Lightfoots Fees
A guide of the likely costs if you instruct us to advise and arrange representation for you in a tribunal claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal is provided below. The fees listed are an estimate only not a binding quotation.
There is no such thing as an average case. Accordingly, after discussing with you the details of your case and what you want to achieve, we will provide you with a written estimate to carry out the work which may differ from the pricing below.
It can be misleading to estimate total costs to take a case all the way to trial, as most cases are resolved before they reach that stage. However, if a case does go all the way to trial, and you require legal representation throughout (which is not compulsory), we estimate our fees as follows:
- Simple case: £9,000-£12,000 (excluding VAT)
- Medium complexity case: £13,000- £20,000 (excluding VAT)
- High complexity case: £21,000 – £30,000 (excluding VAT)
Factors that could make a case more complex:
• If once your claim has been issued it is necessary to apply to amend it to include new information or claims
• Making or defending an application for one side in the case to be ordered to pay the other side’s legal costs. (In Tribunals this is unusual and only allowed in exceptional circumstances)
• Complex preliminary issues such as whether, if the case includes a claim for disability discrimination, the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
• The number of witnesses and documents
• If it is a Public Interest Disclosure claim e.g. if you are dismissed as a result of reporting illegal conduct by your employer
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
• If there are grounds to appeal against the Tribunal’s judgment to a higher court
Expenses
We also charge for expenses such as travel or (in disability discrimination cases) a medical report where necessary. In tribunal claims the largest expenses that you may have to pay are likely to be barristers’ fees
Barrister’s fees are estimated between £750 and £2,000 per day (depending on experience on their seniority and experience) for attending a Tribunal Hearing, preparation and advice).
Self-representation
You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some or all the stages. This can also be arranged based on your individual needs. In these cases, our advice is currently normally likely to be charged at £210 (excluding VAT) per hour.