You are not alone. Most people who contact a solicitor about an employment tribunal are quoted thousands of pounds they simply do not have. That does not mean you have to give up your case or go it alone.
Employment solicitors typically charge between £200 and £400 per hour. A straightforward unfair dismissal case going to a one-day hearing usually costs between £5,000 and £15,000. For many people who have just lost their job, that is money they do not have. Legal aid is not available for most employment tribunal claims, and free advice services are overwhelmed and rarely offer hearing representation.
The result is that thousands of people every year either abandon valid claims or represent themselves at tribunal without any help. Neither outcome is necessary.
A non-solicitor service providing defined case-review, document-preparation and hearing-support work at fixed fees. The permitted scope is agreed before instruction.
If you are a member, your union may provide free representation. You usually need to have been a member before the issue arose.
Free initial advice on employment rights. Rarely able to represent at hearings due to demand, but can help you understand your position.
Some areas have law centres that offer free employment advice and occasionally representation. Availability varies by location and is limited.
No upfront cost, but the solicitor takes 25% to 35% of any award or settlement. On a £15,000 outcome, you could pay £3,750 to £5,250.
You present your own case. Free, but demanding. Tribunals are designed for this, but an experienced opponent can make it difficult.
Employment tribunals were designed to be accessible without lawyers. GOV.UK recognises that a representative may complete a claim, correspond with the Tribunal or present a case at a hearing. The precise scope and any regulatory restrictions should be agreed before instruction.
ProHearings focuses on employment disputes, document preparation and workplace hearings. It is not a firm of solicitors and does not conduct reserved legal activities.
The right option depends on your situation. For a more straightforward case, fixed-fee preparation or hearing support may be proportionate. If you are a union member, check what your union offers first. If your case involves complex multi-party discrimination or a potential six-figure award, you may want to explore no-win no-fee solicitors or barristers.
Whatever you decide, do not let cost stop you from getting your case assessed. ProHearings offers an initial conversation at no charge to help you understand your position and your options. If we think your case needs a solicitor, we will say so.
Employment tribunal claims have strict time limits. For most claims (unfair dismissal, discrimination, deduction from wages), you must start Acas early conciliation within three months less one day of the act you are complaining about. If you have been dismissed, the clock starts from your last day of employment. Searching for affordable help is important, but do not let the search run past the deadline. Contact Acas to start early conciliation while you are deciding on representation.
Legal aid is not generally available for employment tribunal claims. Most employment cases were removed from legal aid scope in 2012. Very limited exceptions exist for certain Equality Act discrimination cases with wider public interest, but in practice few employment cases qualify.
Yes. Many claimants represent themselves, and tribunals are designed to accommodate this. However, if the employer has solicitors or barristers, you may find yourself at a disadvantage, particularly during cross-examination. A lay representative is a middle ground: professional support at a fraction of solicitor costs.
All ProHearings fees are fixed and agreed in advance. A case review starts £149. One-day hearing representation starts from £699. There is no hourly billing, no VAT, and no hidden charges. If your case settles before the hearing, the hearing fee does not apply.
If we review your case and conclude it is not strong enough to pursue, we tell you that directly. We do not take on cases we do not believe in. The case review fee still applies, but you will have a clear understanding of your position and can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.