SRA Transparency

Pricing

Regulation and Transparency

James Legal is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (often referred to as the SRA) (Hull Office SRA No. 510398) (Beverley Office SRA No. 664876). We have always been transparent and clear with our pricing but in addition to that we are required, by the SRA, to provide a certain level of transparency on pricing for a range of legal services offered by the firm. We have set out below the information required by the SRA under their transparency rules.

Important to note

Each matter, case or transaction can be different, we have provided generic pricing information, but we would highly recommend speaker to one of our expert legal team before proceeding. Our experts will be able to discuss with you your particular requirements and provide you with a full detailed breakdown of legal costs, a clear scope of work all of which will be set out in a Proposal, Order and Scope of Work.

Contact us

For bespoke quote of to discuss costs please feel free to contact us

VAT on costs

All of our costs below and across our website are subject to VAT at 20% which is the present prevailing rate.

Residential Conveyancing

Our fees for Residential Conveyancing are usually fixed and a bespoke fee quote for your transaction can be obtained by contacting us. There are however circumstances where costs may increase (some examples are given below) where the nature or amount of work changes or differs form that anticipated based on your initial instructions. Were there is a change in costs we will of course discuss this with you as soon as it becomes apparent.

Our legal costs for a basic straightforward transaction start from:

  • £550.00 plus £110.00 VAT on a Sale
  • £695.00 plus £139.00 VAT on a Purchase
  • £650.00 plus £130.00 VAT for a Re-mortgage

In addition to our costs there are also disbursements to be paid.

The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not strictly fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time and work involved form your initial instructions. In most transactions costs will be as per bespoke quote we send to you in our proposal, order and scope of work, but as set out below there are times when the cost may change. 

Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally. 

Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.

Our Average Costs are:

Our average legal costs for a basic straightforward transaction are:

  • £1000.00 plus £110.00 VAT on a Sale
  • £1100.00 plus £139.00 VAT on a Purchase
  • £1050.00 plus £130.00 VAT for a Re-mortgage

In addition to our costs there are also disbursements to be paid.

Money we may have to pay out on your behalf

Money we have to pay out on your behalf to third parties are called “Disbursements

Sale Disbursements

The usual disbursements on a sale will be around £75. This is inclusive of VAT and includes a copy of your title, telegraphic transfer fee, copying and postage charges and electronic identification fees as shown below.

TT Fee (per transaction) 35.00
VAT 7.00
ID Check (per person) 9.95
VAT 1.99
Title Registers 9.00
EvoVault (Secure Portal) 10.00
VAT 2.00

Purchase Disbursements

The usual disbursements on a purchase are a minimum of £310 (this excludes stamp duty). This is inclusive of VAT and includes a full search pack (local authority search, water & drainage search and environmental search), final land registry searches, land registration fee, bank telegraphic transfer fee, copying, and electronic identification fees.

TT Fee (per transaction) 35.00
VAT 7.00
ID Check (per person) 9.95
VAT 1.99
Property Searches 180.00
Final Searches + £2 if a couple 5.00
Registration Fee 20.00
Mortgage Admin Fee 40.00
VAT 8.00

Re-mortgage Disbursements

The usual disbursements on a sale will be around £183. This is inclusive of VAT and includes a copy of your title, telegraphic transfer fee, copying and postage charges, electronic identification fees, search indemnity) come lenders require full searches as would be required for a purchase) and lender portal fees as shown below.

Title Registers 6.00
TT Fee (per transaction) 35.00
VAT 7.00
ID Check (per person) 9.95
VAT 1.99
No-Search Indemnity (approx.) 50.00
Final Searches + £2 if a couple 5.00
Registration Fee 20.00
Mortgage Admin Fee 40.00
VAT 8.00

Note - The land registration fee increases with the value of the property and the land registry fee used to calculate the average disbursement figure above was £20.00. This is the fee payable for a property up to the value of £80,000.00.

Stamp Duty

(SDLT in England; LTT in Wales) depends on the purchase price of your property and varies depending on your circumstances, including:

  • whether you are a first time buyer
  • whether you own other property
  • whether you are purchasing in a company name
  • whether you are non-UK resident

There is a calculator on HMRC’s website to show the amount of SDLT payable. For properties in Wales, the amount of LTT depends on similar factors and can be calculated by using the Welsh Revenue Authority's website.
To give you an accurate indication of the stamp duty payable we would need to assess all of the facts relating to the purchase of the Property. We do not give specialist tax advice.

