If you have received an Employment Tribunal claim, or you are anticipating one, early, pragmatic advice can protect your business, reduce management time and help you achieve the best possible outcome, whether that is a robust defence or a commercial settlement.
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 employers on defending Employment Tribunal claims and managing risk throughout the process, from Early ACAS Conciliation through to final hearing and enforcement (where applicable).
Why involve a specialist Employment Tribunal solicitor?
A clear view of merits, risks and likely outcomes (so you can make informed decisions)
Tactical support with evidence, witnesses and case management deadlines
Commercial settlement strategy and negotiation throughout
Representation and coordination with Counsel for hearings where appropriate
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
- Draft ET3 response and advise on content
- Case Management Preliminary hearing (multiple hearings may be required depending on the complexity of the matter)
- Review schedule of loss
- Disclosure of documents
- Agree hearing bundle with the claimant
- Draft and exchange witness statements
- Review the claimant’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
Strategic advice on merits, risks and case value
Managing ACAS conciliation and settlement negotiations
Preparing the ET3 response 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
The earlier you involve an Employment Tribunal specialist, the more options you usually have. Contact us for an initial discussion so we can scope the work, advise on strategy 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
