We pride ourselves on being open about costs, and flexible about funding arrangements.  The purpose of this page is to outline the steps usually involved in a claim for unfair (including wrongful) dismissal and give an indication of the costs involved. When reading this, you need to know that:

• The illustration relates to a claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal only.   At Anthony Gold, we specialise in more complex, high-value claims arising from discrimination and other unlawful conduct, particularly where that has resulted in serious psychiatric injury.
• Each case is unique. While the figures below are based on long experience of handling many different claims, we will always consider your claim individually and give you an estimate of the costs involved which is tailored to your circumstances.
• Costs are inherently unpredictable because so much depends on what your opponent does (or does not do) as well as the steps which are needed to best protect or improve your position.
• The illustration covers all steps of a case up to a final hearing. However, many cases settle at an earlier stage and we will always advise on settlement options.

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced.  You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages and we are happy to discuss if that is appropriate in your case. The stages set out above relate to a straightforward unfair or wrongful dismissal claim.  If a claim is more complex, the costs might be higher and will be worked out by reference to an hourly rate of between £195 and £370, depending on the lawyers working on your case.

Factors which could make a claim more complicated include:

• If it is necessary to make or defend applications, to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim;
• If there are a large number of documents which have to be reviewed;
• If there are a large number of witnesses on either side;
• Making or defending a costs application;
• If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after whistleblowing on your employer;
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your case that are payable to third parties, such as expert report fees and barristers’ fees if required during the case. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. By and large these are not needed in an unfair dismissal claim (except that you may well need a barrister to represent you at the Final Hearing) but we will warn you if this is not the case.

How long will my matter take?

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved.

• If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 3 to 4 months from dismissal.
• If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take about 9 months to a year depending on the length of the hearing (the longer the time needed, the greater the delay in obtaining a hearing date).

We will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of costs and timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.