Employment
Legal Terms
Barrister
A lawyer who may present the case in court based on the preparation made by your solicitor. Barristers generally do more court appearances than solicitors though solicitors can represent you in most forums. Barristers' charges normally start at £100 per hour. (Also known as Counsel.)
Claimant
The employee/worker raising a complaint at the Employment Tribunal.
Company Search Report
A basic Company Search costs around £20. We generally carry out Company Searches on all Companies involved in the case. Basic Company Searches will reveal information such as the date of formation, who the directors are, the registered office and when the accounts are due. It gives us valuable information particularly relating to the likelihood of any award being paid if the claimant wins. More detailed searches are available but are more expensive. www.companieshouse.gov.uk
Contingency Fee Agreement
This is the "no win, no fee" agreement. In brief, this is an agreement whereby we agree not to charge an hourly rate but instead to share any settlement or award with the Claimant. The share is usually between 25% and 40% inclusive of VAT. If the case is lost, there is no legal fee to pay. Clients must note that disbursements must always be paid - it is only the solicitor's fees that are waived.
Counsel’s Fees
The costs associated with instructing a barrister.
Disbursements
Costs that are incurred over and above those of the solicitor's fee. For example: expenses such as doctor's fees, travel and, in some cases, counsel's fees.
Enforcement of Tribunal Order
If the other side either refuse to pay or are slow in paying a sum of money due to you as a result of an Order of the Tribunal, enforcement of the Order can be made by applying to the County Court. A fee is payable to issue an Enforcement Order
E.A.T
Employment Appeal Tribunal
Legal Expenses Insurance
Many of us have household contents insurance and often pay a premium for legal expenses without realizing. Insurers may be willing to fund certain employment disputes and may allow the insured to choose his own solicitor. Nash & Co regularly work with a number of insurers on this basis.
Medical Fees
Medical Fees must be paid up front in order to obtain medical records from your Doctor. It costs about £30 - £50 for a GP report and more if a specialist's reports are required to assist with your case - such as in a disability discrimination claim.
No win, no fee
See contingency fee agreement.
Public Funding
Formerly known as Legal Aid, public funding is available to clients that satisfy certain financial criteria. Nash & Co only operates under this scheme in rare circumstances such as appeals to the High Courts.
Remedies Hearing
Any case heard in the Employment Tribunals has two stages: The first is the hearing to establish whether or not the Claimant's complaint is upheld; if the Claimant is successful, the Tribunal must then consider the amount of money that should be paid in compensation. The hearing in regard to the sum due is called the Remedies Hearing and usually takes place on the same day if time allows.