Our Prices
Barnard & Webb Employment Law and HR Experts
Barnard & Webb Solicitors (“the Firm”) is obliged by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to provide transparency in respect of the fees it charges individuals and employers in respect of bringing and defending unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims, which we set out below.
When considering the price brackets for our estimated costs, it is worth bearing in mind that no two clients and no two matters are the same.
We do not want to see your access to justice restricted due to the cost of obtaining sound legal advice and representation. We will always explore funding options with you at the outset of any matter. It may be that you have legal expenses insurance that will cover the cost of representation.
Our hourly rates:-
Peggy Barnard- £265 + VAT
Jacqueline Webb- £265 + VAT
Both Peggy and Jacqueline are qualified to assist you with the whole range of services covered by the Firm. Details of our respective experience can be found here.
Our estimates for bringing claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal are as follows:-
Simple case: £8,000 - £10,000 + VAT
Medium complexity case: £10,000 - £20,000 + VAT
High complexity case: £20,000 - £40,000 + VAT
Factors that could make a case more complex:-
If it is necessary to make applications to amend claims to provide further information about an existing claim or to make applications for request for further and better particulars.
Making a costs application
Complex preliminary issues such as whether the case has been issued in time, or whether you are disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
The number of witnesses and documents
If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim
Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
If there are any other claims issued at the same time ie. unlawful deduction of wages.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees and barrister’s (or counsel’s) fees. We will often handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Counsel's fees are estimated between £750 to £3,000 + VAT per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation)
VAT
All fees and disbursements stated are subject to VAT at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%
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 pre-claim 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 (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
The stages set out above are an indication only 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 on your individual needs.
How long will the 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 pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 4 – 6 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case could take in excess of one year. 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.
Tailored Quote
It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur other costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of the your particular case once we know about your specific circumstances.