Other disbursements

There will be additional disbursements for leasehold properties:

When selling a leasehold property, you may need to pay for a ‘management pack’ from the landlord or management company: you will need to contact them to request this and find out the cost (The average is around £350 though there is a wide variation).

When buying a leasehold property, the lease will require notice of the transfer and mortgage to be given to the landlord or management company. There may also be deed of covenant fees and a fee for providing a certificate of compliance required by the Land Registry, (The average for each item is around £50 - £100 each though there is a wide variation).

Note - For the avoidance of doubt the above fees quoted do not include estate agency fees, surveyors fees and other services carried out by third parties.

What type of thing could affect the costs?

Fees will vary depending on the nature of the transaction and will take into account many factors including the following:

  • The value of the Property
  • Whether the Property is leasehold
  • Whether the Property is a New Build
  • Whether there are service charges payable
  • Whether you are purchasing or refinancing in a company name
  • How you are financing the transaction
  • Whether the property is tenanted
  • If the is problems with the title
  • If a third party conduct results in more work
  • If the transaction is urgent
  • If the transaction involves any other changes or complexities
  • If the transaction takes longer in time spent that we anticipate
  • Other unforeseen circumstances

The above is not an exhaustive list and there may be other factors that affect the fee payable. We will discuss which apply to your circumstances at the outset or as they arise

Key Stages of a Typical Sale and Purchase

Each transaction is different: the parties, the property, the price etc. The below stages in a ‘typical’ sale/purchase below are for guidance only - they can happen in a different order:

Sale

  • The seller’s solicitor takes initial instructions carry out an ID check
  • The seller’s solicitor asks seller to complete questionnaires about the property to be sold
  • The seller’s solicitor sends contract pack of documents to Buyer’s solicitor
  • The seller responds to buyer’s initial enquiries and provides any documents or information relating to the property being sold
  • The seller’s solicitor arranges signature of the contract and transfer deed (and any other transaction documents) and
  • The seller solicitor requests a mortgage redemption figure
  • Parties agree a moving / completion date
  • The Parties exchange contracts when parties are legally bound and the date by which the seller has to move out and key hand over is agreed
  • Completion - the money is transferred between solicitors;
  • The seller moves out and hands the keys to the buyer the seller receives the net proceeds (after payment of mortgage and other fees)

Purchase

  • The buyer’s solicitor takes initial instructions, gives initial advice, carries out ID check and other AML checks
  • The buyer arranges home survey and finance
  • The buyer’s solicitor reviews the contract papers
  • The buyers solicitor raises enquiries to the seller
  • The buyer’s solicitor submits searches
  • The buyer’s solicitor reviews replies to enquiries and ensure all information is complete
  • The buyer’s solicitor reports to the buyer on the legal title, results of the searches and the mortgage offer (if any)
  • The buyer’s solicitor arranges signature of documents: including the contract, transfer deed, SDLT and mortgage deed
  • Exchange contracts takes place, this is the stage when parties are legally bound; the buyer pays the deposit (most often circa 10% of the purchase price) and the date by which the buyer has to pay the balance and will get the keys is agreed
  • The buyer’s solicitor prepares for completion by submitting searches to HM Land Registry and they arrange for all the money and the mortgage advance to be released
  • Completion is where the money is transferred between solicitors and the buyer receives the keys so they can move into the property
  • The buyer’s solicitor pays SDLT
  • The buyer’s solicitor applies to register the new ownership at HM Land Registry ( actual registration can take some time in the hands of HM Land Registry)

How long will it take for sales or purchases ?

