The only way to accurately estimate the cost is for you to come in and discuss your particular circumstances so that we can see firstly if the matter is worth pursuing and then what we estimate the cost would be.
In terms of bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal, a typical cost could range as follows:
- Simple case £2,500 – £5,000 (excluding VAT charged at 20%)
- Medium complexity case £5000 – £7,500 (excluding VAT charged at 20%)
- High complexity case £7,500 – £15,000 (excluding VAT charged at 20%)
- We charge based on an hourly rate of £195 per hour plus VAT of 20%.
Complexity
Factors which could make a case more complex include but are not limited to:
- 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 costs application
- Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
- The number of witnesses and documents
- If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
- Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
- There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing based upon how many hours we are in attendance and charged at our hourly rate of £195 per hour plus VAT of 20%.
How long will my matter take?
Typically, a matter takes 4 – 9 months from claim to tribunal, but of course this can vary depending on the complexity of your case.
Who will have conduct of my case?
Typically, your matter will be dealt with by a solicitor of the firm with over 10 years experience.
Disbursements
These are costs related to your case that are payable to third parties, such as court or tribunal fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Barristers fees are an example of a disbursement and can range from £500 – £1500 plus VAT charged at 20% per day (depending on the experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).
Key stages
- Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on the 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 your claim or response
- Reviewing and advising on your claim or response or your opponents claim or response
- Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
- Preparing or considering a 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 you and/or your witnesses
- Preparing bundle documents
- Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
- Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology, and/or a cast list
- 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 be arranged on your individual needs.
