Our hourly charge out rate is £350.00 plus VAT . The majority of the work that we do for our clients is charged on an hourly basis. We may ask for monies on account before we commence your work, which means that we shall hold this money in our client account for you until such time as we are authorized to withdraw it in accordance with our professional rules.
Agreed fees
We can offer you agreed fees subject to the work that you instruct us on. Agreed fees are payable subject to Rule 17.5 of the Solicitors Accounts Rules. The amount of an agreed fee is agreed in advance for a particular matter. The scope of the work covered by the agreed fee is also agreed. The agreed fee is not one that can be varied up or down. It is usually payable whether or not the work completes . Agreement of an agreed fee is evidenced in writing between us. Payments to us of agreed fees shall be deposited into our office account as per our professional rules.
Fixed fees
Fixed fees are similar to agreed fees, however, they are usually based on estimates and can be subject to the scope of the work involved, therefore, fixed fees may be varied up or down. Of course we will always ensure that we charge you the fixed fee agreed with you.
Deferred Payment
Where you are not able to pay our fees but hope to realize money at some point in the future, you may be able to defer payment of our fees until an agreed date.
Insurance
Where applicable, we will always discuss with you, whether or not you are covered for legal expenses in any existing insurance policy that you may have or can obtain following an event. Usually, in cases such as boundary disputes, employee-employer disputes, disputes with planning authorities, we would advise you to check your home or contents insurance policies to verify whether you are already covered.
Legal Aid
We do not undertake Legal Aid work. If you are looking for solicitors who offer Legal Aid, the Law Society’s website may be able to assist you with a list of other solicitors.
Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
We appreciate that generally everyone wants to keep legal costs as low as possible. If you have a dispute with someone, before you expose yourself to legal costs, which can be high, we would encourage you to mediate and/or enter into alternative dispute resolution with the other side. Litigation can be expensive and costly in time, especially litigation that reaches court. In our experience, mediation and alternative dispute resolution is cheaper overall. We can assist you in conducting this if you wish.
Our Fee Earners
Our only Fee Earner is Mr. K.W.E. De Silva who is also the Principal and responsible officer of the firm. Mr. De Silva a Sole Practitioner is a Senior Solicitor with over 35 years of practice experience. He specialises in Conveyancing, Commercial work and other non contentious private client work and has an honours degree in Law from the University of London.
In accordance with Transparency Rules we set below fixed costs for the following areas of Law.
Residential Conveyancing
(House Sale/Purchase) £1500 plus vat for acting on the purchase or sale. If we have to act for the lender there will be a charge of £250 plus vat. In, addition you will have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax, Land Registry Fees, search fees and other disbursements usually at set price depending on the transaction value.
Probate
Our fee for acting on obtaining the Grant and Administration of the Estate would be 2% of the gross value of the estate plus vat and disbursements, if any.
Employment Tribunals
Our fee will be charged at the hourly rate of £295 plus vat and disbursements, if any like Court Fees etc. Number of hours for an average case would be in the region of 10 - 15 hours, worth of work. If it exceeds these limits, we shall let you know well in advance and agree fees with you.
Debt Recovery
Our fee will be charged at the hourly rate of £295 plus vat and disbursements, if any like Court Fees etc. Number of hours for an average case would be in the region of 10 - 15 hours, worth of work. If it exceeds these limits, we shall let you know well in advance and agree fees with you.
Magistrate Court
Our fee for traffic offences (single hearing) will be charged at £295 plus vat and disbursements.
Number of hours for an average case would in the region of 5-10 hours, worth of work. If it exceeds these limits, we shall let you know well in advance and agree fees with you.
Licensing Application
Our fee will be charged at the hourly rate of £295 plus vat and disbursements, if any County Court Fees etc. Number of hours for an average case would be in the region of 10 - 15 hours, worth of work. If it exceeds these limits, we shall let you know well in advance and agree fees with you.