Length & Complexity of the Case
The level of work involved in each case is contingent on the type of case bring presented in the tribunal. This is assessed by the individual circumstances and complexity of the matter. It follows that the more work that is involved, the higher legal costs will be.
Another factor to consider is the number of witness required and the length of time of the final hearing. It is for the tribunal to determine the length of time needed to hear the claim, based on the complexity of the issues in dispute. If a case settles early by successful negotiation, then legal fees will be significantly less than should the claim proceed to a final hearing. You may also have legal expenses insurance which covers your legal costs and we are happy to advise you on this at the initial consultation.
Once you have agreed to instruct Levins, we will appoint a legal representative who will provide you with an overview of the stages in the litigation. Depending upon the nature of the case, it can take anywhere between 4 months and 18 months (or occasionally longer) to prepare your case to a final hearing stage.
The employment team comprises the following employees at Levins:
- John Heath
- Harriet Gibbons
Our standard hourly rates charged by the employment team are as follows:
| Job Title | Hourly rate |
| Partner (Solicitor) | £250.00 plus VAT |
| Solicitor | £195.00 plus VAT |
| Paralegal/ Trainee | £118.00 plus VAT |
Key Stages of Employment Tribunal
- Initial meeting with a solicitor to discuss your case, take detailed instructions and provide a letter of advice upon review of all documentation. Consideration of any Legal Expenses Insurance policy documentation.
- Notifying ACAS to explore early conciliation and negotiating a settlement, if appropriate
- Draft necessary forms to present the claim to the tribunal on your behalf
- Advise you upon the response to the claim and prepare and further documents
- Prepare a Schedule of Loss in order to advise you of the value of the claim
- Provide continued advice on the merits of pursuing the claim
- Prepare for and attend any listed Preliminary Hearing at the tribunal
- Consider any Case Management Orders made and ensure compliance with deadlines
- Advising upon disclosure of documents / conducting detailed review of all documentary evidence
- Taking detailed statements from all relevant witnesses on your behalf
- Preparing and agreeing upon bundles of documents for final hearing
- Prepare a detailed chronology and list of issues
- Dealing with negotiations and any settlement discussions prior to final hearing
- Instruct a suitable Barrister to represent you at the hearing and make all final hearing preparation
Timescales & Fees
For a standard one-day hearing at the Employment Tribunal, we estimate costs to be in the region of £5,000 – £8,000 plus VAT and disbursements. However, the fee will entirely depend upon the complexity of each individual case and the volume of documents and number of witnesses.
Cases that involve more complex issues often last between 2-5 days in the Employment Tribunal and will attract a higher fee, estimated anywhere in the region of £10,000 – £20,000 plus VAT.
Disbursements
Disbursements are expenses that we will incur as a result of the claim, payable to a third party. For example, the use of a barrister, where appropriate and any travel expenses. We may sometimes ask for money on account to cover the disbursements likely to be incurred.
Barrister’s fees range in accordance with the relevant experience and seniority. We will always notify you of the Barrister’s proposed fee in advance of agreeing a fee with their clerk. We estimate barrister’s fees to be as follows (based on a one-day hearing):
- Representing you at preliminary hearing – £750 – £1,000 plus VAT
- Advising in a conference with you – £500 – £1,500 plus VAT
- Representing you at the final hearing – £2,000 – £3,000 plus VAT
Should the case be listed for a hearing longer than one day, the above costs will increase accordingly.