We deal with each matter individually and will agree with you before work is commenced the most appropriate fee arrangement for the matter. We deal with matters on a no-win, no fee basis, fixed fee, capped fee and hourly rate.
- Fees for debt recovery and standard contract/litigation disputes under £10,000 as Claimant (i.e. pursuing the claim)
We charge £150 to £250 plus VAT per matter for a review of the documents and drafting a Letter before Action to the debtor. For straightforward debt recovery matters we then charge a rate of 10% of recovery made. If no recovery is made, then no further fees other than the initial fee for the LBA will be charged.
For contract/litigation disputes under £10,000 we will agree a fee with you before work commences, this will depend on the complexity and value of the case but is usually in the region of £1000 to £1500 plus VAT.
- Fees for debt recovery and standard contract/litigation disputes as Defendant (i.e. defending a claim brought against you)
These are dealt with on an hourly rate basis (see below) but we charge a capped fee of £1000 plus VAT to defend a claim up to and including a Small Claims Hearing.
DISBURSEMENTS – in addition, whether you are the Claimant or Defendant, disbursements are payable on top and will be payable even in the event of an unsuccessful claim. These will include the Court fees which are set out in this link – https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money
and barrister’s fees for the Hearing, usually in the region of £250 – £500 plus VAT depending on the complexity of the case.
- Your liability for opponent’s costs in the event of an unsuccessful claim.
For Small Claims matters, which are those under £10,000, there is usually no liability for you to cover your opponents costs in the event of an unsuccessful claim, other than expenses such as travel or loss of earnings for the day in Court. On very rare occasions costs can be ordered if the parties have acted unreasonably but we would advise you if we considered this was a possibility on your case.
- Hourly rate Matters – debt recovery and disputes over £10,000 and/or complex litigation plus employment disputes (defending or pursuing an unfair/wrongful dismissal claim)
We charge the following fees where matters are dealt with on an hourly rate:
Ceri Bater – £200 plus VAT per hour
John Watkins – £200 plus VAT per hour
Nicola Caluan – £200 plus VAT per hour
Lauren Minoli – £125 plus VAT per hour
Ceri, John and Nicola and Grade A fee earners (over 8 years experience) and Lauren is a Grade C fee earner. Our rates are in line with the guidelines for solicitor hourly rates as set out in the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/solicitors-guideline-hourly-rates
We will agree the fees with you before work is commenced and will continually review these throughout the course of any litigation to make sure they remain accurate. Due to the nature of litigation however it is always difficult to estimate costs in litigation because of the considerable uncertainties in the way the litigation may progress. Many cases settle before trial and the steps to trial can be more, or less, complex dependent on the conduct of the other party, the facts that emerge as the case progresses, any orders made at interim stages and the various possible applications or appeals that may arise. You will not be charged for any fees we have not agreed with you beforehand.
DISBURSEMENTS – You would also be liable for court fees, barrister fees and expert witness fees which would be discussed and agreed with you before any instruction.
- Your liability for opponent’s costs in the event of an unsuccessful claim.
The general rule is the loser pays the winner’s legal costs. It is highly unlikely that you would recover all legal costs spent however as these would be subject to review by the Judge and are nearly always reduced. We would expect to recover approximately 75% of our legal costs from your opponent in the event of a successful claim and a similar % if you lost your claim and were ordered to pay your opponent’s costs. We work with specialist costs lawyers to ensure you obtain the best possible result either for recovery of costs or a reduction of the costs you have to pay.
Please note that this rule does not apply to employment disputes of unfair/wrongful dismissal where there is usually no costs order and each party has to bear their own legal costs.
If you have a legal query please contact us and we will provide our detailed fee quote for your consideration.