The length of time between acceptance of an offer until the completion day will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 12-16 weeks (as at Jan 2024). It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 4 weeks to exchange. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 2 and 3 months to exchange. In such, a situation additional charges would be incurred

Key Stages of a typical Re-mortgage

Each transaction is different: the parties, the property, the value, the loan etc. The below stages in a ‘typical’ re-mortgage below are for guidance only: they can happen in a different order:

Re- Mortgage

  • The borrower informs solicitor they have applied for a remortgage or refinance
  • The borrower’s solicitor takes initial instructions then sends questionnaire for completion by Borrower and carries out ID check and relevant AML checks
  • The lender issues a mortgage offer
  • The borrower’s solicitor obtains redemption statement from existing lender and contacts existing and/or new lender’s solicitors as required
  • The borrower’s solicitor submits searches relating to the property if required by lender / arranges indemnity insurance if searches are not required
  • The borrower’s solicitor reviews the legal title of the property and then seeks further documentation
  • The borrowers solicitor reports to the lender
  • The borrower’s solicitor reviews mortgage offer and arranges signature of documents with the borrower
  • The borrower’s solicitor prepares for completion and obtains any balance payment from the Borrower;
  • The borrower’s solicitor submits searches to HM Land Registry and arranges for the mortgage advance to be released
  • Completion – where the existing mortgage is settled and the new mortgage is drawn down and then borrower receives any surplus funds
  • The borrower’s solicitor registers change of lender at HM Land Registry (actual registration can take some time in the hands of HM Land Registry)

How long will it take for a remortgage?

The length of time between instruction and completion of the re-mortgage will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 4 – 8 weeks (as at Jan 2024). It can be quicker or slower, depending on the mortgage application process and the new lender’s requirements.

Who at James Legal will deal with Residential Conveyancing ?

On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with Residential Conveyancing here at James Legal.

Probate

Probate and Estate Administration

We can either assist you to make the application for the grant of probate only or we can deal with the full administration which involves collecting and distributing the assets.

Who at James Legal will deal with Probate and Estate Administration?

On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with Probate and Estate Administration along with other private client work here.

There will be a main point of contact throughout your transaction. Our team is led by Christopher Hutchinson who is a senior solicitor and a Fully Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.

Applying for Probate only

To obtain the Grant of Probate only for a straightforward estate:
Our Legal Fee £960 plus VAT

To obtain the Grant of Probate only for a moderate estate:
Our Legal Fee £1,200 plus VAT

The likely disbursements are:
Probate Application Fee £273
Extra copies of the grant of probate £1.50 per copy

Dealing with the full Estate Administration

What are the total or likely range of costs for applying for probate, collecting in and distributing the assets of an estate?

Every estate is different and so our costs will depend on individual circumstances. We charge on a time spent basis as we believe that this is the fairest way, you are only charged for the work actually done, rather than a percentage of the value of the estate. We anticipate that fully administering an estate can take anywhere 10 and 120 hours at £250 per hour plus VAT. We have provided some costs estimates below.

Complexity of Estate Legal Fees of James Legal – range Based on the following presumptions
Straight forward £2,900 (plus VAT of £580) - £5,900 (plus VAT of £1,180)
  • No IHT payable
  • IHT residence nil rate band is not being claimed
  • Maximum of 3 bank or building society accounts
  • Maximum of 4 pecuniary legacies and specific gifts
  • Maximum of 3 residuary beneficiaries
  • Beneficiaries addresses known
  • Only one property
  • The Will is not defective
  • No disputes or claims against the estate
Moderate £5,900 (plus VAT of £1,180) - £7,900 (plus VAT of £1,580)
  • No IHT payable
  • Only one property
  • Will not defective
  • No disputes or claims against the estate
High £7,900 (plus VAT of £1,580) - £30,000 (plus VAT of £6,000)
  • Only one property
  • Will not defective
  • No disputes or claims against the estate

The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time involved.

Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally. 

Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.

Money we may have to pay out on your behalf?

Money we have to pay out on your behalf to third parties is usually referred to as a “Disbursements

The disbursements which are most often incurred during an estate administration are set out below:

Probate Application Fee £273
Extra copies of the grant of probate £1.50 per copy
UK Bankruptcy searches £2 per beneficiary
Statutory Notice in the London Gazette and local newspaper – protects from unexpected claims by unknown creditors – typically £250 plus VAT

What type of thing could affect the costs?

Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets can range in likely costs due to the complexity and the time taken based on many factors including (by way of examples):

  • The number of executors and beneficiaries involved.
  • The number and complexity of the assets involved.
  • The need to make enquiries into the type and value of the assets.
  • The speed with which action may need to be taken.
  • Whether or the deceased left a Will and the validity of the Will.
  • If Inheritance Tax is payable or a full IHT account needs to be submitted to HMRC.
  • If other tax issues arise such as income or capital gains tax
  • The need for expert advice or assistance such as valuations of shareholding or items.
  • If there are any disputes between executors and beneficiaries.
  • If any claims or disputes in relation to the estate.
  • If we need to set up a Trust as specified in the Will.
  • If a DWP investigation arises.
  • A missing beneficiary.
  • Overseas assets or executors and beneficiaries.
  • If some assets have title issues.
  • If bankruptcy issues arise.
  • Non standard probate applications, such as applications by attorneys or on behalf of a minor.

What are the usual key stages of Estate Administration?

When we carry out work on your behalf we will set out a “scope of work” within the Proposal and Order we send to you. The Scopes of Work, may be broken down in stages, steps or phases, usually to make it more manageable financially. However, in terms of general employment claim, the key stages are:

  • Initial meeting with you to take instructions
  • Reviewing information or documents provided by you
  • Providing some initial guidance on routes forward
  • Establishing the extent of the assets of the estate
  • Obtain the Original Will
  • Obtaining date of death values of all assets where not already available
  • Ascertaining liabilities of the estate
  • Corresponding with financial institutions and others as appropriate
  • Submitting the application to Court for the Grant of Probate at the appropriate juncture
  • Serving Notice on your co-executor in respect of the application
  • When the Grant is issued, gathering in the assets which required a Grant to do so in accordance with your instructions
  • Advertising for creditors under the Trustee Act. This is done to provide protection to personal representatives in respect of creditors who are not known about
  • Dealing with income tax and any other tax issues that may arise (with the assistance of an independent financial adviser as appropriate)
  • Correspondence with third parties as necessary to facilitate the above
  • Correspondence and meeting/s (as and when required) as necessary to affect the above
  • Any further work that may prove necessary.
  • Preparation of final Estate Accounts before distributing the Estate
  • If you require any assistance with conveyancing of a property that is dealt with by a different department and would be charged additionally (only if required)

The above stages may vary according to the nature and type of estate.

How long does it take?

The length of time an estate may take to distribute depends on the nature and extent of the estate. We usually expect to be able to apply for Probate within 2 months of instruction. We will deal with matters promptly as they arise, and we try to distribute within 1 year of the issue of the grant. We cannot control how long third parties such as banks, government departments such as HMRC or DWP and the Probate Registry may take to deal with our correspondence. It may also take longer if there is property to be sold. Once the Grant has been received, we generally advise not to distribute an estate until after 6 months has issued from the date a Grant of Probate is issued. This is because it is always possible for a claim to be made against an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 within that period. In some circumstances we can distribute earlier on an indemnity basis.

Debt Recovery up to £100,000

Please see below the details of our fees for debt recovery matters up to £100,000. Claims can of course vary in complexity so in each case we will discuss costs with you, for your claim and based on what you might be aiming to achieve. We will usually set out a Scope of Work, along with a Proposal and Order. As work progresses, we will agree with you each step of the way the work to be done and the likely costs, so you have control of your cost. However, to help we have set out some broad indicative for an average and straightforward case, we have set this out below.

What are the total or likely range of costs for a debt claim up to £100,000?

If the claim is what we would consider average and straightforward our fee for a claim;

Work done on claim Legal Fees of James Legal – range Disbursement Costs - possible
Demand Letter only £250 (plus VAT of £50) - £500 (plus VAT of £100)
Claim issued at court and default judgement obtained £2500 (plus VAT of £500) - £3000 (plus VAT of £600) Court Fee (not subject to VAT ) depends on value of claim see Make a court claim for money: Court fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Claim issued at court and claim defended £3000 (plus VAT of £600) - £15000 (plus VAT of £3000) Court Fee (not subject to VAT ) depends on value of claim see Make a court claim for money: Court fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) also possible application fees and / or barristers Fees ( estimate £1000 plus VAT of £200 - £2500 plus VAT of £500)
Claim issued at court, Judgement Obtained and on form of enforcement action taken £3500 (plus VAT of £700) - £4000 (plus VAT of £800) Court Fee (not subject to VAT ) depends on value of claim see Make a court claim for money: Court fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and enforcement fees dependant on method of enforcement taken, current rates here Make a court claim for money: Enforce a judgment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time involved.

Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally. 

Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.

What type of thing could affect the costs?

Bringing employment claims against and employer can range in likely costs due to the complexity and the time taken based on many factors including (by way of examples):

  • The number of defendants involved
  • The number of invoices etc that make up the debt
  • The need to make more claims, applications, amendments, or further information requests relating to claims
  • The speed / urgency with which action may need to be taken
  • The need for interim or preliminary hearings or applications
  • The length and / or nature of hearings
  • The complexity of the facts of legal issues involved
  • The need for expert advice or assistance
  • The compliance of and involvement of witnesses
  • The number complexity or volume of documents or other evidence
  • The relevance of complex financial remedies
  • The availability of parties or advisors
  • The involvement of litigants in person

Money we may have to pay out on your behalf?

Money we have to pay out on your behalf is usually referred to as a “Disbursements

In Debt Claims there is usually a fee payable to issue the claim, this fee varies base don the value of the claim. The court Fee is also not subject to VAT.

Other possible disbursements incurred in debt claims are such things as the cost of a barrister, application fees to the court and any enforcement fees.

The cost of a barrister is often called Barristers fees or Counsels fees. The cost of a barrister will vary based on the barristers experience and the time they might spend on your claim, and idea of the likely costs is reflected in the table above (these fees are usually subject to VAT). 

What are the usual key stages of a Debt Claim ?

When we carry out work on your behalf we will set out a “scope of work” within the Proposal and Order we send to you. The Scopes of Work, may be broken down in stages, steps or phases, usually to make it more manageable financially. However, in terms of general debt claim, the overall key stages are

  • We will meet with you to obtain your full instructions on the matter.
  • A debt demand letter before action will be drafted and served on the debtor.
  • If the debt is paid within the timeframe specified, the funds will be sent to your nominated bank account.
  • If the debt remains outstanding following the expiry of the deadline to pay, we will contact you and discuss the options of going to Court.
  • If you instruct us to proceed, particulars of claim and a claim form will be drafted, and a court claim will be issued
  • If the claim is issued, the debtor will have 14 days to respond with an Acknowledgement of Service failing which, we can apply for a judgment for the full amount being claimed.
  • If the debtor does respond and denies the claim, the matter will proceed through the court to an eventual hearing, which will be considered by a judge. If this were to happen, we will discuss the costs required with you before proceeding.
  • If judgement in default is successful and payment is not made then it may be necessary to take enforcement action.

How Long Can It Take?

The duration of a debt matter can vary depending on several factors. For example, if the debt is disputed, or if court proceedings are ongoing or required. As a general rule, any proceedings can take from 6-12 months to complete. If court proceedings are not required, a matter can take on average from 1-3 months if it is straightforward and if the debt is not contested. If enforcement action is needed, this will of course take more time.

Once we are in receipt of your full details and instructions, we will be able to provide you with a specific scope of work and detailed costs.

Who at James Legal will deal with Debt collection ?

On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with debt collection here at James Legal.

Employment

What are the total or likely range of costs for an Employment Tribunal claim?

Based on an assumption that a case may take one days at a final hearing an assuming to goes all the way to a final hearing, likely costs, expressed as a range, are also follows:

Complexity of claim Legal Fees of James Legal – range Barristers Fees as a disbursement
Straight forward £4000 (plus VAT of £800) - £8000 (plus VAT of £1600) £1000 (plus VAT of £200) - £2500 (plus VAT of £500)
Moderate £8000 (plus VAT of 1600) - £18000 (plus VAT of £3600) £2500 (plus VAT of £500) - £6000 (plus VAT of £1200)
High £18000 (plus VAT of £3600) - £45000 (plus VAT of £9000) £8000 (plus VAT of £1600) - £20000(plus VAT of £4000)

The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time involved.

Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally. 

Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.

Who at James Legal will deal with Employment claims ?

On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with Employment claims and other employment advice here at James Legal. 

Money we may have to pay out on your behalf?

