Costs Transparency
My fee varies depending on the extent of the services sought. To ensure transparency, fixed costs or estimated costs are indicated with services where possible. I am not registered for VAT in respect of both reserved and non-reserved legal services and therefore my fee for the services do not include VAT and is set out in each of the engagement letters that I issue upon receipt of your instructions. in some cases, I may issue the engagement letter in the form of an email which contains the same information as in a letter format.
However, any reserved legal services that I provide via an SRA-regulated firm may be subject to VAT.
Any disbursements, such as court fees, for expert reports, forensic reports, expert witnesses, and barristers will be additional costs and subject to VAT unless expressly indicated otherwise.
There may be factors that are likely to increase the cost of a matter and these include, for example,
1. not having all of the paperwork available;
2. having missing or incorrect information that needs further investigation and correction;
3. third parties not responding to communications promptly; or
4. dealing with unusual or complex cases; or
5. unexpected or unforeseeable factors that arise during the course of the retainer; or
6. unexpected or unforeseeable circumstances that change during the course of the retainer.
As soon as any complications arise these will be discussed with you. Fees for the additional work being carried out will be agreed upon in advance of any additional work being undertaken. My current hourly rate is £300 and is increased annually from 1st January each year by 10% or the inflation rate whichever is the higher.
Every case is different, and I encourage you to contact me for an estimate for your case so I may provide an estimate outlining a range of potential fees to make sure that you get the right amount of support to meet your individual circumstances. I will update you regularly on costs throughout the matter so you can stay in control throughout.
I will send an engagement letter (or client care letter) to you in which I will outline whether the service provided is reserved or non-reserved and will include all necessary information in respect of insurance, compensation, regulations, transparency, complaints procedures costs, and VAT. If your case moves between reserved and non-reserved services a new terms of an engagement letter will be sent to you.