Regulation and Transparency
James Legal is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (often referred to as the SRA) (Hull Office SRA No. 510398) (Beverley Office SRA No. 664876). We have always been transparent and clear with our pricing but in addition to that we are required, by the SRA, to provide a certain level of transparency on pricing for a range of legal services offered by the firm. We have set out below the information required by the SRA under their transparency rules.
Important to note
Each matter, case or transaction can be different, we have provided generic pricing information, but we would highly recommend speaker to one of our expert legal team before proceeding. Our experts will be able to discuss with you your particular requirements and provide you with a full detailed breakdown of legal costs, a clear scope of work all of which will be set out in a Proposal, Order and Scope of Work.
Contact us
For bespoke quote of to discuss costs please feel free to contact us
VAT on costs
All of our costs below and across our website are subject to VAT at 20% which is the present prevailing rate.
Our fees for Residential Conveyancing are usually fixed and a bespoke fee quote for your transaction can be obtained by contacting us. There are however circumstances where costs may increase (some examples are given below) where the nature or amount of work changes or differs form that anticipated based on your initial instructions. Were there is a change in costs we will of course discuss this with you as soon as it becomes apparent.
Our legal costs for a basic straightforward transaction start from:
In addition to our costs there are also disbursements to be paid.
The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not strictly fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time and work involved form your initial instructions. In most transactions costs will be as per bespoke quote we send to you in our proposal, order and scope of work, but as set out below there are times when the cost may change.
Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally.
Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.
Our Average Costs are:
Our average legal costs for a basic straightforward transaction are:
In addition to our costs there are also disbursements to be paid.
Money we may have to pay out on your behalf
Money we have to pay out on your behalf to third parties are called “Disbursements”
Sale Disbursements
The usual disbursements on a sale will be around £75. This is inclusive of VAT and includes a copy of your title, telegraphic transfer fee, copying and postage charges and electronic identification fees as shown below.
TT Fee (per transaction) | 35.00 |
VAT | 7.00 |
ID Check (per person) | 9.95 |
VAT | 1.99 |
Title Registers | 9.00 |
EvoVault (Secure Portal) | 10.00 |
VAT | 2.00 |
Purchase Disbursements
The usual disbursements on a purchase are a minimum of £310 (this excludes stamp duty). This is inclusive of VAT and includes a full search pack (local authority search, water & drainage search and environmental search), final land registry searches, land registration fee, bank telegraphic transfer fee, copying, and electronic identification fees.
TT Fee (per transaction) | 35.00 |
VAT | 7.00 |
ID Check (per person) | 9.95 |
VAT | 1.99 |
Property Searches | 180.00 |
Final Searches + £2 if a couple | 5.00 |
Registration Fee | 20.00 |
Mortgage Admin Fee | 40.00 |
VAT | 8.00 |
Re-mortgage Disbursements
The usual disbursements on a sale will be around £183. This is inclusive of VAT and includes a copy of your title, telegraphic transfer fee, copying and postage charges, electronic identification fees, search indemnity) come lenders require full searches as would be required for a purchase) and lender portal fees as shown below.
Title Registers | 6.00 |
TT Fee (per transaction) | 35.00 |
VAT | 7.00 |
ID Check (per person) | 9.95 |
VAT | 1.99 |
No-Search Indemnity (approx.) | 50.00 |
Final Searches + £2 if a couple | 5.00 |
Registration Fee | 20.00 |
Mortgage Admin Fee | 40.00 |
VAT | 8.00 |
Note - The land registration fee increases with the value of the property and the land registry fee used to calculate the average disbursement figure above was £20.00. This is the fee payable for a property up to the value of £80,000.00.
Stamp Duty
(SDLT in England; LTT in Wales) depends on the purchase price of your property and varies depending on your circumstances, including:
There is a calculator on HMRC’s website to show the amount of SDLT payable. For properties in Wales, the amount of LTT depends on similar factors and can be calculated by using the Welsh Revenue Authority's website.
To give you an accurate indication of the stamp duty payable we would need to assess all of the facts relating to the purchase of the Property. We do not give specialist tax advice.
Other disbursements
There will be additional disbursements for leasehold properties:
When selling a leasehold property, you may need to pay for a ‘management pack’ from the landlord or management company: you will need to contact them to request this and find out the cost (The average is around £350 though there is a wide variation).
