Fees and Funding
Litigation can be very stressful especially when you are not familiar with the court process. Cost is another major worry for most clients as is the unpredictability of the outcome. You can rest assured we will be right behind you fighting your corner all the way. Where possible if the case can be settled by some other faster and more cost effective means, such as mediation or arbitration, we will explore those options. We aim to simplify the process in plain language. We will help you put together an effective strategy to resolve your dispute.
We can also advise you on how to minimise the risk of your individual or business decisions before you make them to ensure you make well informed decisions before something goes wrong.
There are a number of different ways to fund your dispute. The traditional method of paying for your service on an hourly rate may not always be suitable for you. We offer fixed fees, reduced rates for bulk or on-going work as well as damages based agreements. Litigation can also be funded by third party insurers who will fund the whole case following payment of a premium.
Our fees will vary depending on the issues in dispute, duration and complexity of your case as well as the conduct of the parties.
Hourly Rates (vary depending on the complexity of your case)
| Senior Solicitor (minimum 8 years PQE) | £250-£275 + VAT |
| Associate Solicitor (minimum 4 years PQE) | £210-£230 + VAT |
| Trainee Solicitor | £180 + VAT |
| Paralegal | £150 + VAT |
The average cost of taking a case to trial to recover a debt up to £100,000 will be between £15,000-£40,000 plus VAT. The case will take on average about 12-18 months from the letter of claim to trial. An estimate is provided below and the costs can be paid in stages over a period of time. This does not include disbursements such as barrister fees, court fees and expert fees.
| Pre-action costs | £3,500 - £6,000 |
| Issue/statements of case | £6,000 - £8,000 |
| Case Management | £1,000 - £2,000 |
| Disclosure | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Witness Statements | £2,500 - £4,000 |
| Pre Trial Review | £500 - £1,500 |
| Trial Preparation | £2,500 - £3,500 |
| Trial | £5,000 - £8,000 |
| ADR/Settlement | £2,500 - £4,000 |
| Total | £25,000 - £40,000 |
This estimate excludes VAT (if applicable), disbursements, costs of detailed assessment, costs of any appeals and costs of enforcing any judgment.
Fixed Fees
We will let you know the cost at the outset so you know in advance what the service will cost. Our fees will vary depending on the service provided, the issues in dispute, duration and complexity of the case as well as the conduct of the parties.
Disbursements
In some instances we use the services of a specialist barrister to advise, draft claims and attend hearings. Barrister charges vary and typically cost between £1,500 - £3,500 plus VAT. These fees are always agreed in advance and you will be informed before any costs are incurred.
Court Fees are also payable depending on the value of the claim. More information on court fees can be found here.
If at any stage our fees change, we will let you know and provide you with a reason.