This pricing is based on the following hourly rates, which reflect the level of experience of the fee earner dealing with your case:

Factors that could make a case more complex:

• If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
• Protracted correspondence
• Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
• Large amounts of documentation
• 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 the claim involves whistle-blowing
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

Should the complexity of your case change due to unexpected issues arising, we will of course advise you as soon as possible of any additional costs that may be incurred.

There will be an additional charge for attending any Tribunal Hearings of £800 - £1,600 per day (including/excluding VAT).

Generally, we would allow 1 - 5 days for a Final Hearing, depending on the complexity of your case.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

We may advise instructing a Barrister (Counsel) to represent you in lengthy and/or complex Hearings. Counsel's fees are estimated between £850 and £1,000 per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

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 Early 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 a Preliminary Hearing, including instructions to Counsel
• 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 for Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of 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 and a quote provided based on your individual needs.

How long will my matter take?

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 Early Conciliation, your case is likely to take 4 - 6 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 6 - 12 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.

Many insurance providers include legal expenses cover, which can assist with legal costs, as part of their policies. We would therefore advise you to check any insurance policies you hold or are named on to see if there is legal expenses cover in place. If it is the case, please let us know.