Unfair and wrongful dismissal claims

Pricing transparency

The Solicitors Regulation Authority requires us to publish pricing and service information for certain legal services, including unfair and wrongful dismissal claims.

The information below provides indicative fee ranges and exclude VAT. These figures are not fixed fees and are not intended to be quotations for individual matters.

Once we understand your circumstances and objectives, we will always provide a clear, tailored cost estimate before you instruct us.

Our approach to fees

We are known for the quality of our work and our ability to advise on complex and sensitive immigration matters, often requiring senior-level input and strategic advice.

We aim to provide excellent value for the level of experience and personal service we offer. While we may not be the least expensive option, our fees reflect the senior expertise, care and attention given to each matter.

Hourly rates

Our hourly rates range from £250 to £500 per hour, exclusive of VAT (currently 20%).

The indicative fee ranges below assume work carried out at the upper end of this range, reflecting partner-level involvement.

Unfair and wrongful dismissal claims

We advise and represent employers and individuals in employment tribunal proceedings, ranging from straightforward unfair or wrongful dismissal claims to complex, high-value disputes.

All work is carried out by partners Jessica Learmond-Criqui and Jeremy Sokel, both of whom have extensive experience in employment tribunal litigation.

Indicative fee ranges

(excluding VAT)

The following ranges apply to work relating to claims for unfair dismissal and/or wrongful dismissal only.

  • Low complexity matters: £10,000 – £30,000

  • Medium complexity matters: £25,000 – £50,000

  • High complexity matters: £30,000 – £100,000

Matters falling outside unfair or wrongful dismissal (for example, discrimination or whistleblowing claims) are not included within these ranges and will be quoted separately.

Factors affecting complexity and cost

A claim may fall towards the higher end of the fee range, or exceed it, where it involves factors such as:

  • Complex or disputed factual issues

  • A large volume of documents or electronic disclosure

  • Multiple witnesses

  • Extensive interlocutory applications (including amendments, costs applications or procedural disputes)

  • Claims involving litigants in person

  • Complex preliminary issues (for example disability status or medical evidence)

  • Automatic unfair dismissal claims (such as whistleblowing)

  • Claims combined with discrimination or other causes of action

  • Judicial mediation

  • Multi-day hearings

  • The need for expert evidence (such as medical or actuarial reports)

  • The approach taken by the parties to the litigation, including the timeliness and organisation of instructions

  • The seniority of counsel instructed for longer hearings

Representation and advocacy

Where appropriate, we work with specialist employment barristers to represent clients at tribunal hearings. We normally attend hearings alongside counsel.

Any decision to instruct a barrister will be discussed with you in advance.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties and are not included in our fees. These may include:

  • Barristers’ fees

  • Courier or document handling costs

All disbursements are agreed with you before they are incurred and will be shown on your invoice.

Barristers’ fees (indicative)

By way of example only, advocacy fees for a junior barrister at a two-day hearing may typically range from:

  • £5,000 – £15,000, excluding VAT

Barristers’ fees vary depending on seniority, complexity and hearing length and are set by their chambers.

What our fees usually cover

For a straightforward unfair or wrongful dismissal claim, our fees typically include:

  • Taking initial instructions and advising on merits and potential outcomes

  • Preparing or responding to a claim

  • Advising on procedural applications

  • Preparing or reviewing schedules of loss

  • Preparing for and attending preliminary hearings

  • Advising on disclosure obligations

  • Reviewing documents and preparing bundles

  • Drafting and reviewing witness statements

  • Preparing case summaries, chronologies and lists of issues

  • Instructing and liaising with counsel

  • Reviewing judgments and advising on appeal prospects (if relevant)

Not all stages will be required in every case. Where fewer stages are needed, fees may fall at the lower end of the ranges.

Individuals bringing claims

We do not act on a contingency fee basis.

You may have legal expenses insurance that covers some or all of your costs, but you remain responsible for our fees.

The same fee ranges, stages and complexity factors apply to individuals and employers.

Work not included in the above fees

The fee ranges above do not include:

  • Mandatory pre-claim conciliation

  • Settlement negotiations or settlement agreements

  • Subject access request advice

  • Attendance at hearings (including preliminary hearings)

  • Claims other than unfair or wrongful dismissal

  • Related High Court proceedings or injunctive relief

Where additional work is required, we will discuss scope and costs with you in advance.

Timescales

The duration of a claim depends on its complexity and how it is resolved.

  • Pre-claim conciliation can take up to six weeks

  • Straightforward tribunal claims may take up to two years

  • More complex claims may take 2 years or longer

Timescales are indicative and depend on tribunal availability. We will keep you informed as the matter progresses.