In line with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) transparency rules, we have set out below information about our fees for bringing and defending claims in the Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal.

At the outset of any new matter, we will always devise a strategy with you with costs in mind, enabling you to make an informed decision about how you wish to proceed. Unless we agree an alternative pricing arrangement, our fees are usually charged by reference to the time spent working on the matter. The hourly rates of our employment team vary depending on the seniority and experience of the individual lawyer involved and range from £250 plus VAT to £550 plus VAT per hour depending on the experience and qualifications of the solicitor or £190 plus VAT for a trainee solicitor. You can find further details about our team [here].

The overall cost of bringing or defending Employment Tribunal proceedings will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the potential value of the claim, and the amount of evidence required. At the outset we will provide you with a quote with an estimate for each stage of proceedings.

As a general guide:

• For a straightforward wrongful dismissal or unfair dismissal claim where the final hearing is listed for one day, we would normally expect our fees to fall within the range of £20,000 – £30,000 (plus VAT).
• For more complex cases including discrimination and or whistleblowing allegations whether or not they relate to the dismissal, we would typically expect our fees to range from £40,000 to £80,000 (plus VAT).

Please note:

• The figures above are indicative only and exclude disbursements (see below).
• We will provide you with a more accurate estimate once we have more detail about your case.
• The complexity (and therefore cost) of a case may be affected by factors such as:
  • the number of witnesses and documents involved;
  • whether preliminary issues need to be resolved (for example, disputes about whether the claim was brought in time);
  • allegations of discrimination or whistleblowing;
  • applications made during the proceedings (such as for specific disclosure or additional orders);
  • whether settlement is explored and, if so, at what stage.

Disbursements:

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. The main disbursement in a tribunal proceeding is barrister’s fees.

Barrister’s fees for representation at the hearing vary from £3,000 plus VAT to represent you at a final hearing that is listed for one day to £40,000 to £120,000 for a complex multi-day hearing.

Key stages of a claim:

• Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation
• Preparing the claim form or response
• Reviewing and advising on claim or response from the other party
• Exploring settlement and negotiating a possible settlement throughout the process
• Preparing or considering a schedule of loss
• Preparing for (and attending) any preliminary hearing
• Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
• Interviewing witnesses, drafting witness statements and agreeing their content with witnesses
• Preparing bundles of documents for the hearing
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
• Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
• Preparation for (and attendance) at the full hearing, including instructions to a Barrister

The key stages above cover the main stages in an ET claim including a full hearing. If

the case settles before the final hearing, the costs will be reduced.

How long do tribunal claims take?

This depends on whether the claim proceeds to a full hearing or settles at an earlier stage. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, the case is likely to take 4-12 weeks. If the claim proceeds to a full hearing, the case is likely to take 1 to 2 years. We will be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

Funding Options

You may have funding options available such as legal expenses cover under an insurance policy.  We may exceptionally take on cases for on a no-win no-fee basis, also known as a damages-based agreement (‘DBA’). However, this will depend on various factors and, in particular, our view of the merits of your case. If we do agree a DBA, our fees will be paid from a proportion of the damages/compensation recovered usually 25% – 35% (including VAT).

Costs are not recoverable in the ET except in exceptional circumstances which means each party is responsible for its own costs.

Please note that all fees and costs shown above are exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) which will be added where applicable to each invoice. Our rates are reviewed annually on 1 April each year. If the rate applicable to a particular matter is varied as a result of the annual review, you will be notified in writing at the time.