Employment disputes can feel stressful and financially uncertain. At TWM Solicitors, we aim to give you clarity from the start. This page explains how our fees work, what’s included, and what factors can affect the overall cost.
Our hourly rates
Our fees depend on the experience of the solicitor handling your case. All rates are exclusive of VAT:
Team Member | Hourly Rate (excl. VAT) | Incl. VAT (20%) | Total hourly rate |
Andrew Peters (Qualified 2004) | £460 | £92 | £552 |
Anthony Wilcox (Qualified 1999) | £460 | £92 | £552 |
Oliver Milton (Qualified 2025) | £300 | £60 | £360 |
Trainee Solicitor | £200 | £40 | £240 |
Estimated Costs by Case Complexity
The information below relates to our charges for bringing and defending claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal in the Employment Tribunal.
Below are typical cost ranges for cases that proceed to a full hearing. If your case settles earlier, costs will usually be much lower. The below fees exclude counsel fees.
Wrongful Dismissal
Complexity Level | Estimated Fees (exc. VAT) | Hearing Duration |
Simple Case | £8,000 – £12,000 | ½ day |
Medium Complexity | £12,000 – £14,000 | ½ day |
High Complexity | £14,000 – £16,000 | 1 day |
Unfair Dismissal
Complexity Level | Estimated Fees (exc. VAT) | Hearing Duration |
Simple Case | £15,000 – £20,000 | 1 day |
Medium Complexity | £18,000 – £25,000 | 1–3 days |
High Complexity | £22,000 – £30,000 | 3–5 days |
Discrimination Claims
Complexity Level | Estimated Fees (exc. VAT) | Hearing Duration |
Simple Case | £18,000 – £25,000 | 1 day |
Medium Complexity | £20,000 – £30,000 | 1–3 days |
High Complexity | £25,000 – £35,000 | 3–5 days |
Breach of Contract / Unlawful Deduction from Wages
These costs apply in addition to the above if such claims are pursued alongside other claims, or on their own.
Complexity Level | Estimated Fees (exc. VAT) | Hearing Duration |
Simple Case | £8,000 – £12,000 | ½ day |
Medium Complexity | £12,000 – £14,000 | ½ day |
High Complexity | £14,000 – £16,000 | 1 day |
Note: Where proceedings involve more than one type of claim, the pricing for the lowest listed claim applies, with additional costs added for breach of contract or unlawful deduction claims.
These estimates are based on cases proceeding to a full hearing. If your case settles earlier, costs may be significantly lower.
Our Employment Law Partners are highly experienced advocates and regularly represent clients in Employment Tribunal hearings. In some cases, they conduct the advocacy themselves, offering continuity and cost-efficiency. However, depending on the complexity and nature of your case, we may recommend instructing external counsel (barristers) to ensure the best possible representation.
If counsel is instructed, additional fees will apply. In more complex or sensitive matters, we will assess whether more senior counsel is appropriate. This decision is made collaboratively with you, taking into account your preferences and the specific requirements of your case.
Please note that more experienced counsel command higher fees, which we will discuss with you in advance. When we instruct counsel, we typically arrange for a junior member of our team (such as a solicitor, trainee, or paralegal) to attend the hearing to assist and ensure continuity of service.
What’s Included in Our Service Estimates
- Initial advice and merits assessment
- Drafting and submitting your claim or response
- Reviewing and advising on submissions
- Preparing witness statements and bundles
- Representation at hearings
Assumptions Behind Our Fee Estimates
Our pricing assumes the following conditions apply. If your case differs, we will provide a tailored estimate.
Document Volume
- Disclosure and hearing bundle do not exceed one lever arch folder each (~450 pages).
- Additional 250 pages may increase costs by £1,500 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%).
Witness Meetings
- Held in one day at our office or within 75 miles of Guildford.
- For hearings lasting one day or less: We assume a maximum of two witnesses and that witness preparation meetings will take no more than four hours.
- For hearings lasting more than one day: We assume a maximum of four witnesses and that witness preparation meetings will take no more than seven hours.
- Additional witnesses or longer meetings may add £500 – £2,500 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%).
Procedural Simplicity
- No requests for further information or complex procedural issues.
- One case management hearing (up to 1 hour).
- No preliminary issues (e.g. strike-out, jurisdictional issues).
- If a preliminary hearing is required, costs may increase by £2,000 – £3,500 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%).
Disability Claims
- Disability is accepted without dispute.
- No expert evidence required.
- If disputed, costs may increase by £4,000 – £7,000 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%), plus £1,500 + VAT/day for expert attendance.
Other Assumptions
- No personal injury claims.
- No mediation (charged separately: £1,250 – £2,250 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%)).
- Hearing held in London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire or Hertfordshire.
- Outside this area: additional £1,000 – £2,000 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%), plus travel/accommodation.
- Hearing lasts as scheduled.
- Extra days: £2,500 – £3,500 + VAT/day (at a current rate of 20%).
- No last-minute adjournments (within one week of the listed hearing).
- Remedy determined at main hearing.
- Separate remedy hearings: £2,000 – £4,000 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%).
- If required: £2,000 – £4,000 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%).
Exclusions
- Work outside assumptions above.
- Photocopying (25p/sheet), scanning (15p/sheet), courier/postage.
- Accommodation (£50 – £150 + VAT/night (at a current rate of 20%)), travel (55p/mile + VAT (at a current rate of 20%)).
- Travel time outside 75-mile radius (charged at hourly rates).
- Up to 5 year call counsel fees (if instructed) estimates are:
- Brief fee: £3,000 + VAT (at a current rate of 20%) (preparation + first day).
- Additional days: £1,500 + VAT/day (at a current rate of 20%).
- Senior counsel may charge more.
Typical Timescales
- Medium complexity: 6–12 months
- High complexity: 6–18 months
We will keep you informed of progress and any changes to expected timelines.
Funding Options
You may have legal expenses insurance through your home or employment policy. We can help check your cover and liaise with your insurer.
Get in Touch
If you’d like a personalised quote or want to discuss your case, contact our Employment Law team today. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you move forward with confidence.