This page contains the regulatory information required in accordance with the SRA's Transparency Rules, but our legal relationship will be governed by the terms of business that are agreed between the firm and the client.
Debt Recovery
Costs Information for Debt Recovery claims for businesses up to £100,000
The SRA Transparency Rules require law firms to provide relevant information about the costs of some of their services to assist the public and small businesses to make informed choices when considering purchasing legal services. For businesses, the services we provide and which are covered by these Rules include debt recovery up to a value of £100,000.
The fees and disbursements we will charge cover a typical debt recovery claim in relation to an unpaid invoice, which is not disputed of up to £100,000 and enforcement action is not required. Our fees are based on hourly charge out rates and are calculated by the number of hours we take to complete the work. See rates table below. 20% VAT will be added to our fees and is not recoverable from the debtor. There will also be disbursements. Disbursements are payments which we make to third parties arising in the course of providing our services. VAT is not charged on court fees.
These fees will, however, differ depending on complexity where, for example, counsel’s involvement is required to advise and draft proceedings in which case fees will increase. If the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary, which could be on a fixed fee (e.g. if a one off letter is required), or an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.
Costs Table
| Claim Value | Court fee | Our fee (plus 20% VAT) | Total (Recoverable Fees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £35 | £150 | £107 |
| £300.01- £500 | £50 | £250- £500 | £122 |
| £500.01- £1000 | £70 | £500- £1000 | £162- £172 |
| More than £1000.01-£1500 | £80 | £500-£1000 | £172- £182 |
| £1,500.01 - £3,000 | £115 | £1,000 - £1,500 | £217 |
| £3,000.01 - £5,000 | £205 | £1,500 - £2,000 | £307 |
| £5,000.01 - £10,000 | £455 | £2,000 - £3,000 | £577 |
| £10,000.01 - £100,000 | 5% of the claim | £5,000 - £100,000 | £577 - £5122 |
The costs table above covers the following work that we will undertake:
- Taking instructions and reviewing documentation .
- Undertaking appropriate searches.
- Sending a letter before action. Receiving payment and sending it on to you, or if the debt is not repaid, drafting and issuing proceedings.
- Where no Acknowledgment of Service of Defence is received, applying to the Court to request that Judgment in Default be entered.
- When Judgment is entered, write to the debtor and demand payment within 7 days.
- If payment is not received within the deadline, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs.
The costs table take does not include work where the debtor:
- disputes your claim and we enter into correspondence and/or some form of ADR is adopted;
- files a defence to your claim;
- applies to set aside Judgment in Default;
- is based outside of the jurisdiction; or
- fails to satisfy the Judgment debt and enforcement proceedings are required such as a bailiff to collect the debt.
In these situations, we will discuss next steps with you and advise you of the cost implications going forward.
Insolvency proceedings
Where insolvency proceedings are to be pursued, we will agree the basis upon which our costs of the proceedings will be charged, before proceedings are commenced.
Frances Coulson (Partner) leads our debt recovery practice. Frances has significant experience in dealing with disputes and debt recovery, and is supported by a wider team of legal professionals. Contact us to find out more.
| Fee Earner | Hourly Rate (plus 20% VAT) |
|---|---|
| Partner | £665 |
| Legal Director | £413 |
| Senior Associate | £400 |
| Associate | £319 |
| Solicitor | £269 |
| Trainee Solicitor | £153 |
| Paralegal | £153 |
Timescale
Matters usually take 2 to 4 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side, depending on whether or not it is necessary to issue a claim. This is on the basis that the other side pays promptly on receipt of Judgment in default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.
Last reviewed January 2025
Contacts
Frances Coulson
‐Partner