About Nick:
Nick is a Partner in our employment, pensions and immigration team. He advises a range of companies on both contentious and non-contentious employment law matters and is praised for providing "invaluable support".
Expert advice in defending — and avoiding — employment tribunal claims
Our Employment Tribunal solicitors advise on all aspects of Employment Tribunal litigation — and how to avoid it in the first place.
Employment Tribunal litigation represents a significant area of business risk. Significant awards are being made for successful claims, with average award values increasing. The trend is anticipated to continue.
No matter how rigorous your employment policies and procedures and how proactively you mediate when things go wrong, it's sometimes impossible to avoid a situation escalating to an Employment Tribunal. When a tribunal becomes reality, there's a real danger that your organisation's reputation can be damaged, not to mention the financial implications, if you don't dedicate the right resource at the right time.
Expert advice and careful preparation to answer an Employment Tribunal claim are vital when your organisation finds itself in this situation — if the wrong decisions are made at the start, it may be too late to change approach once the tribunal is underway.
Why choose our Employment Tribunal solicitors?
Our Employment Tribunal solicitors can offer sound advice and strategy from the outset to help maximise the likelihood of a positive outcome. You can be sure that each and every time we're called on, we'll start by instigating a careful strategic planning process for you, not just considering what to say in response to the claim, but assessing which witnesses should appear and how their evidence will be helpful in defending the claim, with due regard to matters of reputational importance and any learning to be applied going forward. We will also consider, with you, whether defending the claim is in your best interests and whether early resolution is a better approach.
How we determine our price
Our overall fees vary depending on how complex your case is and what you would like us to do.
This section provides a guide to how we calculate our charges where you are an individual or an employer involved in a claim for unfair dismissal before an Employment Tribunal.
We have multiple offices with nationwide coverage, and we often conduct our own advocacy in Employment Tribunal cases. This enables us to maintain relationship care and conduct of every tribunal case from its origin right through to its litigated conclusion.
For an estimate tailored to your specific matter, please contact us and we will discuss your matter and needs with you and provide you with a bespoke cost estimate.
Our charges
Our charges consist of:
- Our professional fees for the legal work.
- Costs and expenses paid to others in order to progress your matter, such as fees for a barrister’s opinion or representation, if that is a preferred option. We handle making these payments on your behalf during the course of your matter, either using money that you have given us in advance, or invoicing them to you together with our fees. These payments are called disbursements.
- VAT is charged on our professional fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%. Many disbursements also carry VAT, and we will inform you of the VAT on each disbursement as we go along.
Calculating our fees
The costs of an unfair or wrongful dismissal claim can vary according to how complex the case is. Our fees will be discussed with you at the start of your case. The table below sets out guideline fixed fee ranges for the costs at different levels of complexity and are based on matters proceeding to a final hearing:
|
Complexity of Matter |
Fees |
VAT (20%) |
|
Low complexity |
£7,000 - £11,000 |
£1,400 - £2,200 |
|
Medium complexity |
£11,000 - £20,000 |
£2,200 - £4,000 |
|
High complexity |
£20,000 - £50,000 |
£4,000 - £10,000 |
Please note that the fee ranges stated above reflect the work that we would expect to carry out in respect of a typical case of the stated complexity, and is based on the following assumptions:
- You are not bringing, or your former employee is not bringing, any claim other than the claim for unfair and/or wrongful dismissal. For example, there is no claim for discrimination. If there is an additional claim, we will, of course, be happy to advise you accordingly, but our fees will increase.
- The final hearing will be no more than two days.
If we do not provide you with a fixed price, or if we do additional work for you which is outside the scope of our fixed price, please note that our hourly rates may apply. The standard hourly rates for each type of solicitor or other team member who may be involved in your transaction are:
| Title | Fees | VAT (20%) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regions | London | Regions | London | |
| Partner/Legal Director | £445 | £555 | £89 | £111 |
| Principal Associate | £385 | £505 | £77 | £101 |
| Associate | £335 | £460 | £67 | £92 |
| Solicitor | £290 | £420 | £58 | £84 |
| Trainee Solicitor/Paralegal | £210 | £255 | £42 | £51 |
The factors which may impact on the complexity of your case and therefore the exact time spent and fees charged, include:
- If either of the assumptions listed above proves to be incorrect.
- If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim.
- If it is necessary to defend claims that are brought by litigants in person.
- If it is necessary to make or defend a costs application.
- If there are complex preliminary issues, for example if the parties are in dispute as to whether the claimant has a particular disability.
- If there is a need to interview an extraordinary number of witnesses and draft statements for them.
- If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim, for example, where an employee is dismissed after whistleblowing.
- If there are allegations of discrimination.
- If there is a need for any case management or any other preliminary hearing at Employment Tribunal and/or the length of final hearing is more than 2 days.
Before you commit to paying, we will explain to you any variance from the indicative fee if this is apparent from the outset. We will also keep you updated at all times if any of these, or other, factors are likely to result in an increase to our fee.