When buying a leasehold property, the lease will require notice of the transfer and mortgage to be given to the landlord or management company. There may also be deed of covenant fees and a fee for providing a certificate of compliance required by the Land Registry, (The average for each item is around £50 - £100 each though there is a wide variation).
Note - For the avoidance of doubt the above fees quoted do not include estate agency fees, surveyors fees and other services carried out by third parties.
What type of thing could affect the costs?
Fees will vary depending on the nature of the transaction and will take into account many factors including the following:
The above is not an exhaustive list and there may be other factors that affect the fee payable. We will discuss which apply to your circumstances at the outset or as they arise
Key Stages of a Typical Sale and Purchase
Each transaction is different: the parties, the property, the price etc. The below stages in a ‘typical’ sale/purchase below are for guidance only - they can happen in a different order:
Sale
Purchase
How long will it take for sales or purchases ?
The length of time between acceptance of an offer until the completion day will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 12-16 weeks (as at Jan 2024). It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 4 weeks to exchange. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 2 and 3 months to exchange. In such, a situation additional charges would be incurred
Key Stages of a typical Re-mortgage
Each transaction is different: the parties, the property, the value, the loan etc. The below stages in a ‘typical’ re-mortgage below are for guidance only: they can happen in a different order:
Re- Mortgage
How long will it take for a remortgage?
The length of time between instruction and completion of the re-mortgage will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 4 – 8 weeks (as at Jan 2024). It can be quicker or slower, depending on the mortgage application process and the new lender’s requirements.
Who at James Legal will deal with Residential Conveyancing ?
On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with Residential Conveyancing here at James Legal.
Probate and Estate Administration
We can either assist you to make the application for the grant of probate only or we can deal with the full administration which involves collecting and distributing the assets.
Who at James Legal will deal with Probate and Estate Administration?
On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with Probate and Estate Administration along with other private client work here.
There will be a main point of contact throughout your transaction. Our team is led by Christopher Hutchinson who is a senior solicitor and a Fully Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
Applying for Probate only
To obtain the Grant of Probate only for a straightforward estate:
Our Legal Fee £960 plus VAT
To obtain the Grant of Probate only for a moderate estate:
Our Legal Fee £1,200 plus VAT
The likely disbursements are:
Probate Application Fee £273
Extra copies of the grant of probate £1.50 per copy
Dealing with the full Estate Administration
What are the total or likely range of costs for applying for probate, collecting in and distributing the assets of an estate?
Every estate is different and so our costs will depend on individual circumstances. We charge on a time spent basis as we believe that this is the fairest way, you are only charged for the work actually done, rather than a percentage of the value of the estate. We anticipate that fully administering an estate can take anywhere 10 and 120 hours at £250 per hour plus VAT. We have provided some costs estimates below.
Complexity of Estate | Legal Fees of James Legal – range | Based on the following presumptions |
---|---|---|
Straight forward | £2,900 (plus VAT of £580) - £5,900 (plus VAT of £1,180) |
|
Moderate | £5,900 (plus VAT of £1,180) - £7,900 (plus VAT of £1,580) |
|
High | £7,900 (plus VAT of £1,580) - £30,000 (plus VAT of £6,000) |
|
The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time involved.
Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally.
Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.
Money we may have to pay out on your behalf?
Money we have to pay out on your behalf to third parties is usually referred to as a “Disbursements”
The disbursements which are most often incurred during an estate administration are set out below:
Probate Application Fee £273
Extra copies of the grant of probate £1.50 per copy
UK Bankruptcy searches £2 per beneficiary
Statutory Notice in the London Gazette and local newspaper – protects from unexpected claims by unknown creditors – typically £250 plus VAT
What type of thing could affect the costs?
Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets can range in likely costs due to the complexity and the time taken based on many factors including (by way of examples):
What are the usual key stages of Estate Administration?
When we carry out work on your behalf we will set out a “scope of work” within the Proposal and Order we send to you. The Scopes of Work, may be broken down in stages, steps or phases, usually to make it more manageable financially. However, in terms of general employment claim, the key stages are:
The above stages may vary according to the nature and type of estate.
How long does it take?
