If you are considering (or have started) an Employment Tribunal claim, we can help you understand your options, assess the strengths of your case and represent you confidently through conciliation, case management and final hearing. We guide you through the process with a strong focus on achieving the right outcome for you.
About DTM Legal
DTM Legal is a North West law firm with offices in Chester and Liverpool, supporting individuals and businesses with clear, commercially minded legal advice.
We advise employees and senior executives on bringing Employment Tribunal claims, including Early ACAS Conciliation, drafting and presenting claims, evidence preparation and advocacy support.
Why involve a specialist Employment Tribunal solicitor?
A realistic assessment of prospects and potential remedies/compensation
Support with drafting, evidence and presenting your case effectively
Clear guidance through tribunal procedure and deadlines
Negotiation strategy to secure the best possible settlement
Employment Tribunals Costs
The figures below are typical for unfair or wrongful dismissal cases. More complex matters may involve additional work and costs.
Typical legal fees
| Complexity | Typical legal fees (plus VAT) |
| Simple | £5,000 to £10,000 |
| Medium complexity | £10,000 to £15,000 |
| High complexity | £15,000 to £25,000 |
Factors that can increase complexity may include:
- Applications to amend claims or requests for further information
- Complex preliminary issues
- Strike out / deposit order / costs applications
- Higher volumes of documents and/or multiple witnesses
- Automatic unfair dismissal (e.g. whistleblowing)
- Discrimination allegations linked to dismissal
Hourly rates
| Fee earner | Hourly rate (plus VAT) |
| Partner | £375 to £400 |
| Senior Associate | £350 to £375 |
| Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive | £275 to £300 |
Disbursements
You may also need to pay Counsel’s fees for hearings (where instructed). For a 1-day unfair or wrongful dismissal hearing, an estimated Counsel fee is £2,500 to £3,500 plus VAT. This can vary depending on Counsel seniority and document volume.
VAT
VAT is charged on our fees and on Counsel’s fees (where applicable).
How the Tribunal process typically works
- Review papers and advise on prospects
- Deal with Early ACAS Conciliation
- Review ET1 claim form
- Review the employer’s ET3 response and advise
- Case Management Preliminary hearing (multiple hearings may be required depending on the complexity of the matter)
- Draft schedule of loss
- Disclosure of documents
- Agree hearing bundle with the employer
- Draft and exchange witness statements
- Review the employer’s witness statements and advise
- Prepare list of issues and/or chronology
- Final hearing preparation and attendance
- Explore settlement and negotiate throughout the process
Timescales
Timescales depend on tribunal directions and the point at which the case resolves. Cases often run for a minimum of 12 months and likely far longer.
What’s included
Advice on prospects and potential remedies
Managing ACAS conciliation and settlement negotiations
Drafting the ET1 claim form, schedule of loss and case documentation
Assistance with and attendance at Case Management Preliminary hearings
Disclosure, bundles, witness statements and hearing preparation
Support with advocacy strategy and instructing Counsel where needed
Next steps
Tribunal deadlines can be short and decisions early on can affect the outcome. Contact us for an initial discussion so we can assess your position, advise on your options and provide a tailored cost estimate.
Contact the Employment & HR team
- Chester office: 01244 354800
- Liverpool office: 0151 3210000
- Tom Evans – Partner / Head of Employment
- Email: employment@dtmlegal.com
