My company needs support with employment litigation and dispute resolution ========================================================================== Defending an employment claim can be a time consuming and negative experience which detracts from the main business of running your company. The employment team at Vardags can work with you to protect your company against employment claims through a preventative strategy. Where claims happen, we are here to help you tackle them confidently and professionally. Our team is highly experienced in dealing with both Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation. We can pursue claims on your behalf, for example, where an employee has breached restrictive covenants, or defend claims made against your business. We always take a well thought out, tactical approach to litigation from the outset to achieve the best outcome for our clients. "Frank Ryan is a very impressive, effective and entirely approachable commercial litigation and employment lawyer who fully understands the needs of our business and provides common sense, no nonsense advice."Sylvia White, General Counsel, GardaWorld IPS "Frank Ryan is a lawyer who thinks out of the box and delivers results, time and again, often with devastating effect. I would always want him on and by my side."Toni Hilton, Dean of the Glasgow School for Business and Society FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -------------------------- The first you may know about a potential employment claim against your company is that an employee or former employee has made an early conciliation notification to ACAS. This would then trigger contact from ACAS to your company. You are not obliged to take part in early conciliation with ACAS. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/acas-early-conciliation-notification "How to respond to ACAS early conciliation notification?") There are many proactive steps that can be taken to promote claim avoidance. Training for managers can be invaluable so that managers can spot the warning signs of employment law issues at the earliest possible stage. Where managers understand the importance of involving Human Resources teams quickly, claim avoidance can be achieved. Being alert to employment issues before they escalate is the key. If an employee appears to be disgruntled, you may wish to take the initiative of investigating the matter and going down a grievance route with a view to resolving matters early. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/claim-avoidance-preparation "How to prepare for claim avoidance?") Whilst we can take a tough approach to our cases where needed, we also understand the benefits of mediation to resolve issues. The upsides of mediation are clear in terms of saving time, cost and preserving important working relationships or guarding against reputational damage. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/mediation-benefits-employment-claims "What are the benefits of mediation for employment claims?") We recommend that you contact us urgently if you receive an Employment Tribunal claim as there is a strict timeline of 28 days to enter a response. We can help you to prepare the ET3 response and put forward your best defence to the claim. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/employee-issued-claim-in-employment-tribunal "An employee has issued a claim in the Employment Tribunal, what can we do?") It is important to put your best case forward from the start. Your company will be bound by the contents of its defence and the position it has taken in response to the claim which has been issued. Contradictions further down the line could damage credibility and ultimately result in losing the claim against your organisation. We can help you get the ET3 right. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/drafting-et3 "How to draft ET3?") We know which barristers work best on our cases when it comes to representation at Employment Tribunals. Choosing a barrister is a key decision and we recognise that different barristers will suit different cases and clients. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/representation-at-a-hearing "How to get representation at a hearing?") Your case may be document heavy and we can work with you to organise and list your documentation to ensure that document disclosure is an efficient and streamlined process. Key decisions will need to be taken as to whether documents are relevant and you should also be alert to not disclosing privileged documents containing legal advice. Document disclosure will require you to disclose all documents which are relevant to the issues in the case whether they are helpful or harmful. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/document-disclosure "How to ensure document disclosure is efficient?") Employment cases are won and lost on witness evidence. The evidence of the company's witnesses must be their version of events. We can add value by ensuring that witness statements are well drafted, comprehensive, and clear. We can also arrange witness familiarisation sessions for our client in advance of Employment Tribunal hearings. