Legal
Pricing Transparency
Arbor Law provides a bespoke, senior level lawyer-led legal service. The scope of our work and our fees are tailored to the nature, complexity, urgency and requirements of each matter.
Where possible, we provide costs estimates at the outset and update those estimates as the matter progresses.
We comply with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s transparency requirements and publish pricing and service information for the following areas:
- Employment Tribunal Claims
- Licensing Applications and Variations
- Residential Conveyancing
Further information is available on the relevant service pages.
Our detailed fee arrangements, hourly rates and any applicable fixed-fee or alternative fee arrangements will be discussed and agreed with you before we start work.
EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL PRICING
Our service
Arbor Law can help employers defend Employment Tribunal claims brought by current and former employees for breach of employment law. We can also help employees bring such claims.
We specialise in high-value, complex and sensitive employment matters, and our service is bespoke. We tailor our advice to your needs, the nature of the dispute, the business sector involved and the commercial, reputational or regulatory issues that may arise.
The work will be performed or supervised by a senior lawyer at Partner level. At the beginning of your matter, we will tell you who will be working with you, who will be responsible for your matter, and who to contact if you have any concerns about our service. We will also explain the agreed scope of our work.
This page gives an example of an Employment Tribunal matter, from both an employer and employee perspective, and sets out what may be included in that service. We routinely deal with matters that are significantly more complex than this example.
What is included
The key stages involved in Employment Tribunal matters may include:
- taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers, and advising on strategy and the likely value of the claim (which may be revisited as the matter progresses);
- assisting with pre-claim conciliation to explore whether settlement can be reached;
- preparing the claim or response;
- reviewing and advising on the claim or response from the other party;
- preparing or considering a schedule of loss or counter-schedule;
- preparing for and attending preliminary hearings, and agreeing and exchanging the bundle with the other party;
- taking, drafting and agreeing witness statements, and reviewing and advising on the other party's statements;
- preparing bundles of documents for the Employment Tribunal and your advocate;
- agreeing a list of issues, chronology and/or cast list;
- preparing for the final hearing, including instructing an advocate, and arranging representation at any further preliminary hearings.
What is excluded
Unless we agree otherwise in writing, the fees set out below will not include further work such as:
- whistleblowing or discrimination claims, unless expressly included in the agreed scope;
- work required before employment is terminated, such as investigations or grievances;
- detailed settlement discussions;
- work relating to post-termination restrictions or restrictive covenants;
- work relating to unpaid remuneration, including salary, bonus, pension, commission or equity;
- work relating to the impact of termination on your professional or regulatory position;
- appeals and enforcement of any judgment;
- reputation management;
- documenting a negotiated settlement;
- additional work required because of a change in your instructions;
- mediation or an agreed mediation process;
- complex interim applications, unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
If any excluded work becomes necessary, we will discuss this with you and agree the additional scope and likely costs before carrying out that work.
What we charge
We charge based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter. Our hourly rates typically range from £400 to £650 plus VAT. The relevant hourly rate will depend on a number of variables, including the complexity of your matter and the seniority of the lawyers working on your matter.
We look to develop longstanding and meaningful relationships with our clients and may offer alternative pricing solutions beyond the range quoted above, in return for greater commitment and regular workflow. We will discuss this with you when you instruct us.
However, as a general guide, our fees for the work described under “What is included” are likely to fall within the following ranges for bringing or defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal:
| Complexity | Our fee range |
|---|---|
| Low complexity | £5,000 to £15,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
| Medium complexity | £15,000 to £50,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
| High complexity | £50,000 to £200,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
These ranges apply to both bringing and defending claims. Employer-side matters may sometimes require more extensive factual investigation, document review, witness evidence and internal stakeholder management, which can increase complexity and cost.
We typically charge on an hourly basis but where the scope of work allows we may agree an alternative fee structure — a fixed fee, a capped fee, or a hybrid (for example, a fixed fee to a defined milestone and hourly thereafter). Any such arrangement will be agreed in writing with you before we start work.
Factors that may increase complexity
Factors that could make a case more complex include:
- detailed settlement discussions;
- interim applications, applications to amend, or requests for further information;
- longer hearings, complex preliminary issues (such as disability status), or a large number of witnesses or documents;
- defending claims brought by litigants in person, or making or defending a costs application;
- the conduct and attitude of the parties, including allegations of discrimination linked to the dismissal;
- professional rules or sector-specific regulation, such as FCA-regulated roles;
- reputational, senior executive, regulatory notification or professional conduct considerations;
- cross-border or group company issues.
