you may have the benefit of.  We will go through with you in more detail the pricing set out above and give you an estimate of all of the fees involved.

Additional Claims

In the event that the claim includes additional elements such as allegations of discrimination or claims for holiday pay, this may increase the estimates set out above. In the event that the costs are likely to exceed the levels stated, you will be notified of this and a revised estimate of costs provided.

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