EMPLOYMENT LAW FEES
Clear information about the likely costs of bringing or defending an employment claim.
We advise both employees and employers on employment law matters. Our fees depend on the complexity of the case, the amount of work required and whether the matter settles early or proceeds to a final hearing.
Before starting work, we’ll explain the likely fees, what is included and any additional costs that may apply.
Legal Fees
Our legal fees cover the professional work we carry out on your matter, including advice, preparation, correspondence, negotiation and representation where agreed.
What Are Legal Fees?
Legal fees are the charges for our professional services. They do not usually include VAT, Counsel’s fees, expert fees, travel costs or other third-party expenses unless expressly stated.
Fees
Hourly Rates
Our fees for unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims are usually based on the time required to prepare, advise on and progress your case.
| Fee Earner | Hourly Rate Excluding VAT | Hourly Rate Including VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Employment Lawyer | £280.00 + VAT | £336.00 |
| Associate Solicitors | £250.00 + VAT | £300.00 |
| Other Solicitors | £180.00 + VAT | £216.00 |
| Trainees / Paralegals | £130.00 + VAT | £156.00 |
The total cost will depend on the facts, complexity, volume of documents, number of witnesses, level of negotiation required and whether the matter proceeds to a full hearing.
Estimated Costs
The following figures are a general guide for employment claims involving unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal. Your matter may cost more or less depending on its complexity.
Simple Case
£3,000 - £6,000 + VAT
Suitable for straightforward claims with limited documents, few witnesses and a realistic prospect of early settlement.
Medium Complexity Case
£6,000 - £12,000 + VAT
Suitable for cases involving more detailed evidence, contested issues, several witnesses or a longer procedural timetable.
High Complexity Case
£12,000 - £25,000 + VAT
Suitable for complex claims involving significant documentation, multiple issues, preliminary hearings or a longer final hearing.
Stages of the Process
The steps involved in unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal claims can vary depending on the circumstances. A typical matter may include:
Initial instructions, reviewing papers and advising on merits and compensation.
Pre-claim conciliation, where required or appropriate.
Preparing the claim or response.
Reviewing and advising on the opposing party’s claim or response.
Exploring settlement and negotiation.
Preparing a schedule of loss.
Preparing for and attending a preliminary hearing.
Document exchange and agreement on a hearing bundle.
Drafting witness statements and agreeing evidence with witnesses.
Preparing the document bundle.
Reviewing the opposing party’s witness statements.
Agreeing issues, chronology and cast list.
Preparing for and attending the final hearing, including Counsel’s instructions where required.
Reporting on the conclusion of the case and closing your file.
Likely Timescales
Settlement During Pre-Claim Conciliation
Usually 4 - 8 weeks
Some matters resolve early through ACAS Early Conciliation or direct negotiation.
Proceeding to Final Hearing
Usually 5 - 12 months
The timetable depends on the Tribunal’s availability, the complexity of the case and the number of hearing days required.
These timescales are estimates and can change as the case progresses.
Complexity Factors
Certain factors may make your case more complex and affect legal fees and disbursements.
Procedural Issues
Amendments to claims, additional information requests, complex preliminary issues or challenges about disclosure can increase the work required.
Complex Legal Issues
Cases involving employment status, jurisdiction, disability, discrimination, whistleblowing or automatic unfair dismissal may be more complex.
Evidence and Witnesses
The number of witnesses, volume of documents and availability of evidence can affect preparation time.
Settlement and Negotiation
Mediation, settlement discussions and negotiation complexities may affect the overall cost.
Litigants in Person
Cases involving parties without legal representation can sometimes take longer to manage.
Length of Final Hearing
The number of days allocated for the final hearing will affect preparation and representation costs.
If any of these factors arise, we’ll notify you and discuss any potential increase in legal fees or disbursements.
Additional Costs and Disbursements
Counsel’s Fees
Counsel’s fees for attending a Tribunal hearing are usually estimated between:
£1,000 - £3,000 + VAT per day
There may also be a preparation fee, depending on the complexity of the case and the barrister’s seniority.
Other Claims
Claims such as discrimination, equal pay or whistleblowing can affect the overall cost because they often involve additional issues, evidence and preparation.
Changes in Fees
If our fees change because your instructions change or unforeseen complexities arise, we’ll explain the reason and discuss the revised estimate with you.
What Is Included?
- Taking your initial instructions and reviewing the facts of your case.
- Advising on the merits of the claim or defence.
- Preparing or reviewing key Employment Tribunal documents.
- Corresponding with the other party or their representatives.
- Preparing for Tribunal stages, where applicable.
- Advising on settlement options and next steps.
What Is Not Included?
Unless agreed in writing, our fees do not include Counsel’s fees, expert reports, translation costs, travel expenses, accommodation, courier fees, mediation fees or other third-party expenses.
If any additional expense is likely to be required, we’ll explain this to you before it is incurred.
Who Will Handle Your Case?
The Employment Law Department is headed by Mr Lawrence Jegede, who conducts and supervises work in this area of law.
Need Employment Law Advice?
Contact us to discuss your matter and receive clearer guidance on the likely costs involved.
Book a Consultation