Obtaining legal advice for a settlement agreement is a necessary requirement for it to be legally binding and effective. In most cases, employers will contribute to your legal fees and provide an initial budget, typically ranging from £300 to £500 plus VAT. Judicial guidance from the Court suggests that £500 plus VAT is likely to be a reasonable fee for advice on such agreements.
If you and your employer agree on the proposed settlement amount without the need for extensive negotiation, it is likely the fee contribution will be sufficient.  However, if further negotiation is required, whether regarding the proposed amount or specific clauses within the agreement, additional legal fees may be incurred.
We will provide you with an estimate of the expected costs and can, as appropriate, engage in discussions with your employer to seek an increased contribution toward these fees. If your employer refuses to increase their contribution, any additional costs will need to be covered by you. Any additional charges that could be incurred will not be actioned without your agreement.  We aim to provide transparent and fair pricing, ensuring that you receive quality legal advice while minimising any financial burden on your part.