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/accurate-witness-statements "How to ensure witness statements in employment cases are accurate?") Most hearings are open to the public, and therefore the press are free to attend and report on the hearing. However, any press report must be fair, balanced, and accurate. If the press are mis-reporting the outcome of a hearing it is important to push back and have it corrected, before that mis-information becomes part of the narrative and is repeated elsewhere. If you believe the other side is leaking false information to the media it is important to act quickly, which would often involve us engaging with the other side and the media to have untrue allegations corrected. [FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law/publicity-employment-tribunal-claims "How to deal with publicity surrounding Employment Tribunal claims?") [MORE FAQS](https://vardags.com/faq/employment-law) Overview -------- Vardags has decades of experience working on high value employment disputes, obtaining the very best results both in and out of the courts and tribunal for individuals and companies. Our service is Director-led and specifically tailored to your circumstances and needs. We specialise in handling complex and high-value employment issues and claims on behalf of, or involving, directors, shareholders, executives, senior management and employees. Many of our cases involve both High Court litigation and employment tribunals, for example, where there are issues of shareholder prejudice. We also have considerable experience in acting for clients involved in serious cases of sexual or other harassment; discrimination cases; and those involving whistle-blowing. We support and guide employers, from SMEs to public companies, through business reorganisations, including transfer of undertakings, redundancies and mergers. Our aim is to keep our clients out of the courts, but where this is not possible, we provide representation at the High Court and employment tribunals. TeAm ---- Frank Ryan, Director and Supervisor Caroline Graham, Consultant The team is also assisted by trainee solicitors, who normally spend three to six months in the employment department as part of their general training. Key Stages ---------- Where your employment matter becomes contentious, the scope of our work normally includes: 1. Taking your detailed instructions; reviewing the documents; advising on the merits of your case (or of any case against the employer where we act for the employee); and the compensation that an employment tribunal is likely to award. Merits and compensation assessments are reviewed as the case develops. For example, if an employee, in seeking to mitigate his or her losses, finds new employment that produces a significant income, the compensation assessment would be reviewed to reduce the losses and value of a claim. 2. Conducting initial correspondence with other parties, as well as entering into pre-claim conciliation (known as early conciliation) where this is considered appropriate to explore whether a settlement can be reached. 3. Preparing a claim or response to a claim. 4. Reviewing and advising on a claim and any responses received from other parties. 5. Where appropriate, engaging in settlement negotiations and advising on the possibility of private mediation. 6. Formulating a schedule of loss or counter-schedule of loss. 7. Preparing for and attending any preliminary hearings, including private case management hearings where procedural directions for the conduct of the case are given by completing an agenda and list of issues. 8. Compiling and reviewing the documentary evidence, exchanging lists of documents and examining the material produced by the other parties. 9. Agreeing a joint bundle of documents for use at future hearings, whether related to liability or compensation. 10. Drafting witness statements cross referenced to the documentation. 11. Assessing the other parties' witness statements and the effect these may have upon prospects or value. 12. Devising a chronology and list of relevant individuals. 13. Preparing and delivering a brief to Counsel. 14. Liaising with Counsel in relation to witness statements and evidence. 15. Attending the final hearing, and potentially also a hearing for the assessment of compensation. Costs and Charges ----------------- Frank Ryan has successfully mediated many claims, resolving them through negotiation and agreement and. However, it is still possible that a matter may require at a final hearing. Normally, costs are not awarded to either party in employment tribunal proceedings, and therefore it is necessary for a careful assessment of the net returns a claimant may recover. Subject to our standard terms and conditions of business, our legal fees are calculated by reference, among other things, to the total amount of time spent on a case. Charges are made for telephone calls, outgoing letters and emails, consideration of documentation addressing tactics and case planning, meetings and general preparation and pursuit of a claim. Partners - £450 per hour. Consultant - £450 per hour. Assistant Solicitor - £275 per hour. Trainee solicitors - £205-245 per hour. The above legal fee charges will be subject to VAT at the current rate of 20% (where applicable) and also subject to modification on 1st April annually. We will be able to provide an estimate of overall costs once we have received sufficient information. The amount of work involved in each case will depend on the facts and issues, as well as the level of support required by the client and the agreed strategy. Where there are related civil proceedings, we would need to provide a separate quotation for this work since it would not be covered as part of the pricing estimate for our fees discussed above. An example where this could arise is if there is a petition alleging shareholder prejudice. The quotation would be given at the time so you are aware of all the relevant costs for the related matters. Illustrative Range of Fees As a general guide, the overall costs of bringing or defending claims for wrongful or unfair dismissal (excluding the fees for barristers and any expert witnesses) are: • A standard case of medium complexity £50,000 to £100,000 plus VAT. • A complex case £100,000 to £150,000 plus VAT. The overall costs of a case may be higher or lower than the above figures depending on a variety of factors, such as: 1. The volume and complexity of the documentation to be considered. 