Civil Litigation Fees

Cocks Lloyd Solicitors Ltd is fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This means that by law, we are required to be fully transparent in our pricing. Below, you will find all the information concerning our pricing for Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution.

If you have any enquiries, feel free to contact us at (0247) 6641642 or send us a message through the contact page.

Fees

Due to the varying nature and complexity of disputes that can arise, it is not always possible to provide a definitive estimate of costs. Our aim is to give you an estimation of the best possible cost from the outset and keep you updated regarding any changes throughout the case.

The hourly rate applied will depend on the qualification and experience of your Solicitor, and these rates are set out below:

• Partner/Member Solicitor: £250
• Senior Solicitor or Head of Dept: (PQE 8+ years) £250
• Assistant Solicitor/Fee Earner: (PQE 3-7 years) £200
• NQ Fee Earner: (PQE 1-3 years) £180

*The above rates are subject to change.

We offer an initial meeting at a fixed fee, agreed in advance, to discuss your case and specific needs and how we can assist you moving forward. In straightforward matters, we typically charge £150 plus VAT for a meeting of up to one hour. This fixed fee could increase depending on the complexity of your matter. We may charge more, for example, if we need to review documentation in advance of our initial consultation or if the consultation is likely to last more than one hour.

VAT

All fees are quoted exclusive of VAT, which will be charged at the standard rate applied by the government, currently 20%.

Indicative Costs for Business to Business Debt Action

Below is an indication of the likely costs of pursuing a business-to-business debt action for up to £100,000. We have split our indication into three broad stages.

Stage One – Pre-Action

• Simple Case: £1,000 to £3,000 (plus VAT and disbursements)
• Medium complexity case: £3,000 to £5,000 (plus VAT and disbursements)
• High complexity case: £5,000 plus (plus VAT and disbursements)

The above fees are likely to include:

• Taking your initial instructions, reviewing documentation, and providing ongoing advice;
• Undertaking appropriate searches;
• Sending a letter before action;
• Corresponding with the other party where appropriate;
• Receiving payment and forwarding it to you.

Factors that could make your matter more complex:

• A large volume of documentation to review;
• Multiple parties involved;
• Dealing with an unrepresented party;
• If the debt is disputed;
• If the other party indicates a Counterclaim.

Stage Two – Proceedings

• Simple Case: £2,000 to £10,000 (plus VAT and disbursements)
• Medium complexity case: £10,000 to £15,000 (plus VAT and disbursements)
• High complexity case: £15,000 plus (plus VAT and disbursements)

The above fees are likely to include:

• Continuing to take your instructions and further review of documentation and advising on the merits and prospect of success;
• Corresponding with the other party and any other relevant parties;
• Preparing Claim Form and Particulars of Claim, or Defence, as appropriate;
• Instructing and liaising with Counsel, where appropriate;
• Applying to the court to enter Judgement in default if no Acknowledgment of Service or Defence is received;
• Writing to the other side to request payment upon receiving Judgement in default;
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s response;
• Exploring and negotiating settlement throughout the matter;
• Preparing for and attending mediation, where appropriate;
• Preparing for and attending any preliminary hearings and the final hearing;
• Taking and drafting witness statements, and agreeing their contents with witnesses;
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements;
• Preparing document bundles and agreeing on them with the other party.

Factors that could make the matter more complex:

• Numerous or complicated issues;
• A large number of witnesses;
• A defended claim;
• Whether the claim is settled early;
• Whether an Alternative Dispute Resolution method is attempted before the case goes to Court;
• Making or defending an unforeseen application.

Stage Three – Enforcement

• Simple Case: £1,000 to £3,000 (plus VAT and disbursements)
• Medium complexity case: £3,000 to £5,000 (plus VAT and disbursements)
• High complexity case: £5,000 plus (plus VAT and disbursements)

The above fees are likely to include:

• Advising on appropriate action if payment is not received from the other party and taking your instructions;
• Making further enquiries or searches;
• Making any appropriate applications;
• Communicating with the other party and any relevant third party;
• Negotiating repayment proposals, where appropriate.

Factors that could make the matter more complex:

• As above;
• Numerous or complicated issues;
• Whether the other party is deliberately trying to avoid settling the debt;
• Length of time to resolve.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Counsel’s fees or travel/accommodation expenses. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Possible Disbursements

• Court Fee for the issue of the Claim*:

Claim Value	Court Fee (paper form)	Online Claim Fee
Up to £300	£35	£25
£300.01 to £500	£50	£35
£500.01 to £1,000	£70	£60
£1,000.01 to £1,500	£80	£70
£1,500.01 to £3,000	£115	£105
£3,000.01 to £5,000	£205	£185
£5,000.01 to £10,000	£455	£410
£10,000.01 to £100,000	5% of claim	4.5% of claim

*The above fees are subject to change.

• Hearing Fee – payable close to the time of a final trial*:
  • Fast Track Claim: £545
  • Multi-Track Claim: £1,090
• Counsels (Barrister) Fees – will depend on the extent to which Counsel is instructed (i.e. to advise in conference/draft the Particulars of Claim/Defence/attend mediation/attend any preliminary or final hearings), below is a guideline only range of Counsel’s fees depending, again, on the complexity of the case:
  • Simple Case: £2,000 to £10,000 (plus VAT)
  • Medium complexity case: £10,000 to £15,000 (plus VAT)
  • High complexity case: £15,000 plus (plus VAT)
• Mediation – parties are encouraged, where possible, to resolve disputes without the need to progress to a formal trial. This may include attending a formal mediation appointment. Fees for mediating typically range between £750 and £3,000, plus VAT, depending on the issues in dispute.

How Long Will Your Matter Take?

The time it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter largely depends on the stage at which your case is resolved and the Court in which proceedings have been issued.

If a settlement is reached during Stage One, your matter is likely to be resolved within three months.

If your matter progresses to Stage Two and reaches a final contested hearing, it is likely to take up to 12 months to resolve. Unfortunately, at present, the Courts tend to have a backlog of work, causing considerable delays. This situation is subject to change and may improve over time. Naturally, throughout Stage Two, attempts will be made to settle your matter, and it is common for cases to settle early without the need for a final hearing.

If Stage Three is required, we hope the matter can be resolved within three months of commencing enforcement action.

The above is just an estimate. We will provide a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

If you have any enquiries, feel free to contact us at (0247) 6641642 or send us a message through the contact page.