The length of time an estate may take to distribute depends on the nature and extent of the estate. We usually expect to be able to apply for Probate within 2 months of instruction. We will deal with matters promptly as they arise, and we try to distribute within 1 year of the issue of the grant. We cannot control how long third parties such as banks, government departments such as HMRC or DWP and the Probate Registry may take to deal with our correspondence. It may also take longer if there is property to be sold. Once the Grant has been received, we generally advise not to distribute an estate until after 6 months has issued from the date a Grant of Probate is issued. This is because it is always possible for a claim to be made against an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 within that period. In some circumstances we can distribute earlier on an indemnity basis.
Please see below the details of our fees for debt recovery matters up to £100,000. Claims can of course vary in complexity so in each case we will discuss costs with you, for your claim and based on what you might be aiming to achieve. We will usually set out a Scope of Work, along with a Proposal and Order. As work progresses, we will agree with you each step of the way the work to be done and the likely costs, so you have control of your cost. However, to help we have set out some broad indicative for an average and straightforward case, we have set this out below.
What are the total or likely range of costs for a debt claim up to £100,000?
If the claim is what we would consider average and straightforward our fee for a claim;
Work done on claim | Legal Fees of James Legal – range | Disbursement Costs - possible |
---|---|---|
Demand Letter only | £250 (plus VAT of £50) - £500 (plus VAT of £100) | |
Claim issued at court and default judgement obtained | £2500 (plus VAT of £500) - £3000 (plus VAT of £600) | Court Fee (not subject to VAT ) depends on value of claim see Make a court claim for money: Court fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
Claim issued at court and claim defended | £3000 (plus VAT of £600) - £15000 (plus VAT of £3000) | Court Fee (not subject to VAT ) depends on value of claim see Make a court claim for money: Court fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) also possible application fees and / or barristers Fees ( estimate £1000 plus VAT of £200 - £2500 plus VAT of £500) |
Claim issued at court, Judgement Obtained and on form of enforcement action taken | £3500 (plus VAT of £700) - £4000 (plus VAT of £800) | Court Fee (not subject to VAT ) depends on value of claim see Make a court claim for money: Court fees - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and enforcement fees dependant on method of enforcement taken, current rates here Make a court claim for money: Enforce a judgment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time involved.
Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally.
Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.
What type of thing could affect the costs?
Bringing employment claims against and employer can range in likely costs due to the complexity and the time taken based on many factors including (by way of examples):
Money we may have to pay out on your behalf?
Money we have to pay out on your behalf is usually referred to as a “Disbursements”
In Debt Claims there is usually a fee payable to issue the claim, this fee varies base don the value of the claim. The court Fee is also not subject to VAT.
Other possible disbursements incurred in debt claims are such things as the cost of a barrister, application fees to the court and any enforcement fees.
The cost of a barrister is often called Barristers fees or Counsels fees. The cost of a barrister will vary based on the barristers experience and the time they might spend on your claim, and idea of the likely costs is reflected in the table above (these fees are usually subject to VAT).
What are the usual key stages of a Debt Claim ?
When we carry out work on your behalf we will set out a “scope of work” within the Proposal and Order we send to you. The Scopes of Work, may be broken down in stages, steps or phases, usually to make it more manageable financially. However, in terms of general debt claim, the overall key stages are
How Long Can It Take?
The duration of a debt matter can vary depending on several factors. For example, if the debt is disputed, or if court proceedings are ongoing or required. As a general rule, any proceedings can take from 6-12 months to complete. If court proceedings are not required, a matter can take on average from 1-3 months if it is straightforward and if the debt is not contested. If enforcement action is needed, this will of course take more time.
Once we are in receipt of your full details and instructions, we will be able to provide you with a specific scope of work and detailed costs.
Who at James Legal will deal with Debt collection ?
On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with debt collection here at James Legal.
What are the total or likely range of costs for an Employment Tribunal claim?