Additional costs and disbursements
In addition to our fees, you will need to budget for disbursements — costs payable to third parties, such as counsel's fees, expert fees, tribunal fees and document production costs.
Where appropriate, we will handle payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. You are responsible for payment of all disbursements, and we may ask you to pay money to us in advance before a disbursement is incurred. Where we pay disbursements on your behalf, we will add them to our bill without mark-up.
Counsel's fees are likely to be the main disbursement where a barrister is instructed, and vary with the complexity of the matter, the seniority of the advocate, and the length of any hearing. As a general guide:
- A junior barrister may cost between £250 and £450 per hour plus VAT for advice, drafting or other preparatory work, and around £2,500 to £5,000 plus VAT per day for Tribunal representation.
- A senior barrister may cost between £500 and £800 per hour plus VAT for advice, drafting or other preparatory work, and around £5,000 to £8,000 plus VAT per day for Tribunal representation.
Counsel's fees may be higher for complex, high-value, discrimination, whistleblowing, senior executive, regulated-sector or multi-day cases. We will discuss the choice, seniority and likely cost of counsel with you before fees are incurred.
Expert fees may also be required in some cases, for example where expert evidence is needed on a particular issue. Expert fees may range from approximately £3,000 to £15,000 excluding VAT per expert, depending on the type of expert, the nature of the report required and the complexity of the issues.
VAT
All fee ranges above are stated exclusive of VAT. Where VAT applies, it will be added at the prevailing rate, currently 20%. Where our services are not a VATable supply, no VAT will be charged.
Most disbursements attract VAT at the prevailing rate, which we will pass on to you without mark-up. Certain disbursements, such as official fees, may not be subject to VAT.
How long it will take
The time from initial instructions to final resolution depends largely on the stage at which the matter is resolved.
If settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, the matter may take around one to two months.
If the claim proceeds to a final hearing, it may take around 12-18 months, but in some circumstances it may take two years or more.
These are estimates only. We will give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses. The progress of your matter will also be affected by Employment Tribunal listing times, which are outside our control.
As with all litigation, there is no guarantee that you will achieve your desired outcome.
LICENSING APPLICATIONS
Our service
Arbor Law can assist drafting and negotiating new leases and other leasehold documentation.
We specialise in commercially focused real estate, landlord and tenant, asset management, advertising, infrastructure and property-related commercial matters. Our leasehold work is therefore particularly suited to businesses where the lease forms part of a wider property, operational or commercial strategy, including hospitality, retail, leisure, advertising, events and mixed-use premises.
Our service is bespoke. We tailor our advice to your needs, the nature of your premises, the type of lease you wish to obtain, and the commercial, landlord and tenant, planning, local authority or operational issues that may arise.
The work will be performed or supervised by a senior lawyer at Partner level. At the beginning of your matter, we will tell you who will be working with you, who will be responsible for your matter, and who to contact if you have any concerns about our service. We will also explain the agreed scope of our work.
What is included
The key stages of a leasehold matter may include:
- taking your instructions and advising on procedural requirements, likely costs and timescales;
- reviewing and negotiating heads of terms;
- carrying out appropriate property searches based on the area being leased to uncover risks and restrictions on the land;
- reviewing the title to the land to check ownership and rights, boundaries and restrictions;
- dealing with enquiries with the opposing side;
- reviewing and negotiating draft documentation such as a lease, agreement for lease, and rent deposit deed;
- drafting and submitting a Stamp Duty Land Tax return on your behalf to HM Revenue & Customs; and
- completing and submitting an application to the Land Registry to register the lease.
What is excluded
Unless we agree otherwise in writing, the fees set out below will not include further work such as:
- preparing suitable plans;
- advising on further variations to the lease or other documentation;
- attending the premises to be leased;
- planning, health and safety, fire safety or building control advice;
- instructing or liaising with experts, and expert or third-party fees;
If any excluded work becomes necessary, we will discuss this with you and agree the additional scope and likely costs before carrying out that work.
What we charge
We typically charge based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter. Our hourly rates typically range from £400 to £650 plus VAT. The relevant hourly rate will depend on a number of variables, including the complexity of your matter and the seniority of the lawyers working on your matter.
Where the scope of work allows we may agree an alternative fee structure — a fixed fee, a capped fee, or a hybrid (for example, a fixed fee to a defined milestone and hourly thereafter). Any such arrangement will be agreed in writing with you before we start work.
