Our Fees

Our Fees

The Solicitor’s Transparency Rules set out the information that should be made available to clients and potential clients.

The rules aim to ensure people have accurate and relevant information about a solicitor or firm when they are considering purchasing legal services and will help members of the public and small businesses make informed choices, improving competition in the legal market.

In light of this and Lex’s promise on transparency, please find below, guidance on our fees in respect of the service areas highlighted by the SRA. On all cases, we will provide you with an estimate at the outset of your matter, at regular intervals and on request. It is not always possible to provide a comprehensive estimate but we will ensure you are always well informed.

Lex’s Fee Information:

1. Personal Injury
2. Immigration
3. Debt Recovery
4. Employment
5. General

Personal Injury

Lex Solicitors’ Personal Injury service is provided on a conditional fee basis, otherwise known as no-win-no-fee. If your claim is unsuccessful, you don’t pay Lex anything towards your fees. In some cases, Lex may incur additional costs, commonly known as disbursements, on your behalf which are necessary to progress your case. For example, these can include the costs of obtaining your medical records or instructing an expert.

We promise complete transparency in terms of pricing as we understand the stress that can be caused by unexpected legal fees at the conclusion of a case. With this in mind, we will keep you informed of any costs which you may be liable for and equip you with the requisite information to make an informed decision on how you wish to proceed.

You can rest assured that Lex Solicitors will prioritise what is in your best interest and that we will never charge you anything until you have received your compensation. Our costs will be claimed from the opposition but under the Conditional Fee Agreement we enter into with you, a percentage of your compensation will be allocated to cover our fees.

The success fee will never exceed a maximum of 25% plus VAT of the compensation you are awarded. The actual percentage varies from case to case and is assessed on the element of risk. The success fee applied to your case will be made clear at the outset, in writing, so you will never need to question what your overall liability will be if you are successful.

We should also point out that the success fee will only be applied to the element of the compensation award specifically relating to your injuries. Anything you receive for loss of earnings, rehabilitation or any other loss will be forwarded to you without any deduction whatsoever.

Our team of experts will always be available to answer your questions and support you through any difficulties you encounter and we as part of our mission to achieve full transparency, your individual costs position will be explained when you instruct us.

Immigration

We promise complete transparency in terms of pricing as we understand the stress that can be caused by unexpected legal fees at the conclusion of a case. With this in mind, we will keep you informed of any costs which you may be liable for and equip you with the requisite information to make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Our immigration team are as experts in this area, recognised for their experience, knowledge and reliability. This is the result of years of achieving the desired results at competitive prices.

When you make an enquiry, you will be invited to make an appointment for an initial consultation which allows us to assess your case and more importantly, gives you the opportunity to decide if Lex is the right firm for you. We won’t charge you a penny for this consultation, nor do we impose any obligations or pressure to instruct us. Who you instruct is a decision which only you can make and we like to think that our clients have chosen us and continue to return to us on merit.

At this meeting and upon making an assessment, we will discuss the work that is involved and the relevant charges.

Lex Solicitors operates on competitive pricing and our immigration services, as far as a we possibly can, are provided on a fixed fee basis. This means that we have set fixed pricing for certain services so you know exactly what you’re paying for and allowing you to make price comparisons. Consumers seek quality goods and services at reasonable pricing and at Lex, we believe that Legal Services should be no different.

Certain complex cases fall outside the scope of the fixed fee pricing structure and the advice and representation from Lex will have to be charged on an hourly basis*. You will be provided with a full breakdown and explanation, an estimate at the outset and at regular intervals during your case.

