To give you an idea of how we charge and to comply the SRA price transparency rules, we have set out below details of our typical fees for unfair and wrongful dismissal claims.
Because the services we offer are bespoke the fees referred to in this document should be used as a guide only.
Before instructing a law firm we recommend that you check the coverage provided under any relevant insurance policy you may have.
Our work on Employment Tribunal claims is charged by reference to our standard hourly charge out rates (which vary between £350 and £500 per hour plus VAT) and the amount of time likely to be spent on the matter. We would normally expect a claim which proceeds to a full hearing in a UK Employment Tribunal to be within the following ranges:
VAT will be charged at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%.
The above fee estimates do not include disbursements (see below).
As can be seen from the above estimates, our costs can vary significantly depending upon how complex a case is. Factors which are likely to make a case more complex include the following:
You will need to pay for disbursements in addition to our fees as estimated above.
Disbursements are additional costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties in addition to our fees.
In an unfair or wrongful dismissal claim the main disbursement is usually the cost of instructing a barrister (known as Counsel) to represent you at the tribunal hearing.
Barristers charges usually consist of a brief fee (which covers the cost of preparation and the first day of the tribunal hearing). Where a hearing lasts for more than one day (which is usual for anything other than a simple case) the barrister also charges a refresher fee for each additional day spent at the tribunal.
Barristers fees can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the experience of the barrister and the length of the hearing, with fees typically ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 plus VAT per day for attending a hearing.
We will provide you with clearer estimates and more information as and when external costs need to be incurred.
Normally you do not have to pay your opponent’s costs in an Employment Tribunal claim, but again, we will guide you further if we feel that you are at risk of having to pay your opponents costs at any stage.
The above fee estimates cover all of our work in relation to the following key stages of an unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal case:
The fee estimates set out above do not include our charges or services in relation to any workstream not mentioned above, including the following:
The time it takes from your initial instructions to the end of your claim depends largely on the stage at which your claim is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim discussions, your case is likely to take 1-3 months. If your claim proceeds to a final Employment Tribunal hearing, your claim is likely to take between 12 and 24 months.
This is just an illustration and we will be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information from you and as the case progresses.
Your case will be handled by a qualified and experienced employment lawyer who is a Partner.