Andrew Parascandolo
Employment Solicitor
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Phone: 0113 200 7480
Email: ap@averywalters.com
Employment Advice Charges Explained By A Solicitor
Our Pledge: We always discuss the basis of our charges with you at the beginning of the case and we will ensure that you are constantly updated on costs as the matter progresses.
It is sometimes necessary for us to do some initial work to assess how much work is required in any particular matter. Where possible we will give you an estimate of the likely overall costs involved.
We will also ensure that you are aware of the different types of funding available for paying for our services. Some of our clients prefer to be billed monthly as a matter progresses, others prefer to agree a fixed fee at the beginning. We are able to look at all options with you before we commence work on your file and will send you a letter of engagement before we commence work.
As a useful guide we have set out how our charges are worked out in every different area of law as required by our Regulator, the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Employment Services
Avery Walters pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or constructive dismissal:
Simple case: £4,500 – £7,000 (+ VAT). So (£5,400) to (£8,400)
Medium complexity case: £7,500 – £12,000 (+ VAT). So (£9,000) to (£14,400)
High complexity case: £12,500 – £25,000 (+ VAT). So (£15,000) to (£30,000)
Factors that could make a case more complex:
The number of Claimants or Respondents
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 (people with no legal representation)
Making applications for witness orders
Applying for medical records or a medical report
Making or defending a costs application
Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
Preparation of a complex schedule of loss (document detailing all claimed losses)
The number of witnesses and volume of documents
If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer; and no process has been followed by your employer
Claims relating to shareholdings or company directorships
Insolvency, TUPE or collective consultation related claims
Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal.
There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing based on the hourly rate of the fee earner with conduct of the litigation per day. Generally, we would allow from one – five days depending on the complexity of your case. Hourly rates range from £250 to £350 (plus VAT). So, (£300) to (£420) per hour, depending on the experience and the level of the solicitor dealing with the matter.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Barristers’ fees for assisting with a matter are generally from £750 to £2,500 (plus VAT). So (£900) to £3000) per day (depending on their experience) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation for the Hearing).
Key Stages
The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of 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 ACAS Early Conciliation to explore whether a settlement can be reached
Preparing claim or response
Reviewing and advising on claims or response from an other party
Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
Preparing or considering a schedule of loss (document detailing losses claimed)
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 bundle of documents
Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or case list together with any supplemental documents required
Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel.
The stages set out above are an indication and if some of the stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs and will impact on price.
The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 3 – 6 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take four – eight months. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.
When you need legal advice you want to be talking to the best in town. That's where we come in with offices in Leeds and Chapel Allerton we provide some of Leeds best legal advice ranging from Family and Child Law all the way through to Commericial Property. Our team of expert solicitors and lawyers are just a phone call away.
Contact us on 0113 200 7480 or email us on info@averywalters.com to arrange your free initial, no obligation consultation with a specialist.
* Laura Stafford is the SFE accredited memberand a full member of STEP