Crystal clear pricing – Employment Tribunal
How much will it cost to bring or defend an employment claim?
We recognise that Employment Tribunal cases are varied and with a range of potential costs and damages.
We work with both individuals who want to bring claims against their employer or employers defending claims by employees.
Our work is based on the time it takes to deal with the claim (if you are bringing the proceedings) or response (if you are defending the claim).
Before starting any work, we will discuss your requirements and take time to understand the background to the case. This will allow us to give you an estimate of our legal fees.
Examples of Employment Tribunal legal costs
Our pricing offers good value for the extensive service and experience we offer. To give you an idea of the costs involved, we have provided two case studies from cases we have dealt with. One is relatively simple and the other more complicated.
Unlike some other employment advisers we are able to provide our own advocacy service from within the Employment & HR Team. We also instruct barristers to conduct advocacy where appropriate.
Case study one: acting for an individual
Type: Employment Tribunal – Unfair Dismissal
Details: Mr A and Mr B refused to obey an instruction from their employer. They were both dismissed and bring claims for Unfair Dismissal. They claim damages of £70,000.
Our client: Mr A
The case: takes six months to get to hearing. Preparation involves the collating and review of evidence, preparing witness statements and attendance at the Tribunal for one day with advocacy (to represent Mr A at the hearing) also provided.
Our fees (including advocacy): £15,000 plus VAT at 20%.
Case study two: acting for an employer
Type: Employment Tribunal (Whistleblowing, Equal Pay, Automatic Unfair Dismissal, Worker Status, Holiday Pay, Ordinary Unfair Dismissal)
Details: Mrs A is dismissed for dishonesty (theft). She claims over £200K in damages.
The Employment Tribunal orders two Preliminary Hearings (one for case management (2 hours) and another to determine employment status (2 days). The case is also subject to a three day full ‘merits’ hearing to determine the outcome to the claims overall.
Our client: the employer; a large automotive manufacturer.
The case: takes 12 months to get to a final (merits) hearing. Preparation involves the collating and review of evidence, preparing witness statements and attendance at the Preliminary Hearings and a full Tribunal hearing with advocacy also provided.
The outcome is successful for the employer.
Our fees (including all advocacy): £50,000 plus VAT at 20%
Fixed or capped fees
We are happy to agree a fixed or capped fee for some matters. This offers greater cost certainty from an earlier stage in the proceedings.
Hourly rates for employment cases
While rates may vary between different members of the Employment and HR Team typical hourly charge out rates are as follows (subject to VAT at 20%):
| Employment solicitor or Paralegal | Hourly rate |
| Partner | £395 |
| Senior Associates | £320 |
| Associate | £270 |
| Solicitors | £235 |
| Trainee solicitor | £160 |
Our hourly rates are reviewed annually and are current as of 1 April 2024.
VAT & disbursements
Our fees and some disbursements are subject to VAT at 20%. Disbursements are charges payable in addition to our fees, normally to a third party. They can include fees payable to the Land Registry, barristers or search providers. The amount charged for the disbursements depends upon a number of variables so we will be able to advise you of the correct charges when we have further information from you.
Contact an employment solicitor
If you would like to learn more about how we can support your business, please contact a member of our team directly or by calling 0800 652 8025.
Clarke Willmott has offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton. We provide UK employment law and HR advice to businesses in the UK and internationally.
