Settlement agreement: who pays for the solicitor, and how much?
If you have been handed a settlement agreement, two facts change how you should feel about the legal fee: the law requires you to take advice, and your employer almost always pays for it.
Why advice is legally required
A settlement agreement waives your employment rights, and it is only binding if you have received advice from a relevant independent adviser, such as a solicitor, who signs a certificate saying so. No advice, no valid waiver. That is why the agreement includes a contribution toward your legal costs: the employer needs the certificate as much as you need the advice.
What it costs, and who pays
Employer contributions commonly run £350 to £500 plus VAT in the market. Our fee is from £650 with no VAT, covering the agreement reviewed, a written advice note, one scheduled video appointment, and the adviser's certificate, usually inside the employer's contribution or close to it, and where negotiation improves the deal, that is priced before it starts. You will never be asked to fund an open meter.
How fast it can move
Exits run on deadlines. Everything here is remote and document-first: send the agreement today, receive a written view within 24 hours, advice and certificate completed in days. Full details on the settlement agreements page.
Every matter above is delivered at a fixed fee agreed in writing before you pay, with a written reply within 24 hours. Send your enquiry.