Money we have to pay out on your behalf is usually referred to as a “Disbursements

In employment claims there is usually no fee payable to issue the Employment Tribunal claim, the most common disbursement incurred in employment claims is the cost of a barrister. The cost of a barrister is often called Barristers fees or Counsels fees. The cost of a barrister will vary based on the barristers experience and the time they might spend on your claim, and idea of the likely costs is reflected in the table above. 

What type of thing could affect the costs?

Bringing employment claims against and employer can range in likely costs due to the complexity and the time taken based on many factors including (by way of examples):

  • The number of claimants or respondents involved
  • The number of legal claims / types of employment claims involved
  • The need to make more claims, applications, amendments, or further information requests relating to claims
  • The speed with which action may need to be taken
  • The need for interim or preliminary hearings or applications
  • The length and / or nature of hearings (such as more than one day)
  • The complexity of the facts of legal issues involved
  • The need for expert advice or assistance
  • The compliance of and involvement of witnesses
  • The number complexity or volume of documents or other evidence
  • The relevance of complex financial remedies
  • The availability of parties or advisors
  • The involvement of litigants in person

What are the usual key stages of an Employment Claim ?

When we carry out work on your behalf we will set out a “scope of work” within the Proposal and Order we send to you. The Scopes of Work, may be broken down in stages, steps or phases, usually to make it more manageable financially. However, in terms of general employment claim, the key stages are:

  • Initial meeting with you to take instructions
  • Reviewing information or documents provided by you
  • Providing some initial guidance on routes forward, merits of case
  • Initial and ongoing advice and merits may change as the case progresses
  • Initial communication with other party
  • ACAS or other conciliation / discussions regarding any possible scope for settlement
  • Drafting claim to ET or drafting response
  • Lodging claim or response at Employment Tribunal
  • Receiving response / defence from the other side
  • Discussing and advising on response from other side with you
  • Drafting or considering schedule of loss
  • Preparation and attendance at any preliminary hearing or call
  • Dealing with exchange of documents
  • Liaising with other side on agreed bundles of documents
  • Drafting or otherwise dealing with witness statements
  • Prehearing preparation of bundle and evidence
  • Considering evidence and witness statements from the other side
  • Prehearing preparation including list of issues, timescales, witness order etc
  • Attending Final hearing
  • Instructing a barrister at a relevant point during the above
  • Attendance at conference with barrister, if needed during course of claim
  • Ongoing communication with other side exploring settlement, if needed 

The above stages may vary according to the nature and type of case. Sometimes cases may not go all the way to the end stage/s as it may stop part way through – for example: if the parties agree a settlement, or if one party is struck out etc.

How long does it take?

The length of time a case may take to get to a final hearing may vary. As a rough rule of thumb in our experience a standard employment claim can take between 6 months to 1 year to get to a final hearing.

Of course, some cases may not go all the way. Some cases may settle, if the settle in the early conciliation phase, then you claim may take about 6 weeks of so. The claim could settle at some point during the claim too, so anytime for day one, all the way up to the day of the final hearing.

Standard Charging Rates

Below is a list of our hourly standard charging rates based on an average straightforward matter or transaction. In some cases, the hourly rates applied may be lower or higher based on the type of work and its complexity.

Person Hourly Rate VAT at 20%
Aimee Young £150 Plus VAT
Anna Bisby £130 Plus VAT
Byron Swarbrick £270 Plus VAT
Catherine Blake £75 Plus VAT
Charlotte Rice £130 Plus VAT
Cheryl Leaning £150 Plus VAT
Chris Cook £150 Plus VAT
Chris Hutchinson £270 Plus VAT
Claire Ryder £250 Plus VAT
Courtney Scott £75 Plus VAT
Danielle Turpin £100 Plus VAT
Dominic Hudson £270 Plus VAT
Jessica Bennett £100 Plus VAT
John Paice £200 Plus VAT
Leon Lurie £250 Plus VAT
Lily Simpkin £130 Plus VAT
Lucy Raspin £130 Plus VAT
Mike Stoney £250 Plus VAT
Nick Miller £300 Plus VAT
Nicky Mounsor £150 Plus VAT
Rebecca Sutton £100 Plus VAT
Shelley Sugden £100 Plus VAT
Simon Young £270 Plus VAT
Yasmin Palmer £130 Plus VAT