We usually work on the basis of hourly rates, although we may be able to agree fixed fees in some cases. It is difficult to estimate the full costs of dealing with a claim as each claim will involve different facts and complexities. We do not offer conditional fee agreements, damages based agreements or ‘no win no fee’ type arrangements.
Employment Dispute Costs
Our estimated pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal vary according to the complexity of the matter.
- Simple case: £4,000-£7,000 + VAT
- Medium complexity case: £7,000-£12,000 + VAT
- High complexity case: £12,000-£25,000 + VAT.
The estimated costs set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of pursuing or defending a claim:
- Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change).
- Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached.
- Preparing the claim form or response.
- Reviewing and advising on the claim or response received from the other party.
- Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the case.
- Preparing or considering the schedule of loss.
- Preparing for and attending a Preliminary Hearing.
- Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents.
- Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses.
- Preparing the bundle of documents for use in evidence at the hearing.
- Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements.
- Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or a cast list.
- Preparation for the Final Hearing, including instructions preparing instructions to Counsel.
The stages set out above are an indication of the work required to deal with an Employment Tribunal case to conclusion. If some of stages above are not required, the fee will be less. Factors that could make a case more complex include:
- If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim.
- Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person.
- Making or defending a costs application.
- Complex preliminary issues which need to be dealt with.
- A higher number of witnesses and/or larger volume of documents.
- Automatically unfair dismissal claims e.g. those involving dismissals allegedly linked to whistleblowing or health and safety complaints.
- Claims featuring allegations of discrimination linked to the dismissal.
Our Costs
Our cost estimates are based on the complexity of the matter and the hourly rates of the team members advising on the matter:
| Work undertaken by: | Cost per hour (exclusive of VAT) |
| Partner | £300 |
| Senior Associate Solicitor | £235 |
| Associate Solicitor | £225 |
| HR Consultant | £155 |
| Trainee Solicitor | £135 |
| Paralegal | £105 |
Work will be allocated to team members with a view to undertaking the work as efficiently and economically as possible for you.
There will be additional charges for attendance at Final Hearings, based on our hourly rates. Generally, we would anticipate 1 to 2 days for a simple case and anywhere from 2 to 10 days for more complex cases (which may include issues such as discrimination which go beyond unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal).
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. A likely disbursement in an Employment Tribunal case is Counsel’s fees. These are estimated at between £1,000-£3,500 + VAT per day (depending on experience and specialism) for representation at an Employment Tribunal Hearing. Additional conferences with Counsel regarding merits of the claim or strategy at any part of the claim process will be separately and additionally chargeable.
Meet our Employment and HR team
Latest News and Events
Autumn Budget 2024 in review – What farmers and landowners should be considering now
Read more
Who stores a copy of my will and where is it stored?
Read more
Taking the apprentice route – A Career Conversation with Rachael McDonagh
Read more
You have been appointed an Executor. What happens now?
Read more
Rachael becomes our first apprentice to qualify
Read more
Experienced solicitor joins Harrison Drury’s growing private client team
Read more
Demand for specialist estate planning advice supports growth of private client team
Read more
Six life events that should prompt you to update your Will
Read more
What is a grant of probate and when is it required?
Read more
Estate planning specialist Donna joins Harrison Drury’s Lytham team
Read more
Harrison Drury grows Lytham team with Emma and James appointments
Read more
Why do I need a will?
Read more
Wills and inheritance specialist Rebecca joins Harrison Drury’s Lancaster team
Read more
Harrison Drury opens Lytham office
Read more
Harrison Drury recognised for Wills and Probate expertise in national awards
Read more
What is a Business Lasting Power of Attorney, and do I need one?
Read more
What is probate? A quick and easy guide for executors
Read more
Lasting Powers of Attorney – The importance of making the right choice
Read more
Harrison Drury makes trio of appointments
Read more
Two Harrison Drury solicitors shortlisted for prestigious industry award
Read more
Is it good commercial sense to make a business Lasting Power of Attorney?
Read more
Victoria joins Harrison Drury’s private client team in Clitheroe
Read more
Should I gift my home to my children to mitigate Inheritance Tax?
Read more
Holly joins Harrison Drury’s private client team in Lancaster
Read more
New director Clare will lead our private client team
Read more
Making Lasting Powers of Attorney to manage your affairs during lockdown
Read more
Preparing a will during the coronavirus lockdown
Read more
Why you should have a will: Who will inherit and how much?
Read more
Legal expert Jan becomes Age UK South Lakeland trustee
Read more