Cost Information for Employment Law Services

Our firm offers comprehensive legal services to both employers and employees involved in disputes related to employment tribunals and courts. With extensive experience in handling a wide array of claims, including unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and discrimination cases, we understand the complexities of employment law.

Determining the costs associated with legal work can be challenging, as every case is unique and tailored to the individuals involved. We base our charges on our hourly rates, which are clearly outlined for your reference. At the start of each case, we provide a written estimate of the anticipated costs for pursuing your claim, which we will adjust as the case progresses to reflect any changes.

Your Case Management Team

Victor Nwosu serves as the Lead Solicitor for your employment law case. Holding an LLB and with 20 years of experience, he is supported by partners who bring extensive experience in employment law, along with dedicated associates and paralegals assisting in case management.

Barbara Perry – Solicitor
Perry brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the field of employment law. She qualified in 2012 after beginning her journey at the University of Lincoln, followed by further studies at Westminster University Law School. Barbara’s recent achievement of the FCILEx qualification in 2023 underscores her dedication to professional development and legal excellence.

Our team is committed to ensuring that every case receives expert attention and comprehensive support. Barbara effectively advocates for her clients, navigating the complexities of legal disputes with confidence and care. Her ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds is enhanced by her fluency in Polish, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

Upon accepting a case, we prioritize an initial consultation to thoroughly understand the background of the dispute. This foundational meeting is crucial; it helps us identify key issues early on, which can potentially avoid unnecessary costs later in the process.

In certain situations, we may also seek the opinion of counsel, especially when the case involves complex or unprecedented legal matters. Based on our experience, engaging counsel at an early stage often results in significant cost savings over time.

Comprehensive Overview of Funding Options for Employment Law

Complimentary Initial Consultation

To begin resolving your employment law issues, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary initial consultation. Whether through phone, email, or our website, we’re here to help. During this session, we’ll collect essential details, including your name, your employer’s name, and a brief description of your employment concern. By the end of this consultation, we will provide tailored advice on whether to proceed with a Fixed Fee Consultation. There’s no obligation, allowing you to explore your options freely.

For assistance, reach out at +44 207 408 7713, use our live chat feature, or email us at info@dcksolicitors.co.uk

Fixed Fee Consultation

After your initial enquiry, you have the opportunity to arrange a Fixed Fee Consultation. This meeting can take place via phone, video, or in person and is designed for an extensive discussion of your case without time limitations. During the consultation, a specialist Employment Solicitor will:

• Assess Your Situation: Review the details of your case and any relevant documentation.
• Define Your Goals: Clarify your objectives for pursuing this matter.
• Examine Tribunal Claims: Evaluate any potential claims you may have and their viability.
• Estimate Potential Value: Provide an estimation of your claims’ worth to aid in your decision-making.
• Highlight Key Deadlines: Discuss important timeframes you need to keep in mind.
• Outline Action Steps: Suggest the next actions to take for optimal outcomes.
• Explore Funding Options: Review various funding solutions, including legal expenses insurance.
• Document Everything: You’ll receive a detailed written summary of our discussions for your records.

You’re under no obligation to proceed with further services after this consultation. If you decide to continue, we will go over the different funding options available to you.

For more details on our solicitors, please visit our website. To schedule your Fixed Fee Consultation, contact us through phone, chat, or our contact form.

Fixed Fees for Specific Tasks

During your Fixed Fee Consultation, we will discuss the subsequent steps for your case. Depending on your circumstances, we might offer a Fixed Fee for particular tasks, such as preparing an Employment Tribunal Claim Form. This approach allows you to budget effectively, as you will only pay the predetermined price for the specified service, regardless of the time it takes. Many clients value Fixed Fees for the transparency they provide in managing legal costs.

Pay As You Go Options

We also offer a Pay As You Go option. This arrangement allows you to pay based on the work completed, whether for full representation up to an Employment Tribunal hearing or specific guidance through processes like disciplinary actions. Before you commit, we’ll provide an estimate of fees. Clients often appreciate capped fee arrangements, which establish a maximum cost, ensuring you won’t pay more than that amount.

We emphasize clarity regarding fees, offering monthly itemized invoices detailing the work conducted.

Conditional Fee Agreement

A Conditional Fee Agreement might also be discussed during your consultation. This option allows for lower hourly rates, with payment only for the work completed. If we achieve a favorable result, a Success Fee will apply. The terms for what constitutes a successful outcome and the amount of this fee will be established prior to your commitment.

