Costs and Service Information - Employment claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal for individuals
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If you are a current or former employee and require legal advice or representation at an employment tribunal, JMW can help. We specialise in providing expert legal representation to those taking their case to an employment tribunal, and pride ourselves on our professional, proactive service.
We can offer advice on whether your specific case can be taken to an employment tribunal in the first place, and, if it can, strive to construct a strong case that gives you the best possible chance of securing a favourable result.
For more information about how we can help with your employment tribunal, get in contact today. Doing so could not be simpler; either call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we can discuss your situation in more detail.
Prices
Please note that there will be two elements to the prices as set out below:
- Fees charged by JMW; and
- Fees payable to third parties.
Please ensure that you consider both parts of the price information.
Fees charged by JMW
| Case type | Legal fee* | VAT (charged at 20% | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple case | £15,000- £25,000 | £3,000 - £5,000 | £18,000 - £30,000 |
| Medium complexity case | £25,000 - £45,000 | £5,000 - £9,000 | £30,000 - £54,000 |
| High complexity case | £45,000 - £100,000 | £9,000 - £20,000 | £54,000 - £120,000 |
* basis of charging = fixed fee OR average hourly rate of between £300 to £600 . Hourly rates for lawyers in our employment team are set out in the ‘Qualifications and experience of our team’ section below.
If hourly rate … Based on 33 – 55 hours to complete the work for a simple case.
Based on 55 – 100 hours to complete the work for a medium complexity case.
Based on 100 – 222 hours to complete the work for a high complexity case.
Factors that affect the complexity of a case:
- 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.
Prices can vary for a range of issues including, but not limited to;
- Strict / short deadlines;
- Geographical location of lawyer instructed;
- Qualification / experience of lawyer instructed.
We will be able to give you an idea of the complexity of your case and the likely fees for our advice and assistance once we receive details of your case from you.
Additional Fees Charged by JMW
| Disbursement | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic ID Check Individual | £20 (excluding VAT) |
Fees payable to third parties (‘disbursements’)
| Disbursement | Fee | VAT (charged at 20%) | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counsel's fees | £1,000- £30,000 | £200 - £6,000 | £1,200 - £36,000 |
| SUBTOTAL | £1,200- £36,000 |
The fees for counsel will vary depending on the level of input required generally and the amount of preparation required for any hearing. On average, the hourly rates would be £210 (inclusive of VAT) for junior counsel and £480 (inclusive of VAT) for senior counsel. We would agree any fee with you in advance if counsel was required.
Work included and key stages
The precise work and stages involved in defending an unfair or wrongful dismissal claim vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical claim:
- Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation.
- Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached.
- Preparing your response.
- Reviewing and advising on the claim from the other party.
- Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process.
- 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.
Services excluded
Our services (within the scope of this costs information) will not include any of the following:
- Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal.
- Advice relating to tax i.e. the tax treatment of any settlement; and
- Advice relating to pensions.
Approximate/ average timescales
The time that it takes from 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 5 -10 weeks. If the claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 6 – 18 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 your case progresses.