Disbursements and other expenses
In an unfair or wrongful dismissal claim the most common disbursements are for travel / accommodation and subsistence. We will confirm these to you when the location is known.
Opponent’s costs
Normally you do not have to pay your opponent’s costs in an Employment Tribunal claim but we will guide you further if we feel that you are at risk of this at any stage.
Funding options
Not all of our clients will have to meet our fees, costs and expenses from their own pocket. You may, for example, have insurance cover.
We will be happy to discuss with you your funding options at your first appointment.
Legal work involved in the transaction
The examples of typical fees above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of an unfair dismissal or wrongful dismissal case:
- Taking your instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on your prospects of success in the claim and the likely compensation. This advice is likely to be revisited throughout the case and may be subject to change.
- Entering into pre-claim conciliation with ACAS where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached.
- Preparing your claim or response.
- Reviewing and advising on the claim or response from the other party.
- Exploring settlement and negotiating a settlement throughout the process.
- Preparing or considering a schedule of loss.
- Preparing for and attending a preliminary hearing.
- Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents.
- Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses.
- Preparing bundles of documents for the final hearing.
- Reviewing and advising on the other party's witness statements.
- Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and cast list.
- Communicating with the other parties involved and advising you upon these communications.
- Attendance at the Employment Tribunal hearing.
It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur other costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages if your particular case once we know about your specific circumstances.
Timescale and key stages
From taking your initial instructions to final resolution of your matter will depend largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case will typically take 3-4 weeks to complete. If the claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 26-39 weeks. Typical factors which may influence the duration include:
- The complexity of the case and the length of the final hearing.
- The manner in which the other party conducts the case.
- The extent of any backlog of cases for hearing at Tribunal centres. If a particular Tribunal Centre is exceptionally busy, it may take significantly longer for cases to progress to the hearing stage. We will keep you updated at all times of any factors likely to result in delay.
Who will be dealing with your case?
Your case will typically be handled by a solicitor in our Employment, Pensions and Immigration team, supported as necessary by our trainees/paralegals.
A solicitor acting for you may be described in correspondence as a “Partner”, a “Principal Associate”, an “Associate” or a “Solicitor”. A Principal Associate/Associate is, generally, more experienced than a “Solicitor”. Our trainees/paralegals are not (yet) solicitors, and usually have no other formal legal qualification.
We will always ensure that the solicitor acting for you has the requisite level of experience to handle your case competently. In any event, all work will be supervised by a Partner, being the most senior member of the team allocated to you.
Once you know who will be in the team allocated to your transaction, you will be able to find further details of their background and qualifications by visiting the People section on our website.
If you have any queries, please contact Nick Newman at nick.newman@weightmans.com.
Our employment law services
What our clients say
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Advice is provided quickly, which is important in helping me deal with dynamic employment issues.
Legal 500, 2026 -
I get to speak to very experienced individuals who consider not just the employment law implications, but will point out the employee relations aspect too - sometimes you don't have to take a certain course of action, but it might help manage staff in a best practice manner and avoid disgruntlement.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Weightmans' Employment team stands out for its exceptional breadth of knowledge and ability to provide commercially astute, forward-thinking advice. What makes them unique is their ability to combine deep legal expertise with a genuine understanding of the sectors they support. As a client, you benefit from a partnership that goes beyond transactional legal support. Weightmans are proactive, strategic, and deeply collaborative.
Legal 500, 2026 -
The extensive knowledge of our sector is evident and there are others to call upon when we have cases that tip into other areas of law. The team have navigated us through some very complex cases, offering options which are risk assessed, enabling us to make well informed decisions.
Legal 500, 2026 -
We have been with this firm for many years. They offer a great service and their team feels very much like an extension of ours. Nothing is too much trouble.
Legal 500, 2026 -
The individuals we work with have taken the time to get to know our organisation and the individuals within it. Whilst seeking professional advice, we feel comfortable asking what we ourselves may consider to be 'stupid questions.
Legal 500, 2026 -
We are always asked how we are doing, both personally and professionally. The individuals that we work with give us the confidence to perform our roles and keep our organisation safe when we need to provide advice, guidance and support to those that need it.
Legal 500, 2026 -
They are very responsive and give pragmatic HR advice within the legislation. They engage with the case in a way which ensures that the client is getting an exemplary service. It means everybody is on the same page and reduces the angst that comes with litigation. Weightmans really add value when when we talk about how we take legislation and deploy it within our working environment.
Chambers and Partners, 2026 -
I've worked with the employment law team at Weightmans for many years and find them most cooperative, informative, agile and trustworthy.
Legal 500, 2026 -
We have a long standing relationship with Weightmans which is testimony in itself. The team take the time to get to know your business and the personality and approach of your business so can tailor their guidance accordingly. Whichever member of the team you speak to, you get exceptional service.
Legal 500, 2026 -
All individuals communicate in a way you can understand.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Weightmans offers an excellent team of advisers with a range of specialisms.