Based on an assumption that a case may take one days at a final hearing an assuming to goes all the way to a final hearing, likely costs, expressed as a range, are also follows:
Complexity of claim | Legal Fees of James Legal – range | Barristers Fees as a disbursement |
---|---|---|
Straight forward | £4000 (plus VAT of £800) - £8000 (plus VAT of £1600) | £1000 (plus VAT of £200) - £2500 (plus VAT of £500) |
Moderate | £8000 (plus VAT of 1600) - £18000 (plus VAT of £3600) | £2500 (plus VAT of £500) - £6000 (plus VAT of £1200) |
High | £18000 (plus VAT of £3600) - £45000 (plus VAT of £9000) | £8000 (plus VAT of £1600) - £20000(plus VAT of £4000) |
The above are an indication of likely costs involved, to be clear these are not fixed fees. These fees are based on estimates of time involved.
Our costs will be based on time spent progressing and dealing with your claim and we will during the progression of your claim keep you updated on costs on a regular basis. Please see our costs FAQs which also explain a little more about common questions on costs generally.
Our time is charged based on the hourly charging rate of the person (or persons) dealing with your claim. Please check out Our People. Here you will find out what type of work is done by whom and usual standard charging rates can also be found in our T&Cs.
Who at James Legal will deal with Employment claims ?
On our People page, you can easily sort by area of law to see who deals with Employment claims and other employment advice here at James Legal.
Money we may have to pay out on your behalf?
Money we have to pay out on your behalf is usually referred to as a “Disbursements”
In employment claims there is usually no fee payable to issue the Employment Tribunal claim, the most common disbursement incurred in employment claims is the cost of a barrister. The cost of a barrister is often called Barristers fees or Counsels fees. The cost of a barrister will vary based on the barristers experience and the time they might spend on your claim, and idea of the likely costs is reflected in the table above.
What type of thing could affect the costs?
Bringing employment claims against and employer can range in likely costs due to the complexity and the time taken based on many factors including (by way of examples):
What are the usual key stages of an Employment Claim ?
When we carry out work on your behalf we will set out a “scope of work” within the Proposal and Order we send to you. The Scopes of Work, may be broken down in stages, steps or phases, usually to make it more manageable financially. However, in terms of general employment claim, the key stages are:
The above stages may vary according to the nature and type of case. Sometimes cases may not go all the way to the end stage/s as it may stop part way through – for example: if the parties agree a settlement, or if one party is struck out etc.
How long does it take?
The length of time a case may take to get to a final hearing may vary. As a rough rule of thumb in our experience a standard employment claim can take between 6 months to 1 year to get to a final hearing.
Of course, some cases may not go all the way. Some cases may settle, if the settle in the early conciliation phase, then you claim may take about 6 weeks of so. The claim could settle at some point during the claim too, so anytime for day one, all the way up to the day of the final hearing.
Below is a list of our hourly standard charging rates based on an average straightforward matter or transaction. In some cases, the hourly rates applied may be lower or higher based on the type of work and its complexity.
Person | Hourly Rate | VAT at 20% |
---|---|---|
Aimee Young | £150 | Plus VAT |
Anna Bisby | £130 | Plus VAT |
Byron Swarbrick | £270 | Plus VAT |
Catherine Blake | £75 | Plus VAT |
Charlotte Rice | £130 | Plus VAT |
Cheryl Leaning | £150 | Plus VAT |
Chris Cook | £150 | Plus VAT |
Chris Hutchinson | £270 | Plus VAT |
Claire Ryder | £250 | Plus VAT |
Courtney Scott | £75 | Plus VAT |
Dominic Hudson | £270 | Plus VAT |
Jessica Bennett | £100 | Plus VAT |
John Paice | £200 | Plus VAT |
Leon Lurie | £250 | Plus VAT |
Lucy Raspin | £130 | Plus VAT |
Mike Stoney | £250 | Plus VAT |
Nick Miller | £300 | Plus VAT |
Nicky Mounsor | £150 | Plus VAT |
Rebecca Sutton | £100 | Plus VAT |
Shelley Sugden | £100 | Plus VAT |
Simon Young | £270 | Plus VAT |
Yasmin Palmer | £130 | Plus VAT |
James Legal is the trading name of James Legal Limited of Planet House, 2 Woodhouse Street, Hedon Road, Hull, HU9 1RJ registered in England and Wales (CRN 6837013). The names of our Directors is available for inspection at our offices. VAT Registration number 970 9396 74. ICO registration number is ZA018952. James Legal is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Hull SRA No. 510398 & Beverley SRA No. 664876). The Solicitors Code of Conduct can be accessed via the Solicitors Regulation Authority website.