M.A. Solicitors – Employment Tribunal Pricing for Employers

This pricing guide explains the likely costs involved when we act for employers in Employment Tribunal matters. 

1. Overview of Our Fees

The cost of defending an Employment Tribunal claim varies depending on:

• the complexity of the issues
• the number of witnesses
• the volume of documentation
• whether expert or counsel involvement is required
• the approach taken by the employee or their representative

Our typical range is:

£350 – £45,000 

VAT is not charged as we are not VAT registered. 

2. Disbursements (ThirdParty Costs)

Disbursements are costs payable to external providers and are separate from our legal fees. The reference page lists counsel fees, expert fees, and travel/witness expenses as common disbursements .

Typical disbursements may include:

• Barrister’s fees (for hearings or written advice)
• Expert reports (e.g., medical or occupational assessments)
• Travel expenses (if hearings require attendance outside our area)
• Interpreter fees (if required)

Estimated disbursements may range from £0 – £15,000, depending on the complexity of the case. 

3. What Our Fees Include

Our service typically includes:

• Taking initial instructions and assessing the claim
• Contacting the employee or their representative to set out your position
• Attempting to negotiate settlement, including through ACAS Early Conciliation
• Preparing the ET3 response and supporting documents
• Reviewing the employee’s claim and advising on strategy
• Managing disclosure and witness evidence
• Preparing for and attending preliminary hearings
• Liaising with experts or counsel where required
• Preparing bundles, witness statements, and submissions
• Representing you at the final hearing (or arranging counsel)
• Advising on settlement offers and negotiation strategy

4. Pricing Structure

A. Early Conciliation & PreAction Work

Work Type	Fee
Initial assessment & advice	£350 – £900
ACAS Early Conciliation	£500 – £1,200
Settlement negotiations	£600 – £2,000
Drafting or reviewing settlement agreements	£450 – £900

B. Employment Tribunal Proceedings

1. Straightforward Claims

(e.g., wages, breach of contract, simple unfair dismissal)

Stage	Fee
Preparing ET3 response	£900 – £2,000
Preliminary hearing	£1,200 – £3,000
Witness statements	£1,000 – £3,000
Trial preparation	£800 – £2,000
Final hearing (1–2 days)	£2,000 – £6,000

2. Complex Claims

(e.g., discrimination, whistleblowing, multiday hearings)

Stage	Fee
Full case preparation	£5,000 – £15,000
Multiple preliminary hearings	£1,500 – £5,000
Final hearing (3–10 days)	£6,000 – £25,000
Counsel’s fees (if required)	£1,500 – £10,000

5. Timescales

• Negotiated settlement: approximately 3–12 weeks
• Issuing a claim/response: within statutory deadlines
• Full hearing: between 6–18 months depending on complexity and Tribunal listing

6. Who Will Handle Your Case

Your matter will be handled by a qualified solicitor CLICK HERE to view Profile page