Chambers and Partners, 2026 -
Weightmans gives detailed and careful advice in addition to being responsive and quick to address the issues. The team has excellent knowledge and technical skill to deal with complex matters.
Chambers and Partners, 2026 -
Without exception, all members of Weightmans' team have good knowledge of the cases, been available, able to provide outstanding advice that is disseminated into easy to understand vocabulary and written materials and have worked as part of our extended team.
Legal 500 2026 -
Weightmans have taken time to understand our business and the market we operate within. They have given us practical advice to help us navigate our challenges to protect the business. They just offer a first-class service.
Legal 500 2026 -
It's always a great response from them. They are our go-to partner when we most need help and advice.
Legal 500 2026 -
Weightmans have the ability to break down difficult and precarious situations into steps that are clear to follow. The timeliness of their responses is welcome too.
Legal 500 2026 -
Weightmans have the ability to grasp the key critical issues and provide pragmatic advice. They've had a continued success rate in terms of positive outcomes.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Weightmans' ability to navigate complex legal matters while maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset sets them apart.Weightmans' lawyers stand out due to their deep expertise, proactive approach and commitment to excellence.Weightmans has provided calm and measured advice in a timely manner, which has helped the company to handle potentially difficult situations and achieve successful resolutions.With Weightmans we have always been provided with timely and well-considered advice, even when dealing with urgent or complex matters.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Weightmans are well versed in all employment law matters and I personally find that they quickly get up to speed with current issues and offer a number of resolves and understand how the client will want to resolve the issue, whilst also explaining limitations on any expected resolves which may fall outside the scope of employment law.
Legal 500 2026 -
A strong, capable and professional team who are quickly able to respond to the needs of clients. They have an excellent understanding of the needs of businesses and are very effective.
Legal 500 2026 -
Highly effective equal pay team covering trade union issues and collective action.
Legal 500 2025 -
I've worked with Weightmans for many years now, and I have always found they provide an excellent service. Professional, commercial, responsive and friendly.
Legal 500 2025 -
The employment team is incredibly knowledgeable, providing expert guidance and advice on all issues. The team is responsive to immediate requests for assistance and is thorough in its preparation and advice. The customer service is excellent.
Legal 500 2025 -
The team are really supportive and helpful. They work closely together and will pick up each other's cases where needed. .All of the team are very approachable, down to earth and provide advice that is clear and understandable and considering of the business implications.
Legal 500 2025 -
Organised and person-centred approach. In my experience, this has been consistent with everyone I've met at Weightmans. The knowledge and expertise of the solicitors and how legislation is interpreted is always well explained both verbally and in written correspondence.
Legal 500 2025 -
I cannot stress enough how the culture at Weightmans appears consistent throughout every interaction, and this really stands out. In particular, people are so polite, approachable, easy to talk to, and always give the best advice, guidance and due care and attention. Advice is always thorough and clear yet detailed enough to understand what is being explained in full context, which is always appreciated.
Legal 500 2025 -
The team really collaborate, helping us work through the problem before looking at the solution. They always seem to be one step ahead of us in our sector, which is a delight. They bring insight proactively from legal or regulatory changes that we should be considering, specifically as a growing business.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans has excellent depth in its team, with knowledge and professionalism at the highest level. I have always found them to be very responsive.
Chambers 2025 -
The firm is timely and professional, and able to explain complex points in simple language. Weightmans is excellent at setting timescales and sticking to them without compromising quality of service.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans has clear commercial understanding and a good ability to provide business-oriented advice.
Chambers 2025 -
The team has always proved reliable and able to handle enquiries within the timeframes required of the situation. For enquiries of a more complex nature, the response is extremely quick and thorough.
Chambers 2025 -
The team's approach is practical and it is sensitive when asked to be. Its language is direct and clear and is our go-to for all issues.
Chambers 2025 -
Their client service is great, the level of advice is great and they are honest with us as clients. They give good and bad news to allow us to make an informed opinion to do the right thing.
Chambers 2025 -
The team are very experienced and confident in their delivery. I have been impressed with how responsive they are, and where they can't come back to you there is always someone else available.
Chambers 2025 -
Cases have been handled confidently and efficiently with full appreciation of their sensitive nature. The team are very competent and have a broad understanding of all aspects of employment law.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans has a proven track record with high risk cases.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans responsiveness is excellent, as are its service levels.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans is extremely pragmatic and practical.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans' team is multi-disciplined and there is always a specialist in any field whose support can be drawn upon.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans breakdowns complicated matters into understandable implications and weigh up the benefits and risks of various routes forward.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans provides pragmatic advice with a strong understanding of the specific challenges facing the sector.
Chambers 2025 -
It is a professional team with years of experience. They have the knowledge and skills to handle complex and sophisticated matters.
Legal 500 2026 -
Expertise at varying levels is always there to support the resolution of an issue in an appropriate and approachable manner.
Chambers 2025