For additional information about our Employment Solicitors, please visit our website.

Legal Expenses Insurance

During your consultation, we will evaluate the possibility of utilizing any Legal Expenses Insurance you may possess. Many clients may not realize they have this coverage, often included with other financial products like home insurance. If applicable, this insurance can cover legal fees from the initiation of your claim to the final hearing. We can assist in navigating your policy to access funding for your Employment Tribunal claims.

No Win, No Fee Agreements

In certain circumstances, we may suggest a No Win, No Fee arrangement. This option is available for clients seeking representation at their final hearing, provided certain conditions are met, including:

• A claim submitted to the Employment Tribunal.
• A response received from the employer.
• Attendance at all preliminary hearings.
• Compliance with Tribunal orders (e.g., witness statements).
• A strong assessment of your case’s prospects during your consultation.

Under this agreement, payment is only required if we achieve a settlement or win your hearing. If successful, we retain a percentage of the settlement—typically up to 35%—to cover our fees.

Understanding Employment Tribunal Funding

The cost of pursuing your Employment Tribunal claim varies based on its complexity and the funding option selected. We will cover all available funding choices during your consultation. It’s crucial to understand that you are typically responsible for your own legal costs at the Tribunal, with rare exceptions for your opponent covering these expenses. This makes it essential to make informed decisions regarding your funding options throughout the process.

For any questions or to schedule your consultation, please reach out. We are committed to guiding you through your employment law matters with expertise and clarity.

Stages in the Employment Tribunal Process

When pursuing an Employment Tribunal claim, it’s essential to understand the stages involved, which can lead to a resolution or a Final Hearing. Below is an outline of the typical progression of an Employment Tribunal case:

• Claim Submission:
  • Initiating your claim by completing and submitting the Employment Tribunal Claim Form.
• Defense Review:
  • Analyzing the Respondent’s defense, which is presented in their official response to your claim.
• Compensation Outline:
  • Creating a detailed Schedule of Loss that specifies the compensation you are seeking.
• Document Sharing:
  • Disclosing all pertinent documentation to the Respondent for their consideration.
• Respondent’s Evidence Review:
  • Evaluating any documentation that the Respondent presents in response to your claim.
• Evidence Preparation:
  • Compiling a comprehensive bundle of evidence necessary for the Final Hearing.
• Witness Statement Preparation:
  • Drafting statements from witnesses, including your own statement as the Claimant.
• Review of Opponent’s Witness Statements:
  • Evaluating any witness statements provided by the Respondent’s witnesses.
• Final Hearing Preparation:
  • Preparing critical materials for the Final Hearing, which may include issues lists, timelines, and participant lists.
• Preliminary Hearing Representation:
  • Providing legal representation at any Preliminary Hearing that may occur.
• Final Hearing Representation:
  • Advocating on your behalf during the Final Hearing.
• Remedy Hearing Representation:
  • If necessary, advocating on your behalf at any Remedy Hearing that follows the Final Hearing.
• Ongoing Legal Support:
  • Offering continuous legal advice and support throughout the entire process.
• Settlement Assistance:
  • Advising you on potential settlement opportunities if they arise.

Fee Structure for Employment Tribunal Claims

Below, you will find estimated fees associated with different levels of claim complexity: straightforward, moderately intricate, and complex claims. These estimates incorporate VAT, which is pegged at 20%, and are predicated on the assumption that the case will reach a Final Hearing, although many claims resolve earlier.

Fees for Straightforward Claims

Straightforward claims typically involve uncomplicated issues and can usually be resolved in one day. Common examples include unpaid wages and straightforward unfair dismissal cases.

Estimated Costs for a One-Day Hearing:

• Initial Consultation Fee: £360 to £540 (including VAT).
• Representation Fees:
  • Pay As You Go: £4,200 to £6,000 (including VAT).
  • Conditional Fee Agreement: £2,400 to £4,200 (including VAT). If the case is successful, a Success Fee will be added, generally between £2,400 and £3,600 (including VAT).
  • Legal Expenses Insurance: Depending on your policy, your insurance may cover our fees.
  • Damages Based Agreement: No upfront payments required, but we retain up to 35% (including VAT) of any settlement.

Disbursements: Rarely applicable for straightforward claims.

