Choosing legal representation is an important decision. You should understand what you are paying for, what your fee includes and what additional costs may arise.
At Lloyd James Law, we provide a written fee proposal based on your circumstances and the representation you need. Your engagement letter sets out the agreed work, charging arrangements and terms on which we act.
Contact us to discuss your requirements and request a quotation at info@lloydjameslaw.com.
Our Hourly Rate
Our standard hourly rate is £460.00 plus VAT (£552.00 including VAT at 20%).
We record time in 15-minute units. Each unit is charged at £115.00 plus VAT (£138.00 including VAT).
Chargeable work may include reviewing evidence, taking instructions, legal research, drafting, correspondence, conferences and preparation for hearings. Your engagement letter confirms the applicable rate, and we notify you of any changes.
Where representation is governed by insurance or another approved funding arrangement, our fees are adjusted to reflect the rates and terms agreed with the funding provider.
Fixed Fees
We offer fixed fees for defined tasks, hearings and stages of a case. For complex, substantial or evolving matters, hourly charging may be more appropriate.
A fixed-fee quotation reflects the complexity and urgency of your matter, the volume of evidence, preparation required and scope of representation. Your engagement letter identifies what is included, any conditions attached to the fee and work outside the agreed scope.
Calls, emails, conferences, written submissions and additional hearings are included only where specified. If further work becomes necessary or relevant circumstances change, we explain the implications and provide a revised fee proposal.
Indicative Fixed Fees
The following figures provide a guide to our privately funded fees. They are indicative ranges rather than a quotation or guaranteed maximum for your case. We confirm your agreed fee in writing.
Advice and Preparation Before a Hearing
| Service |
Fee excluding VAT |
Fee including VAT at 20% |
| Conferences and written opinions |
From £1,000 |
From £1,200 |
| Statements of case and complex letters |
£750–£5,000 |
£900–£6,000 |
| Skeleton arguments and position statements |
£1,000–£5,000 |
£1,200–£6,000 |
| Witness statements |
£1,000–£5,000 |
£1,200–£6,000 |
| Drafting and issuing an interim application |
£2,000–£5,000 |
£2,400–£6,000 |
| Representation at an interim or preliminary hearing |
£1,250–£5,000 |
£1,500–£6,000 |
Conference and opinion fees increase according to the volume of reading, complexity and preparation required.
For applications and interim hearings, your quotation specifies whether preparation, attendance and associated documents are included. Court fees and other third-party charges are additional unless expressly included.
Trials, Appeals, Arbitrations and Mediations
| Service |
Fee excluding VAT |
Fee including VAT at 20% |
| Preparation |
From £1,000 per day |
From £1,200 per day |
| First hearing day |
£3,000–£10,000 |
£3,600–£12,000 |
| Each subsequent hearing day |
£1,000–£2,500 |
£1,200–£3,000 |
| Mediation |
£1,000–£3,000 per day |
£1,200–£3,600 per day |
Preparation and attendance may be charged separately. Your quotation makes clear whether the first-day fee includes preparation and whether conferences, written submissions or other work are covered.
Where appropriate, we may agree a fixed fee for the proceedings as a whole. Mediator, arbitrator and venue charges are additional unless expressly included.
Independent Legal Advice
We offer independent legal advice at a fixed fee, with options to suit your timescale.
| Service |
Fee excluding VAT |
Fee including VAT at 20% |
| Same-day service |
£750 |
£900 |
| Within three working days |
£500 |
£600 |
| Non-urgent service |
£390 |
£468 |
Same-day appointments are subject to availability. Timescales begin once we have received the required documents, confirmed your instructions and received payment.
Your quotation confirms the advice included and any certificate or document signing required. If the matter requires work outside the agreed scope, we explain this and agree any additional fee before proceeding.
Contact us to arrange independent legal advice and confirm your required timescale →
What Affects the Cost
Our fee assessment takes account of:
- The nature, seriousness and complexity of the matter
- The volume of documents and evidence
- The preparation and legal research required
- The number and anticipated length of hearings
- The experience and specialist expertise required
- Urgency and unusually demanding requirements
- Whether criminal, regulatory or other proceedings overlap
An estimate is an assessment of the likely cost, rather than a fixed fee or cap. Estimates may change as further evidence becomes available or the work develops. Complex, difficult or urgent matters may attract an uplift, which will be explained in our fee proposal.
Additional Costs and Expenses
Additional fees may arise where substantial amendments, new evidence, further instructions or extensive correspondence increase the work beyond the agreed scope. We explain the additional work and any proposed fee revision.
Other costs may include:
- Court or tribunal fees at the applicable rates
- Expert reports and specialist evidence
- External counsel, including a KC where appropriate
- Interpreters, translators and process servers
- Travel, accommodation and courier charges
- International calls, video conferencing, scanning and photocopying
Where process servers are required, their fees may be payable directly by you.
We identify anticipated additional costs so far as reasonably possible and explain whether VAT applies. Where another professional is needed, we discuss their proposed role and fees; their charges are additional unless expressly included.
Insurance and Other Approved Funding
Where an insurer funds your representation, our fees are adjusted to reflect the agreed funding arrangements. Our standard private rate and indicative fixed-fee ranges do not necessarily apply.
We liaise with the provider to confirm the authorised work, agreed fees and funding limits. We explain any policy excess, excluded work or other costs for which you may remain personally responsible.
Funding must be confirmed before it is relied upon.
Payment Arrangements
Payment requirements are confirmed in your engagement letter. Advance payment may be required before work begins, and further payments may be requested as your case progresses.
We do not hold client money. Where funds need to be held on account, we explain the arrangements for using an appropriate third-party payment provider.
We accept credit or debit card payments and bank transfers. We do not accept cash.
Invoices are payable on receipt. We may issue interim invoices during your case, followed by a final invoice when our work concludes. Unpaid invoices may affect our ability to continue acting, in accordance with our Terms of Business.
Legal Aid and Conditional Fees
We do not undertake legally aided work or offer conditional fee arrangements, including “no win, no fee” agreements.
Timescales
We discuss the anticipated timetable when accepting your instructions. Conferences, written advice and drafting depend on the documents available, complexity, urgency and work required.
Trials, appeals and disciplinary proceedings also depend on court or tribunal listing, disclosure, expert evidence and the conduct of other parties. We explain relevant deadlines and update you where developments materially affect the timetable.
If your matter is urgent, tell us about any approaching interview, hearing or response deadline when you contact us.
Questions About Your Bill
If you have a question about an invoice, please contact the person handling your matter. We will explain the charges and address your concerns.
Our complaints procedure is available at www.lloydjameslaw.com/complaints or by emailing info@lloydjameslaw.com.
Request a Fee Proposal
Tell us about your circumstances, provide any relevant documents and identify approaching deadlines. Once we have sufficient information and have confirmed that we can assist, we will provide a tailored quotation identifying the work, fees and anticipated additional costs.
Your engagement letter and Terms of Business contain the detailed arrangements governing your instruction.
Lloyd James Law is the trading name of Kitt Hynes LLP, authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Board, entity number 191510.
Speak to us about your requirements and request a clear, tailored fee proposal