Employment Tribunal Fees
We are all different and require slightly differing services from a solicitor during a legal matter. It is therefore impossible to give an exact quote for any form of employment litigation. This is because, the same job can incur quite different charges when performed for two different people.
When it comes to Employment Tribunals, you should be absolutely clear that no litigation can be guaranteed success, no matter how strong the case appears to be, and we do not generally agree to any fee structure that is dependent upon a particular outcome. Remember, guarantees come with toasters, not with tribunals.
Our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal:
| Type of case | Type of Factors Affecting the Level of Complexity* | Our Estimated Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Case | 1. Small number of documents 2. One claim with a fairly simple background 3. Only one solicitor involved 4. A day long tribunal hearing |
£4,000-£10,000 (exc. VAT) |
| Medium Complexity Case | 1. Some documents 2. A couple of claims with a more complex background 3. Time spent on negotiations with the other side 4. A couple of solicitors involved 5. One preliminary hearing and a couple days on tribunal hearing |
£10,000-£14,000 (exc. VAT) |
| High Complexity Case | 1. High number of complex documents 2. A series of claims with a complex background 3. Difficult and extensive negotiations with the other side 4. A team of solicitors involved 5. One or more preliminary hearings and more than 3 days tribunal hearing |
£14,000-£22,000 onwards (exc. VAT) |
*Factors Affecting the Level of Complexity and Cost
There are factors over which you may have or may haven’t any influence but they could significantly affect the level of costs of your tribunal. Some of these, can be due to the actions of the other side or the Tribunal.
Preliminary Hearings: This can take place to agree the orderly conduct of the case, or to consider applications from the other side, or even us. These increase the costs depending on how much time they take and whether they take place in person or by telephone (on which the Tribunal has the final say).
Number of Documents: you may think that the documentation supporting your case is simple but sometimes, the other side may disclose a great many documents. It shouldn’t happen, but sometimes we suspect this is a tactic to make the case or the transaction more expensive for you. We have little choice but to read all of the documents disclosed by the other side and of course, this incurs more fees.
Number of Solicitors Involved in the case: In certain cases, solicitors acting for the other party to the transaction may assign a whole team of staff to the case who then raise literally hundreds of questions and make numerous amends to documents which are designed to attempt to strengthen their client’s position and therefore weaken yours. In those cases, we have to deal with those questions that are being raised and we have to defend attempts to transfer the risk of the transaction from themselves to you.
Negotiations: Settlement talks may progress with the promise of resolution. We will always seek to resolve matters without a hearing as a first choice. These take time and incur costs. And sometimes, those discussions do not lead to conclusion, but we will still charge our time spent conducting them.
Representation: There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing and this is not included on the above table. We would always discuss this option with you, the pros and cons in your particular case and any other options available.
The above are simply examples and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. There are other factors like defending claims that are brought by litigants in person and making or defending a costs application but we always explain any additional cost that we may incur before we do so.
Key Stages and Timetable
The stages set out below are an indication and if some stages 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.
*The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the date of the tribunal depends largely on the geographical area of the Tribunal. Usually, from the date of the Preliminary Hearing to the Tribunal day is 5 to 7 months. However, the Preliminary Hearing can take place even after 6 months of the date the claim was submitted. 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.
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