Solicitor's costs

[maidofkent]

Has anyone been to (or been taken to, or represented someone at) an Employment Tribunal? What would it be reasonable to expect to pay a solicitor for this?

I've heard that you can get free representation, and also heard that £5,000 is about right.

Has anybody had experience of this?

MoK

[Lime One]

It depends on the strength of your case as to whether this is a case which can be taken on a no win no fee basis. The costs depend on the time needed to be spent on the case and average fees to a full trial can run into thousands but most cases are settled before the full hearing.

[maidofkent]

My own view is that it's clear cut (but then it would be) - no disciplinary procedure, no previous warnings, no notice, no notice pay. Just told to leave late one Friday afternoon.

I appealed, and three weeks later my ex-boss acknowledged my appeal. I submitted my ET1 on Day 29, and my ex-employer received his copy this morning. However, he has returned it to the Tribunal Service with a letter asking them not to address it in his name, as it's not a claim against him. He wants it to be re-issued in the company name. Anyway......... I digress.

It appears to me straightforward, and I have no doubt whatever about the unfairness. I guess it's down to how my ex-employer will defend himself?

MoK

[The Dispute Resolver]

I can mediate for you if you wish. Often best if you prefer to continue to work there (the Tribunal cannot effectively do that for you) Can do it online and thus much less cost and much quicker than representing you at the Tribunal.

You will be offered ACAS free but frankly, in my experience, they do not provide true mediation just act as a go between - also they are very restricted to the period of time during which they can offer it.


Regards

Graham

[Anthony Reeves]

I take on employment tribunal cases on a contingency fee basis depending on the merits of the case. What I usually say is that apart from a modest payment on account, eg £300 to £500, the rest of the fees will become due on success and as a percentage of the monies recovered, eg 25%.

As to your particular cases, I would need more information to make an assessment of the prosepcts. I am happy to discuss and make an initial assessment by phone with no commitment.

Anthony Reeves, BA (hons), F.Inst.L.Ex
Pinniger Finch & Co, Solicitors
01373 823791

[sirearl]

I take on employment tribunal cases on a contingency fee basis depending on the merits of the case. What I usually say is that apart from a modest payment on account, eg £300 to £500, the rest of the fees will become due on success and as a percentage of the monies recovered, eg 25%.



Hi Tony sounds like a nice little business to be in.May even be better than an estate agents.?:rolleyes:

Earl

[Anthony Reeves]

I think it is very reasonable to charge only £300 to £500 to take an employment case to a Tribunal and only receive further fees if the case is successful. An Employment Tribunal often involves a considerable amount of work. Rather more work and time than taking a few pictures and showing people around a property.

[maidofkent]

Anthony,

May I PM you at some stage later this morning?

MoK

[Anthony Reeves]

Sure.
You can send an e-mail to:
tonyreeves@pinnigerfinch.co.uk

Anthony

[maidofkent]

Thank you,

I will contact you later today.

MoK

[Employment.Law.Advice]

I work for the leading Employment Law consultancy in the U.K - Peninsula Business Services.

We provide a suite of services to ensure businesses stay compliant with Employment Law and Health and Safety. This includes contracts of employment and policies etc, advice, and training. This is all backed up by our indemnity so we represent and pay any damages. A business working for Employers instead of Employees for a change!!

We are more than happy to give any business's facing a tribunal free advice as it may well get struck off if the claim is frivolous, this is not a sales ploy, merely good marketing on our part as we believe using a service like ours is far more cost effective than using a solicitors or employing a consultant.

You can get me on 0161 827 8534 if you have any queries.

Ryan Kerr

[The Dispute Resolver]

Ryan - no problem with your sales pitch or with Peninsula (and welcome on board) but you really cannot say :-

""as we believe using a service like ours is far more cost effective than using a solicitors or employing a consultant."

That is with respect arrant nonsense. It depends on which solicitor and which consultant. As I am both a solicitor and mediator I would also make the point that all those who represent one party to challenge/pursue a claim, be they solicitor, non-solicitor (like Peninsula) or business consultant, can ever be as cost effectve in real terms as a mediator. Firstly the mediator cost is shared so you get him for half price , but importantly he is about getting to the end point much quicker and without paying for the fighting over who said what. Check out my workplace site at www.WorkplaceMediationOnline.co.uk

BUt, as I say welcome on board and please stay and help members with your advice,.Much appreciated.

[Employment.Law.Advice]

Hi Graham

It does totally depend on the situation and claim itself. The comment was not meant to be detrimental. Merely to highlight the differences as their are so many options out there.

What I was in fact trying to say was that the service that we offer is preventitative rather than reactive and differs in that we install the systems and procedures within a business to minimise potential claims and mitigate any potential losses (as they would be covered under our Indemnity). So in that regard it could easily be seen as more cost effective for the bottom line of a business. Obviously mediators such as yourself and ACAS play an important part.

We represent at nearly 3,000 tribunals every year and fight solely for Employers against the increase in red-tape.

We also run free educational seminars on Employment Law and Health and Safety around the country for any business owners who need advice. Any questions please get in touch.

0161 827 8534

Ryan Kerr

[Antonia @limeone.com]

Welcome Ryan.

This thread is actually a posting from an employee, and a worried one at that. Lime One does not deal with employees either but has offered help and assistance as has Graham.

It is a sweeping generalisation to say one business employment law service is more cost effective than others. It all depends on the service and the budget of the client involved. Non practising solicitors like Graham and I work in a different way than most law firms. Both of our businesses knock spots of most traditional law firm in terms of cost.

As a 50 million pound plus turnover business Peninsula is clearly successful in its model, but the market is dynamic and there are lots of choices out there for businesses to make. Very few wil do so on your telling them how good your service is :)

[The Dispute Resolver]

Ryan

I hadn't appreciated you were referring to preventative action and ,of course yes I fully agree that such services are indeed more cost effective than being taken to the Tribunal.

Graham