We offer a bespoke service and each matter is unique. We can only estimate the likely costs of our licensing services once we have discussed the matter with you and reviewed the relevant information.
However, as a general guide, our fees for the work described under “What is included” are likely to fall within the following ranges:
| Complexity | Our fee range |
|---|---|
| Low complexity | £1,700 to £4,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
| Medium complexity | £2,500 to £7,500 plus VAT and disbursements |
| High complexity | In excess of £8,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
Low-complexity applications may include, for example, a lease renewal of a restaurant or office with minimal amendments.
Medium-complexity applications may include, for example, a new lease of the whole of a restaurant or office and a rent deposit deed.
High-complexity applications may include, for example, a lease of a large office premises within part of a building where works are being carried out and an agreement for lease and licence for alterations is required.
Factors that may increase complexity
Factors that could make a matter more complex include:
- larger premises, part of a building rather than the whole, densely populated locations;
- multiple stakeholders involved in instructing us;
- a large number of turns of the draft documents;
- landlord, tenant, planning, asset management or development issues at the premises, or advertising, infrastructure, concession or commercial arrangements linked to the lease;
- multiple layers of ownership to the title of the land;
- the lease being conditional upon other factors such as works being carried out or a current tenant vacating;
- the landlord or tenant being a foreign entity.
Additional costs and disbursements
In addition to our fees, you will need to budget for disbursements — costs payable to third parties, which may include:
- application fees charged by the Land Registry – typically from £20 to £1,200;
- preparing plans — typically from £350 to £1,200;
- search fees – typically from £500;
- Stamp Duty Land Tax – dependent on the value of the lease;
- foreign counsel’s legal opinions or third-party costs, where required.
Where appropriate, we will handle payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. You are responsible for payment of all disbursements, and we may ask you to pay money to us in advance before a disbursement is incurred. Where we pay disbursements on your behalf, we will add them to our bill without mark-up.
VAT
All fee ranges above are stated exclusive of VAT. Where VAT applies, it will be added at the prevailing rate, currently 20%. Where our services are not a VATable supply, no VAT will be charged.
Most disbursements attract VAT at the prevailing rate, which we will pass on to you without mark-up. Certain disbursements, such as official fees, may not be subject to VAT.
How long it will take
Leasehold matters usually take between six and twelve weeks from receipt of your instructions. This assumes that the application is relatively straightforward and that you provide all necessary documents promptly.
More complex matters may take longer, for example where there is substantial opposition from interested parties or delays in obtaining required documents.
RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING
Our service
Arbor Law can assist with the purchase or sale of residential property in England and Wales.
We specialise in commercially focused property work, including landlord and tenant matters, asset management, acquisitions, disposals and development of real estate assets. Our residential conveyancing service is particularly suited to clients whose transaction involves higher-value property, leasehold complexity, development potential, property investment, overseas ownership, corporate structuring, or wider commercial considerations.
Our service is bespoke. We tailor our advice to your needs, the nature of the property, the structure of the transaction, your financing arrangements and any commercial, tax, regulatory, landlord and tenant, or title issues that may arise.
The work will be performed or supervised by a Partner. At the beginning of your matter, we will tell you who will be working with you, who will be responsible for your matter, and who to contact if you have any concerns about our service. We will also explain the agreed scope of our work.
This page gives an example of a residential conveyancing matter and sets out what may be included in that service. We routinely deal with matters that are significantly more complex than this example.
Assumptions
The fee ranges below assume that:
- the transaction is a standard freehold or leasehold sale or purchase;
- no unexpected title defects arise;
- the transaction proceeds within a usual timetable;
- all parties are cooperative;
- the property is not being transferred as part of a corporate, trust, probate or restructuring arrangement, and no new lease, lease extension or complex landlord consent is required;
- any mortgage is with a mainstream lender and does not require bespoke finance advice, and no indemnity policies, unusual consents or additional documents are required.
If those assumptions do not apply, the matter may be more complex and additional fees may apply.
What is included
The key stages involved in a residential sale may include:
- taking your instructions and giving you initial advice;
- reviewing the legal title to the property;
- preparing, negotiating and advising on contractual documents (including special conditions), replies to enquiries, and joint ownership issues where applicable;
- arranging exchange and completion, receiving and distributing completion monies, and dealing with the assignment of the lease where applicable;
- advising you as you prepare standard property information forms;
- obtaining replies from managing agents and landlord's licence to assign where required, and transferring any share in a freehold or management company;
- dealing with redemption or discharge of charges.
