We aim to provide our customers with a range of flexible pricing alternatives. These cost frameworks can include the standard ‘pay as you go’ hourly rate model to fixed and capped fee structures.
Our standard hourly rates vary depending upon the volume of cases received and whether you are a subscription-based customer or not.
The tables below should provide you with a clearer picture as to what you are likely to pay.
| Our standard hourly rates are: | |
|---|---|
| Subscription customers | £155 to £215 plus VAT per hour, depending upon case volumes |
| Non-subscription customers | £225 to £255 plus VAT per hour, depending upon case volumes |
The above hourly rates apply to all work carried out by the highly experienced legal team within ESP Law or qualified employment solicitors at Ward Hadaway.
We have two service models that can apply to ET claims. These are "Standard" and "Complex" claims. The different service models reflect how we agree, with you, to manage and run your ET claim(s), and are designed to your specific needs.
Factors that could make a case more complex:
| Example capped fee structures for unfair dismissal claims under the Standard service model we can accommodate are: | |
|---|---|
| Case with 1 day ET with no more than 3 witnesses (including the Claimant) | Depending on the agreed hourly rate a £5K - £8K plus VAT capped price. |
| Case with 2 day ET with no more than 5 witnesses (including the Claimant) | Depending on the agreed hourly rate a £7.5K - £11K plus VAT capped price. |
| Case with 3 day ET with no more than 7 witnesses (including the Claimant) | Depending on the agreed hourly rate a £10K - £15K plus VAT capped price. |
| There will usually be a capped 'add-on' cost of £400 - £500 plus VAT for attendance at any telephone preliminary hearings (this is included in the capped fee). | |
The above prices do not include disbursements or barrister's fees for attendance and representation at the hearing. Please see below for barrister's fees (disbursements).
Unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims conducted under the complex model have significantly varying costs. These depend on the factors outlined in the above table and are defined by the hourly rates agreed between us. For example, this could cost between £6,000-£15,000 for a one-day claim, £8,000-£18,000 for a two-day claim and £10,000-£20,000 for a three-day claim.
All fees shown are subject to VAT at 20%.
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.
The typical disbursements that are charged in unfair dismissal claims include:
We do not charge for photocopying, ring binders or other stationery.
It is typically difficult to provide a definitive guide as all barristers are self-employed and chambers are free to set their own charging rates and fees. This means different chambers can charge varying rates.
The rates outlined below are based on barristers’ fees we have been charged and/or quoted in respect of unfair dismissal claims. Senior barristers also tend to charge significantly more, and QC fees in particular will be high. The figures are for guidance only as ESP Law has no influence over the rates charged.
A ‘refresher fee’ is an additional payment made per extra day of hearing. For example, if the hearing is listed for three days, you would pay the ‘brief fee’ plus two ‘refresher’ fees.
| Call | 1 day | 2 days | Half day | CMD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 | £500-£900 | Brief Fee £1,000-£2,000 Refresher £650-£850 |
£500-£600 | £500-£700 |
| 7 to 12 | £1,000-£3,000 | Brief Fee £1,650-£3,000 Refresher £1,000 |
£700-£900 | £650-£1,000 |
| 13+ | £1,500-£3,500 | Brief Fee £2,000-£5,000 Refresher £1,250 |
£1,000 | £850-£2,000 |
All fees shown are subject to VAT at 20%.
The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:
The stages above are only an indication, however, if some 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 to suit your individual needs.
From taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage as which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 6-12 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a final hearing, your case may take between 35-78 weeks. These are estimates. ESP Law will provide a more accurate timescale once we have more detailed information from you, and as the matter progresses.
You may have other funding options available – such as cover under an insurance policy – which we can talk about during our initial discussion. We recommend you check beforehand if you are covered under the Employers’ Liability Insurance or your Directors’ and Officers’ insurance policy.
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