Approx cost for a solicitor to do the ET1

[SAPFO]

I don’t really want to give away a %, and I’d rather try to find my case bit by bit. Any idea why the approx cost would be for doing the ET1 properly after looking over the files I have?

[Amethyst]

Could you not do the ET1 yourself ?

Some firms do offer a fixed fee but it will depend how much background work is required.... but for example Stephensons offer a fixed price of £250 + VAT for preparing the ET1 and basic particulars, and £450 + VAT for a detailed ET1.

[SAPFO]

I suppose I could, but I’d prefer an expert to look it through.

[ULA]

If you do want to get a solicitor to deal with the ET1 then a fixed fee would be the best way to go, particularly if you have a lot of documentation for them to go through. Hopefully has been well maintained and is easy for someone to find the details of what would be needed to complete the ET1.

[SAPFO]

I am putting together a PDF file with images of the email communications, letters, meeting minutes, medical records, call logs. Basically painting a full picture of how I ended up where I did. All in chronological order. It will read like a story, with all of the evidence included. I want to make this as smooth a process as possible for the solicitor.

[ULA]

That will certainly be very useful to a solicitor and will help with ensuring you can get a fixed fee for completing the ET1.

[SAPFO]

One this is done, is it preparing a bundle next? If so, is this something that can be done via a fixed fee too?

[Pandaface]

The bundle is usually compiled by the respondents with both sides agreeing the content of documents and finally adding their own witness statements

[ULA]

In the normal course of a Tribunal process and prior to producing the bundle both parties have to agree to the list of documents, this will be an amalgamation of documents both parties want to submit to the hearing. Normally the date that this list will need to be exchanged by is provided in what is called a Case Order Management (CMO). Each party is then required to submit copies of any documents on their list as requested by the other party. The respondent is then normally responsible for producing the indexed and paginated trial bundle a copy of which needs to be sent to the claimant, again in a timescale as dictated by the CMO. Following that a further date will be set for exchange of witness statements.

My view would be that generally a law firm will not provide a fixed fee for solely dealing with the above process in isolation. What you are more likely to find is that a law firm will consider taking on the case under a fixed fee to include this process and then the subsequent representation on your behalf at the hearing.

[SAPFO]

The fixed fee will included trial costs even if it does not go that far?

[ULA]

You can ask a law firm to quote for preparation and representation at the hearing. An experienced solicitor, given the details of the case, is likely to know approximately how long the hearing will be scheduled for and can factor that into the cost.

They are becoming fewer these days but some law firms do still offer a "no win, no fee" arrangement for employment cases so you might also want to explore that option, however make sure you fully understand the arrangement in place before you sign up to anything.

[SAPFO]

I have the union cover, but their ‘legal advice’ is absolutely useless!

I also have legal cover with my home insurance...The thing is I want control. I don’t want to be forced to settle...


I am preparing to take a financial hit to expose the corrupt elements within my former employer & the union. They won’t want to be exposed. They won’t want to have to explain their sham processes on the record. There is no fear from me which they are not used too. My ducks are nearly in a line......

It’s not about money, but that helps of course. It’s about ensuring that bad people are exposed, and all people are treated fairly & equally.

[SAPFO]

Okay so I've seen the last few weeks compiling my case into chronological order, and approx 50 pages in PDF format, with images of meeting minutes, letters, emails, job searches etc.. along with 2 recorded phone calls obtained via a SAR, which are import for the context. It's easy to follow, and the claims should be easy to spot for an experienced eye....

So now I need it read, and the particulars drawn up for the ET1. So who is best for the job from the recommendations I've had so far:


https://www.stephensons.co.uk/site/l...oyment_law_ff/


https://www.ironmongercurtis.com/ser...epresentation/


https://www.co-oplegalservices.co.uk...ndard-2016.pdf

[SAPFO]

Spoke to Stephensons. Its seemed more geared towards a £180ph rate at approx 4/5 hours as opposed to a 'fixed fee'


Co-op are too bust for new claims


Ironmongercurtis was a 'call you back' service





I just want the pack I have compiled reading, and the ET1 prepared. It seems that this industry is very busy.

[ULA]

I am sorry we cannot recommend a law firm the decision as to who you use must be based on your research and maybe the reviews of the firms that are available