Public Access clients may contact us to obtain a quotation for legal services. Quotations will be provided free of charge and within a reasonable time period (normally within one to two working days), and in clear and readily understandable terms, but if you receive your quotation and there is something you do not understand, please contact us. Please note that we may require additional information from you before providing a quotation and that provision of a quotation does not amount to acceptance of instructions. Our fees are subject to the payment of VAT at the standard rate, and our VAT registration number is available on request.
Pricing Models
We use a variety of pricing models, such as fixed fee, hourly rate, retainer, and, in very limited circumstances, Conditional Fee Agreements (also known as “no win, no fee agreements”). We most commonly use either fixed fee or hourly rate pricing models.
Fixed Fee
A fixed fee pricing model, where we charge a set amount of money for the work we are instructed to complete, is usually quoted where we know in advance how much work will be involved in the instructions. We know that generally our clients prefer us to quote fixed fees and therefore most of our quotations will be based on a fixed fee for the work you are instructing us to complete. We usually require payment in advance when completing work on a fixed fee basis.
Hourly Rate
An hourly rate pricing model, where we charge per hour worked, will usually be used when we are unable to quote a fixed fee for the work we are instructed to complete, for example because we do not know in advance how much work will be involved in the instructions. When using an hourly rate pricing model, we will usually agree a cap on our total fees. Our standard hourly rates range from £300.00 to £400.00 per hour. We usually require a payment on account when completing work on an hourly rate basis.
Retainer
A retainer pricing model may be offered to a client, typically an Employer, where regular advice and/or representation is required, and the client wishes to retain our services at a discounted rate. We generally quote a fixed monthly fee calculated by reference to the anticipated level of advice and support required, the number of employees, and the type of sector in which the client operates. If a significant amount of work is required at the outset, we usually require payment of six months’ fees in advance.
Conditional Fee
A Conditional Fee Agreement may be offered to a client, typically a claimant, in relation to an Employment Tribunal case, but usually cases are undertaken on either a fixed fee or hourly rate basis. Before deciding whether we are able to offer a Conditional Fee Agreement, it will usually be necessary for us to assess the merits and financial value of potential claims, with a fixed fee being quoted to complete this initial assessment. This type of pricing model is offered only in very limited circumstances.
Table 1 and Table 2 below set out our typical fixed fees and hourly rates applicable to both claimants and respondents for claims presented to the Employment Tribunal of ordinary unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal. These fees may vary however depending on your needs – for example, your fees may be towards the higher end of the range if you need a more experienced barrister and/or you have a more complex case. If you have a particularly complex case, your fees may also be higher than the estimates below. The fees in Table 1 and Table 2 are estimates only.
Please also refer to factors which might influence timescales for completion of work set out below. As a general rule, straightforward ordinary unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims tend to have a final hearing date six to nine months from a claim being made.
In addition to our fees, and depending on the nature of your instructions, there may be additional costs for you to pay. Additional costs are most likely to be incurred in connection with an Employment Tribunal case. Likely additional costs include accommodation costs (typically between £65.00 and £125.00 per night), travel costs (typically between £100.00 and £350.00), and expert reports, for example an expert medical report if your case concerns a contested medical issue (typically between £1,000.00 and £2,000.00 plus VAT). Any anticipated additional costs will be discussed with you at the earliest possible opportunity, quoted for in advance, and agreed with you before the cost is incurred.
Table 1 – Fixed Fee Example – Ordinary unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal
| Stage of case | Ranges of fixed fees (estimates) |
| Written advice on the merits and financial value of your case | £1,200 – £1,800 |
| Preparation of case, including meetings with you, preparation and filing of the claim form/response, and drafting documents to comply with Tribunal orders | £5,000 – £7,500 |
| First day’s appearance at a preliminary hearing | £1,200 – £1,800 |
| First day’s appearance at a final hearing | £1,200 – £1,800 |
| Tribunal appearances per day, after the first day | £900 – £1,200 |
| First day’s appearance at a remedy hearing (to decide compensation) | £1,200 – £1,800 |
Table 2 – Hourly Rate Example – Ordinary unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal
| Stage of case | Ranges of hourly rates (estimates) |
| Written advice on the merits and financial value of your case | £300 – £400
approximately three to six hours |
| Preparation of case, including meetings with you, preparation and filing of the claim form/response, and drafting documents to comply with Tribunal orders | £300 – £400
approximately 15 to 25 hours |
| First day’s appearance at a preliminary hearing | £300 – £400
approximately two to six hours |
| First day’s appearance at a final hearing | £300 – £400
approximately six to eight hours |
| Tribunal appearances per day, after the first day | £300 – £400
approximately six to eight hours |
| First day’s appearance at a remedy hearing (to decide compensation) | £300 – £400
approximately six to eight hours |
The above fees are estimates only. For a quotation, please contact us.
Timescales
We endeavour to provide our services in a timely manner. There are, however, various factors which might influence timescales, for example:
- Our availability
- The availability of the client and relevant third parties
- The need for additional information or documents
- The approach taken by the other side
Contact Us
Please contact us for a free, initial telephone consultation with a barrister.