ILR
	INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMIAN	750 + VAT
	INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMIAN (PRIORITY)	1000 + VAT
	INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMIAN OTHER	1000 + VAT
	INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMIAN OTHER (PRIORITY)	1250 + VAT
EEA APPLICATIONS
	PERMENANT RESIDENCY	650 + VAT
	FAMILY PERMITS	750 + VAT
	RESIDENCE CARD	500 + VAT
	PRE-SETTLED STATUS	250 + VAT
	SETTLED STATUS	250 + VAT
ENTRY CLEARANCE
	SPOUSE	750 +VAT
	SOUSE (PRIORITY)	1000 + VAT
	VISIT VISA (6 MONTHS)	500 + VAT
	VISIT VISA (PRIORITY)	650 + VAT
NATIONALITY
	ADULT	400 + VAT
	CHILD	400 + VAT
	BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY CITIZENS	750 + VAT
EXTENSION
	FLR M	750 + VAT
	FLR FM	750 + VAT
	VISIT VISA	500 + VAT
HUMAN RIGHTS
	FLR FM	800 + VAT
BRITISH PASSPORT
	CHILD BORN ABROAD TO BRITISH PARENT	500 + VAT
APPEALS
	WRITTEN APPEAL	750 + VAT
	ORAL APPEAL	1000 + VAT
OTHER
	TRANSFER OF CONDITIONS – LIMITED LEAVE TO REMIAN	350 + VAT
	TRANSFER OF CONFITIONS – ILR	350 + VAT
	BIOMETRICS RESIDENCE CARD (EU)	350 + VAT
	BIOMETRICS RESIDENCE CARD	350 + VAT
	CERTIFICATE OF TRAVEL/CONVENTION TRAVEL DOCUMENT (ADULT)	300 + VAT
	CERTIFICATE OF TRAVEL/CONVENTION TRAVEL DOCUMENT (CHILD)	300 + VAT

[LIST THE FEES FOR ALL OUR SERVICES DETAILED ON THE WEBSITE AND ANY OTHERS WE CAN PROVIDE]

The Fixed Fee will cover all aspects of the work we undertake will be covered as set out in the Agreement between you and Lex. Any work outside the scope of the Agreement will only be chargeable once we have explained and obtained your express to instructions to proceed.

We will always provide you with a quote for other costs related to your matter before incurring these on your behalf. These are known as disbursements, and includes services such as visa fees, interpreter fees, medical and other expert reports.

Conveyancing

Unlike many of our competitors, Lex does not rely on hourly fees or hidden rates

Whether you are buying or selling, commercial or residential property, the last thing you need is the stress, worry and burden of unreasonable and unexpected legal fees.

Our charges are determined on a number of factors including but not limited to property value.

To make this process as simple as possible and ensure our service is accessible to all, answer a few questions which will take you no more than 30 seconds, for an instant quote.

Alternatively, contact a member of our conveyancing team to make a no-obligation enquiry.

Debt Recovery

Lex Solicitors offer a competitively priced, reliable and streamlined Debt Recovery service to businesses. If you have unpaid invoices impacting cashflow, contact Lex to discuss your options.

We have outlined below the costs and fees involved at each stage of the debt collection process. Please be aware that invoices are issued to you at the end of the month for all work carried out in that month. Our terms are 14 days.

FIRST STAGE

To begin the debt collection process where the debtor is a limited company or a firm (partnership) we can send either a Letter Before Action to the debtor, which requests payment from the debtor within seven days or alternatively a Late Payment Demand, which not only claims your basic debt but also claims interest, compensation and your reasonable debt collection costs under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, provided both parties were acting in the course of business.

Letter Before Action only £25.00 (+ VAT)

Suing individuals

To begin the debt collection process where the debtor is an individual the new Pre-action Protocol for Debt Claims is applicable from 1 October 2017. It will only affect you when your debtor is an individual. Our charge is £50 plus VAT and is applicable to letters containing up to 16 printed sheets of A4 paper and postage.

Please note that if the debt is paid at this stage you will not be charged any of the costs or fees listed below.

SECOND STAGE

Court Actions in England and Wales

All claims under £100,000 are issued through the County Court Business Centre. VAT is charged on costs, not fees and is not recoverable from the Debtor, but can be reclaimed by you if VAT registered (unless exceptionally you operate under the VAT Flat Rate Scheme).

Claim Value	Costs (+ VAT)	Court Fees	*Total (+ VAT on Costs)	Standard LBA Debtor Pays	Standard LBA Non-Recoverable Costs	LPD Debtor Pays
£25 to £200	£70	£25	£95	£75	£20	All
£200 to £300	£80	£25	£105	£75	£30	All
£300 to £500	£90	£35	£125	£85	£40	All
£500 to £600	£110	£60	£170	£130	£40	All
£600 to £1,000	£140	£60	£200	£130	£70	All
£1,000 to £1,500	£150	£70	£220	£150	£70	All
£1,500 to £3,000	£150	£105	£255	£185	£70	All
£3,000 to £5,000	£150	£185	£335	£265	£70	All
£5,000 to £10,000	£170	£410	£580	£510	£70	All
£10,000 to £15,000	£170	4.5% *	4.5% * + £170	4.5% * + £100	£70	All
£15,000 to £50,000	£175	4.5% *	4.5% * + £175	4.5% * + £100	£75	All
£50,000 to £100,000	£180	4.5% *	4.5% * + £180	4.5% * + £100	£80	All

* of the claim value.