2. The intricacy of the history of the case. 3. The number of witnesses to be called and whether they are legally represented. 4. The client's personal requirements or circumstances, for example, ill health. 5. The level of opposition encountered and whether they are legally represented. 6. The requirement for preliminary hearings. 7. The length of hearing required. 8. The seniority of the barrister chosen to present the case. Cases can be further complicated in situations where: 1. It is necessary to make or defend a variety of applications, for example, to gain access to documentary evidence; 2. There are complex discrimination or whistle-blowing arguments; 3. Proceedings are required in a different court or jurisdiction. Disbursement and Barristers' Fees --------------------------------- Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Employment tribunals do not currently have fees, although there are court fees if action has to be brought in the civil courts as well. Barristers' fees depend on the level of experience (or "call") of the barrister appointed. We will seek to agree fees with you and the barrister's clerk before they are incurred. However, please note that third party expenses (barristers' fees and experts' fees for independent medical evidence or material related to employment prospects or to engage in private or judicial mediation) must be covered by the client in advance of liability for the fees being incurred. A junior barrister of between two and ten years' call appearing at a preliminary hearing of up to two hours could charge fees in the range of £750 to £2,000 plus VAT. A final hearing may take between three and ten days depending on the complexity of the issues and number of witnesses called. A senior barrister of 15 years' call (a "senior junior") at a three day final hearing could charge a brief fee for trial preparation and day one of the trial of £7,500 - £10,000, with additional refresher fees for days two and three of the trial of £2,500 to £3,000, again plus VAT. A senior barrister of 15 years' call at a ten day final hearing could charge a brief fee for trial preparation and day one of the trial of £25,000 to £30,000, with additional refresher fees of £2,500 to £3,000 for subsequent days, again plus VAT. Engaging a more junior counsel for a three day final hearing might charge a brief fee of £3,500 to £6,000 with additional refresher fees of £1,000 to £2,000 for subsequent days, again plus VAT. More junior counsel engaged for a ten day final hearing might charge a brief fee of £10,000 to £20,000, with additional refresher fees of £1,000 to £2,000 plus VAT for subsequent days. If the instruction of an expert is required to provide evidence in any particular field(s), a fee would be payable for their time. Experts' fees largely depend on the nature of their instruction and the facts of the case, it is therefore difficult to estimate these at the outset. If it appears that mediation or adjudication may assist in resolving your matter, and both parties agree, a fee would be payable for the mediator's / adjudicator's time. These fees are normally split between both parties and are usually in the region of £1,000 - £1,500 plus VAT for half a day, and £2,000 - £3,500 plus VAT for a full day, however, they can be higher. You must also bear in mind that it is sometimes possible that a barrister may need to attend a mediation /adjudication in particularly complex cases or where your opponents are insisting on Counsel attending (although we frequently attend mediations without Counsel). Their fees could range from £1,000 up to £7,500 plus VAT, depending on their level of call. VAT if applicable would be charged at the current rate of 20%. In appropriate cases, and only when acting for a claimant, we may be prepared to consider acting on a Damages Based Agreement, details of which can be supplied by us in cases that we consider appropriate. The Timescale of the Process ---------------------------- The length of time required to complete an employment claim depends on whether the matter is resolved by agreement or if it proceeds to a hearing. Negotiations for settlement can take place at any time and we advocate the use of private mediation in appropriate cases. The time limit for bringing claims is normally three months from the date of the dismissal or other act that forms the basis of a claim, plus four to six weeks to allow for early conciliation. Early conciliation must be started within three months and involve any relevant potential respondent(s). If a case is not settled through early conciliation or negotiation, the employment tribunal process is likely to take between 6 to 12 months to complete. This is only an estimate and we will of course be able to provide a more accurate timescale once the matter progresses and we have more information. The timeframe in which your matter is concluded will also depend on the timeliness of responses from the employment tribunal, which can be affected by their capacity at any given time. If proceedings are not necessary, many employment disputes can be resolved quickly, sometimes in a matter of a few weeks or a couple of months. OUR TEAM -------- [### Frank Ryan](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/frank-ryan "Frank Ryan Vardags Civil Litigation Consultant") [### Caroline