We have set out our estimated legal fees below for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal below. Please contact us for an estimate based on your particular circumstances.

Our fees range based on the complexity of the case. Factors that could make a case more complex include:

• 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 a 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 of £750 – £1500 per day (excluding VAT). Generally, we would allow one to two days depending on the complexity of your case.

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.

Counsel’s fees estimated between £1500 to £6000 per day for a ‘brief’ fee (preparation and attendance on day 1) and £1000 to £3000 per day ‘refresher’ (for each day of the trial after the first) for attending a Tribunal Hearing.  The fees depend on the experience of the barrister.

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 pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached.
• Preparing claim or response.
• Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party.
• 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 witnesses.
• Preparing bundle of documents.
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements.
• Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list.
• Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel.

The stages set out above are only an indication and, if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced.

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 up to six weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take six to 18 months to conclude.

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.

Kevin McKenna – Partner

Sally Bird – Associate

Mark McKeating – Partner

Claire Hollins – Senior Associate

Claire Treacy – Associate 

James Howarth – Associate 

Lauren Ogden – Solicitor 

Jake McManus – Solicitor