Fees for Moderately Intricate Claims

Moderately intricate claims often involve issues such as wrongful or unfair dismissals with added complexities, such as redundancy processes or additional witness testimonies. These cases typically require up to two days for a Final Hearing.

Estimated Costs for a Two-Day Hearing:

• Initial Consultation Fee: £360 to £540 (including VAT).
• Representation Fees:
  • Pay As You Go: £7,350 to £10,500 (including VAT).
  • Conditional Fee Agreement: £4,200 to £7,350 (including VAT). If successful, Success Fees range from £3,000 to £6,000 (including VAT).
  • Legal Expenses Insurance: Coverage based on your individual policy.
  • Damages Based Agreement: Retain up to 35% (including VAT) of any settlement.

Disbursements: May include expert reports as needed.

Fees for Complex Claims

Complex claims can involve issues such as discrimination or whistleblowing and often require a Preliminary Hearing. These cases generally extend to three days or more for the Final Hearing.

Estimated Costs for a Three-Day Hearing:

• Initial Consultation Fee: £360 to £540 (including VAT).
• Representation Fees:
  • Pay As You Go: £15,750 to £22,500 (including VAT).
  • Conditional Fee Agreement: £9,500 to £15,750 (including VAT). Success Fees can range from £6,000 to £12,000 (including VAT).
  • Legal Expenses Insurance: Coverage according to your specific policy terms.
  • Damages Based Agreement: Retain up to 35% (including VAT) of any settlement.

Disbursements: Typically includes barrister fees, estimated between £3,600 to £9,000 (including VAT) for a three-day hearing, along with potential expert report costs.

Understanding Costs for Employment Tribunal Claims

How We Calculate Fees

Our fees are based on the time spent on your case, charged at an hourly rate of £280, plus VAT at 20%. We will provide you with an estimate of the expected costs tailored to your situation.

Pricing for Unfair or Wrongful Dismissal Claims

• Simple Cases: For claims with 1 or 2 witnesses and straightforward issues, estimated costs range from £5,000 to £10,000, excluding VAT.
• Moderately Complex Claims: For cases with more witnesses or additional factors, the costs are between £10,000 and £30,000, excluding VAT.
• Complex Cases: Claims that involve intricate issues and require more than three days for a hearing will incur higher costs. We will provide specific estimates based on your case.

Additional Legal Costs

If your case goes to a Final Hearing, we will hire a barrister to represent you, with fees typically ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 per day, plus VAT.

Factors That Can Make Your Case More Complex

Several elements can complicate a claim, such as:

• Changes to claims or requests for more information.
• Defending claims from individuals without legal representation.
• Applications related to costs.
• Preliminary issues, like assessing disability.
• The number of witnesses and documents involved.
• Claims of unfair dismissal due to whistleblowing.
• Discrimination allegations linked to the dismissal.

Common Extra Costs for Complex Claims

In more complicated cases, you may encounter additional fees, such as:

• Barrister’s Fees: £1,200 to £3,000 per day (including VAT).
• Medical Reports: £1,500 to £6,000 (including VAT).
• Financial Expert Reports: £2,400 to £6,000 (including VAT).

Extra Costs (Disbursements)

You may incur additional expenses (disbursements) payable to third parties, including:

• Court Fees: Fees related to your claim, not including VAT.
• Barrister Fees: These fees will be provided during your case and are subject to VAT.
• Other Costs: Various expenses may arise, and we will inform you whether VAT applies.

Onboarding Process and Fees

To comply with legal requirements, we need proof of your identity. There is a fixed charge of £20.00 plus VAT for this service.

How Long Will Your Case Take?

The duration of your claim can vary widely based on its complexity, the specific Case Management Orders from the Tribunal, and the geographic region handling your case.

The time from your initial consultation to resolution varies. If a settlement is reached quickly, it may take 8 to 12 weeks. If it goes to a Final Hearing, expect around 12 to 18 months. We can give you a more accurate timeframe as your case progresses.

Important Things to Consider

While these estimates help guide you, each case is unique. Your solicitor will provide a tailored estimate based on your specific situation. Factors that could complicate your claim include:

• Additional claims linked to unfair dismissal, such as unpaid wages.
• Requests from the Respondent during proceedings.
• Preliminary jurisdiction matters.
• The amount of evidence and witnesses involved.

For a detailed assessment of your case and a cost estimate, please reach out to us. We are here to support you throughout the Employment Tribunal process.