Employment Law Fees
Concerns about high legal fees can often deter individuals from seeking legal assistance. Smalleys Solicitors LTD is governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring that we adhere to strict transparency in our pricing. Below, you’ll find detailed information regarding our charges for Employment Law services.
If you have any enquiries, feel free to contact us at (0115) 955 6555 or send us a message through the contact page.
Solicitor Fees
The hourly rates applied depend on the qualification and experience of your Solicitor:
- Partner/Member Solicitor: £280
- Senior Solicitor or Head of Department (PQE 8+ years): £250
- Assistant Solicitor/Fee Earner (PQE 3/7 years): £215
- NQ Fee Earner (PQE 1/3 years): £185
- Paralegals/Trainees: £135
- Support Paralegals: £115
*Please note these rates are subject to change.
VAT
All fees are quoted exclusive of VAT. VAT will be charged at the standard rate applied by the Government, which is 20%.
Pricing for Unfair or Wrongful Dismissal Claims
- Simple Case: £4,000 – £6,000 (excluding VAT and disbursements)
- Medium Complexity Case: £6,000 – £10,000 (excluding VAT and disbursements)
- High Complexity Case: £10,000+ (excluding VAT and disbursements)
Factors That Could Increase Complexity
- Making or defending applications to amend claims or provide further information.
- Defending claims brought by litigants in person.
- Dealing with unresponsive or non-compliant parties.
- Making or defending a costs application.
- Complex preliminary issues (e.g., claimant disability, interim relief applications, admissibility of documents).
- Number of witnesses and documents involved.
- Automatic unfair dismissal claims (e.g., whistleblowing).
- Discrimination allegations linked to dismissal.
- Multiple claims.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter payable to third parties, such as counsel’s fees or travel/accommodation expenses. These are handled on your behalf for smoother processing.
- Counsel’s Fees: Estimated between £750 to £3,000 + VAT per day for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation), depending on the advocate’s experience. These are not included in the fee estimate above.
Key Stages Covered by Fees
The fees cover all work related to the following key stages of a claim:
- Taking initial instructions, reviewing papers, and advising on merits and likely compensation.
- Entering pre-claim conciliation (if mandatory) to explore settlement.
- Preparing claim or response.
- Reviewing and advising on claim or response from the other party.
- Exploring 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 on a document bundle.
- Taking and drafting witness statements, and obtaining witness agreement.
- Preparing document bundles.
- Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements.
- Agreeing on issues, chronology, and/or cast list.
- Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel.
The stages listed are indicative. If some stages are not necessary, the fee will be adjusted accordingly. You may opt to handle some stages yourself with our advice as needed.
How Long Will My Matter Take?
The duration from taking initial instructions to final resolution depends on the case stage and Tribunal:
- Settlement During Pre-Claim Conciliation: Typically between 1 day and 45 days.
- Proceeding to Final Hearing: Likely between 26 – 52 weeks.
This is an estimate, and a more accurate timeline will be provided as the matter progresses.
If you have any enquiries, feel free to contact us at (0115) 955 6555 or send us a message through the contact page.