Hourly rates
Our hourly rates typically range from £200 to £450 per hour, depending on the seniority and experience of the lawyer dealing with your matter.
All fees are exclusive of VAT, which will be charged at the prevailing rate (currently 20%).
We will always discuss and agree the cost approach with you at the outset and keep you informed as your matter progresses.
Typical cost ranges
As a general guide only, and subject to the factors outlined below, our fees for routine Employment Tribunal claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal may fall within the following ranges:
- Simple claims (for example, a straightforward unfair dismissal claim with a claim for notice pay and perhaps a very simple claim for discrimination based upon a single alleged act or omission; a single witness on your side; no preliminary hearings; one-day final hearing; no significant dispute as to facts; and limited documentation): £5,000 – £15,000
- Medium complexity claims (for example, a more complex unfair dismissal claim such as constructive dismissal or automatic unfair dismissal and perhaps a simple claim for discrimination based upon a single alleged act or omission; multiple witnesses; a preliminary hearing; a two to three day final hearing; some disputes as to facts; and extensive documentation): £12,000 – £25,000
- Complex claims (for example for example, a more complex unfair and/or wrongful dismissal claim involving complex legal issues such as whistleblowing; automatic unfair dismissal and/or multiple allegations of discrimination; issues of contested jurisdiction or employment status; multiple witnesses including expert witnesses where applicable; specialist areas of law; a preliminary hearing; a lengthy final hearing; extensive disputes as to facts; extensive documentation): £20,000 – £50,000+
These figures are indicative only. We will always discuss the likely scope, cost and structure of your specific matter with you before proceeding.
In most employment tribunal cases, legal costs are not recoverable from the other party, even if you are successful.
What is included in our fees
Unless otherwise agreed, our fees typically include:
- Carrying out an initial review of the relevant facts and documentation, and advising on prospects, possible compensation, strategy and risk;
- Advising on jurisdiction, time limits and procedural requirements;
- Managing Early Conciliation through ACAS and advising on settlement options at all stages;
- Preparing, reviewing and submitting claim or response forms (ET1 / ET3);
- Reviewing and advising on the claim or response from the other party;
- Advising on procedural steps, case management orders and compliance with Tribunal directions, and making/responding to applications to the Tribunal where appropriate;
- Liaising with the Tribunal; ACAS; and the other party or parties;
- Preparing a schedule of loss, or reviewing and advising on the other party’s schedule of loss;
- Agreeing a list of issues, chronology and/or cast of characters;
- Exchanging documents with the other party, requesting missing documents, and agreeing a bundle of documents for use at the hearing;
- Drafting and reviewing written submissions where appropriate;
Preparing, reviewing and revising witness statements; - Ongoing strategic advice, including settlement negotiations and preparation for without prejudice discussions; and
- Preparing for and attending preliminary hearings and final hearings, including preparing instructions to Counsel (Barristers).
What is not included
Our fees do not typically include:
- Employment Tribunal fees (there are currently no issue or hearing fees, but this may change);
- Barristers’ fees for advocacy and other advice (including preparation time), where instructed (see below);
- Expert fees (for example, medical or financial experts) (see below);
- Costs associated with mediation or judicial mediation; and
- Enforcement of awards
Any additional work or external costs will be discussed with you in advance.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. Common disbursements may include:
- Barristers’ fees (typically £1,500 – £3,500 per day, depending on experience and complexity)
- Expert fees, where required
Disbursements are not included in our fees and are usually payable in advance. Disbursements of this kind would generally attract VAT at the prevailing rate (currently 20%)
Key stages of an employment tribunal matter
While each case is different, a typical Employment Tribunal matter may involve the following stages:
1. Initial advice and case assessment
2. Early Conciliation via ACAS (mandatory in most cases)
3. Submission of claim or response
4. Case management and preliminary hearings (if required)
5. Exchange of evidence and witness statements
6. Final hearing
7. Judgment and post-hearing advice
We will guide you through each stage and explain what is required and when.
Typical timescales
Timescales depend on the complexity of the case and the Employment Tribunal’s timetable. By way of general guidance:
- Straightforward cases may conclude within 6–12 months
- More complex cases may take 12–24 months or longer
We will keep you updated on likely timescales throughout your matter.
Who will carry out the work
Your matter will be handled by a qualified senior solicitor or partner specialising in employment law, supported where appropriate by mor junior solicitors, trainees or paralegals under supervision.
All work is supervised in accordance with our regulatory obligations.
Keeping costs under review
We understand the importance of cost certainty. We will:
- Agree the scope of work with you at the outset;
Provide regular cost updates; and - Notify you promptly if it becomes necessary to revise any estimate
If you have any questions about our pricing or would like a tailored estimate, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