The key stages involved in a residential purchase may include:
- taking your instructions and giving you initial advice;
- conducting conveyancing searches, reviewing and reporting on title, and reviewing contractual documents and raising enquiries;
- checking that funds are available to complete, corresponding with your lender or their solicitors, and explaining the conditions of your mortgage offer (where applicable);
- advising on leasehold issues, including short leases;
- advising on indemnity insurance, where applicable;
- preparing a report on title;
- preparing and submitting the SDLT return to HMRC (if instructed);
- applying to register your purchase and any mortgage at HM Land Registry, responding to requisitions, dealing with restrictions, and serving notices of transfer or charge.
What is excluded
Unless we agree otherwise in writing, the fees set out below will not include:
- advice on price, valuation, commercial finance terms, or remortgages and refinancing (unless expressly agreed);
- tax planning or detailed SDLT, capital gains tax, inheritance tax or overseas tax advice;
- heads of terms, exclusivity or option agreements, new leases or lease extensions, or rectifying defects in title;
- planning, building regulations or environmental advice, or physical inspection or survey advice;
- arranging finance or insurance, or independent legal advice for a spouse, guarantor or third party;
- disputed rights, boundaries, third-party interests, or other property-related disputes;
- corporate, trust, probate or restructuring advice, development, asset management or investment structuring, or commercial contracts connected with the property;
- lender's solicitors' fees where separate representation is required.
What we charge
We typically charge based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter. Our hourly rates typically range from £400 to £650 plus VAT. The relevant hourly rate will depend on the complexity of your matter and the seniority of the lawyers working on it.
Where the scope of work allows, we may agree an alternative fee structure — a fixed fee, a capped fee, or a hybrid (for example, a fixed fee to a defined milestone and hourly thereafter). Any such arrangement will be agreed in writing with you before we start work.
As a general guide, our fees for the work described above are likely to fall within the following ranges:
| Complexity | Our fee range |
|---|---|
| Low complexity | £1,500 to £4,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
| Medium complexity | £4,000 to £8,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
| High complexity | In excess of £8,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
Certain high-value, time-sensitive or highly complex transactions may cost significantly more. Where appropriate, we may agree a fixed fee, which will be confirmed with you before we start work.
Factors that may increase complexity
Factors that could make a matter more complex include:
- higher property value or short timetable;
- title defects, unregistered, split or composite titles, restrictive covenants, easements or rights affecting the property, or missing planning or building regulations documentation;
- leasehold issues, landlord consent, or management company or freehold company arrangements;
- incomplete or delayed documentation;
- chain transactions, multiple buyers, sellers or lenders, or probate, trust, overseas or corporate ownership;
- complex financing, additional lender requirements, or conditional contracts;
- recently built, renovated or converted property, or development, investment or asset management issues.
Additional costs and disbursements
In addition to our fees, you may need to budget for disbursements, including:
- search fees (usually £400 to £750) and pre-completion searches;
- HM Land Registry fees (£20 to £1,105 approx., depending on value and application type);
- electronic money transfer fees and, where applicable, Energy Performance Certificate costs;
- surveyor, valuer, environmental consultant or other expert fees, and legal indemnity insurance premiums;
- landlord, managing agent or management company fees, including notice fees, deed of covenant fees, certificate of compliance fees or licence to assign fees;
- lender fees, redemption fees or bank charges, and buying agent, selling agent or mortgage broker fees.
You are responsible for all disbursements. Where we pay disbursements on your behalf, we will add them to our bill without mark-up.
Stamp Duty Land Tax
If you are buying a property, you may need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax. The amount payable will depend on the purchase price, the nature of the property, your ownership structure, whether any reliefs apply, whether you own other property, and whether you are UK-resident.
Our standard conveyancing fees do not include detailed tax advice or SDLT planning. Where required, we can discuss whether separate tax advice is needed.
VAT
Where VAT applies, it will be added to our fees at the prevailing rate, currently 20%.
The fee ranges above are stated exclusive of VAT. Where VAT applies, VAT will be added.
Most disbursements attract VAT at the prevailing rate. Certain official fees may not be subject to VAT.
How long it will take
A low-complexity residential conveyancing matter usually takes between six and twelve weeks from receipt of your instructions.
More complex matters may take longer, particularly where the property is leasehold, landlord consent is required, there are title issues, the transaction forms part of a chain, financing is complex, or third-party consents are needed.
Where a lease extension is required, the matter may take several months or longer. Where landlord consent is required, this may add several weeks.
Completion depends on agreement between the parties and factors outside our control.