The Total column is the amount you pay regardless of whether the debt has been paid at this stage. The Debtor Pays column is the amount the Debtor pays when an action is successful, this may be after our invoice. The Court calculate the fee on the total of the debt plus interest, which may put the Court fees and costs into the higher band. You will not recover the sum in the Non-Recoverable column for a standard LBA. There are very exceptional circumstances where we are able to cancel the court action on the day of processing. Where we are able to do so, a cancellation charge of no more than the equivalent non-recoverable costs element will apply, otherwise the total costs and fees will be payable.

THIRD STAGE

Judgment & Enforcement in England and Wales

Action	Judgment Amount	Judgment Costs (+ VAT)	Enforcement Costs (+ VAT )	Enforcement Fees	*Total (+ VAT on Costs)	Standard LBA Debtor Pays	Standard LBA/LPD Non-Recoverable Costs
Bailiff	£25 to £125	£32	£2.25	£77	£111.25	£101.25	£10
Bailiff	£125 to £600	£37	£2.25	£77	£116.25	£101.25	£15
HCEO	£600 to £5,000	£42	£51.75	£66	£159.75	£139.75	£20
HCEO	Over £5,000	£55	£51.75	£66	£172.75	£147.75	£25

The courts calculate the Enforcement Fee on the Judgment total, which may put the fee into the higher band (if the enforcement is NOT issued through the Northampton County Court Business Centre the court fee is increased by £33). If the debtor files an Acknowledgement of Service the costs increase by £3 for debts up to £5,000 and by £5 on debts over £5,000. The HCEO will collect their charges from the debtor direct. However, in the event of the HCEO being unsuccessful there will be an abortive fee, which is generally £75 plus VAT. We will automatically instruct the Enforcement Officer (HCEO) in every case over £600.00. Stage 3 costs are based on default proceedings where the High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) or Bailiff is instructed. Judgment Costs are calculated on the total of the balance of the debt plus the fixed costs and fees on issue plus interest.

Matters referred to our litigation department may be charged at £227 plus VAT per hour.

In some cases, a success fee may be applied based on the complexity of the matter. This can vary between 10% to 25% plus VAT and would only become payable if we succeed in recovering your debt. If we are unsuccessful, you are only liable to pay the fixed fees set out above

Employment

Our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal

Simple case: £2,000-£5,000 (excluding VAT, charged at 20%)

Medium complexity case: £5,000-£10,000 (excluding VAT, charged at 20%)

High complexity case: £10,000-£25,000 (excluding VAT, charged at 20%)

Factors that could make a case more complex:

• If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
• Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
• Making or defending a costs application
• Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
• The number of witnesses and documents
• If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing of £750 per day (excluding VAT, charged at 20%). Generally, we would allow 1-3 days depending on the complexity of your case.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Counsel’s fees estimated between £1,000 to £2,500 (plus VAT) per day (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation)

Key stages

The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:

• Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)
• Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;
• Preparing claim or response
• Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party
• Exploring settlement and negotiating 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 bundle of documents
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
• agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
• Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel

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. This can also be arranged on your individual needs.

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 6-12 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 26-52 weeks. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

General

Some aspects of our work falls outside the scope of the pricing structure we have provided. In those cases, we will offer our services chargeable on a standard hourly rate.

It is not always easy to estimate exactly how many hours will be required on a case and will depend on the unique circumstances of each case, or how but proceeds – for example, a matter which proceeds all the way to trial will require a lot more time to prepare for court and attend the hearing than a dispute which settles in the stages.

We will provide you with a cost estimate at the outset, if costs look likely to go over this amount, we will warn you.

Lex’s hourly rate are as follows:

Partners/Solicitors/Consultant with 8 years plus post qualification experience	£251.00
Solicitors/Legal Executives/Other staff with 4 years plus experience	£227.00
Other Solicitors/Legal executives	£196.00
Trainee Solicitors & Personal Assistants	£125.00

For any further information on our fees and services, or to discuss your case, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01204 387310 to speak to the relevant team. We will make sure you have the information you need to make an informed choice of about working with Lex, including understanding what the costs may be.