How much will a settlement agreement cost an employee?
In the vast majority of cases we deal with nationally, legal advice on a settlement agreement will cost an employee nothing. That is because most employers will pay a contribution to the solicitor’s fees for advising their employee on the terms of the proposed agreement. And as long as the contribution is a reasonable one then it is our policy to cap our fees at the amount offered, thereby guaranteeing that you will not have to meet any of the legal costs yourself.
Why do employers pay the legal fees?
Employers will usually agree to pay our fees because a settlement agreement will not be valid unless their employee has received independent, professional legal advice. It is therefore in the employer’s interests for specialist advice to be taken by the employee.
We will obtain advance confirmation from your employer that they will meet the cost of the service before we undertake any work.
Our independence is assured
Where an employer pays your legal costs it will not undermine our independence. As regulated solicitors we owe our duty of care to you, our client. Our duty is not owed to the person or organisation who is responsible for paying our fees. Where an employer has agreed to pay the costs the employee can rest assured that the advice will be truly independent. We will focus our advice exclusively on the employee’s needs and interests.
In the unlikely event an employer refuses to meet the legal costs then we will let you know. If you decide not to proceed you will not be charged for any work we have undertaken.
Additional services available
It is only where you wish to go beyond the scope of advice on the settlement agreement and wish to instruct us to undertake additional work, such as negotiating on your behalf, that you can become responsible for legal costs. Obviously where that is your desire then we would agree our fees with you beforehand.
If you would like to know more about, ‘How much will a settlement agreement cost?’ then our expert lawyers are here to help. Give our free helpline a call or send us an email.