Graham](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/caroline-graham "Caroline Graham Vardags Corporate Consultant") [Civil Litigation Consultant](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/frank-ryan "Frank Ryan Vardags Civil Litigation Consultant") [Corporate Consultant](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/caroline-graham "Caroline Graham Vardags Corporate Consultant") [### Frank Ryan Civil Litigation Consultant](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/frank-ryan "Frank Ryan Vardags Civil Litigation Consultant")"Frank Ryan is a lawyer who thinks out of the box and delivers results, time and again, often with devastating effect. I would always want him on and by my side." Toni Hilton, Dean of the Glasgow School for Business and Society [### Caroline Graham Corporate Consultant ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/caroline-graham "Caroline Graham Vardags Corporate Consultant")"Simply the best" Legal 500 [Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team/employment-law) Is Vardags Right For You? ------------------------- We offer a free consultation to qualifying individuals. Please call our confidential enquiry line on **020 7404 9390**. Lines are staffed 24 hours. When you contact us a member of our client relations team will take the full details of your situation, assess whether we can assist you, and if so, determine the best team for your case. Media Highlights ---------------- [Time Ayesha Vardag features in Time Magazine](http://time.com/5037316/britain-divorce-london-capital-ayesha-vardag/ "Ayesha Vardag features in Time Magazine") [BBC News David Lister discusses 'Brangelina' divorce on BBC News](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7279887504982302720 "David Lister discusses 'Brangelina' divorce on BBC News") [The Telegraph 'Homemaker' ex-wife of Laura Ashley boss earns mammoth divorce payout](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/06/homemaker-ex-wife-laura-ashley-boss-wins-third-200m-income-payout/ "'Homemaker' ex-wife of Laura Ashley boss earns mammoth divorce payout") [The Telegraph Caroline Korah discusses parental child abduction with The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/brexit-stopped-us-getting-our-abducted-children-back/ "Caroline Korah discusses parental child abduction with The Telegraph") [The Times Hidden assets and fluctuating fortunes - how crypto clouds divorce](https://www.thetimes.com/article/12c7dc62-6d9f-4c75-9314-b17a9d4fc98f?shareToken=3393e3e3e8101b72a28c6d95a1c641fe "Hidden assets and fluctuating fortunes - how crypto clouds divorce") OUR FULL RANGE OF SERVICES -------------------------- Vardags is one of the UK's leading divorce law firms. We specialise in complex, high net worth and international cases. The Legal 500 has said of Vardags: "The team is noted for its sheer intellect" [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/divorce "Divorce") Vardags is among the leading family law firms in the UK. Our solicitors specialise in complex cases for high net worth individuals, including international child relocation, child abduction, and prenuptial agreements. The Legal 500 has said that "clients feel in totally safe hands" with Vardags' Children & Family lawyers. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/children-and-family "Children & Family") Our reputation and privacy team, headed by top media lawyer Alex McCready, works in and out of the public eye on cases involving defamation, privacy and reputation management. We provide expert advice and representation across the full range of reputation and privacy related matters, including crisis management, emergency injunctions and actions against online and new media. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/reputation-privacy "Reputation & Privacy") Vardags is a leading UK law firm with expertise in complex disputes relating to a range of corporate law matters. Our team has a wealth of expertise to help clients with their legal needs. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/corporate "Corporate") Vardags is a successful and rapidly-growing law firm with an outstanding reputation for winning cases. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/criminal-defence "Criminal Defence") Vardags is a top law firm with a trailblazing fertility and surrogacy department. We have had success with some of the most groundbreaking cases of the last decade in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, with rulings that have changed the law. Vardags remains at the cutting edge of fertility law, pushing for further improvement of the outdated legislation in place in Britain. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/fertility-surrogacy "Fertility & Surrogacy") Vardags' civil litigation team is renowned for its nous and its consistent ability to deliver results. [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/commercial-civil-litigation "Commercial & Civil Litigation") Vardags' wills and trusts team has the specific expertise to cater to the wills and trusts needs of high-net-worth and high-profile individuals. Richard Todd QC, Leading Counsel for Yasmin Prest said of Vardags: "a note to acknowledge your firm's pivotal role in achieving such an outstanding result in the recent Supreme Court case of Petrodel v Prest". [Find out more](https://vardags.com/services/wills-trusts "Wills, Trusts and Probate") Vardags is a leading family law firm with specialist expertise in assisting clients who are experiencing domestic abuse. We appreciate that those in abusive relationships may face difficulties contacting us. 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