Bishop & Sewell

Since 6th December 2018, our regulator, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has required that all law firms publish their fees and pricing in certain areas of law in which we deliver legal services.  For our firm, you will find this information included under the categories listed below.

The figures we give, however, may vary in cases with particular complexities. That is why will always give you a cost estimate based on your individual transaction that takes into account the actual features of your transaction.

Of course, if any unexpected complications arise that have an impact on our fees, we would immediately inform you of this and would discuss with you the potential consequences before you incur any extra fees.

If you have any complaints about our service, including fees and pricing, please refer here Complaints Policy – Bishop & Sewell – Law Firm (bishopandsewell.co.uk) for guidance on our complaints policy and procedure.

Our fees and pricing do not include VAT.  When applicable, VAT will be applied usually at the rate of 20%.

For your information we use the term ‘disbursements’ to mean any costs or expenses paid or to be paid to a third party on behalf of a client (including any VAT element) except for office expenses such as postage and courier fees.

If required, we can supply this information about our fees and pricing in alternative formats.

Property

Fees

Our fees start at £3,000 plus VAT for a residential property purchase up to £400,000 for a relatively straightforward matter, rising thereafter with purchase price and complexity.

Examples are set out below, but all transactions depend on their own individual circumstances.

Freehold

Property price up to £400,000 Property price £750,000 Other property prices
£3,000.00 plus VAT £3,500 plus VAT Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation

Leasehold

Property price up to £400,000 Property price £750,000 Other property prices
£3,500 plus VAT £4,500 plus VAT Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation

Leaseholds may have additional costs depending on lease requirements.

Typical disbursements

Our handling charges for sending telegraphic transfer on completion (this item and charge will appear twice if, as happens occasionally, the deposit is also sent by telegraphic transfer) £25 plus VAT
Local authority search fee (approximately – the fee varies per local government area) £150 plus VAT
Water and drainage search fee (approximately) £55 plus VAT
Environmental & Plan Search fee (approximately) £74 plus VAT
Land Registry fees – registration of title dependant on value (double if new build) from £150 – £500 (VAT not applicable)
Stamp Duty liability for stamp duty will depend on number of properties owned or main residence being sold simultaneously
On leasehold properties landlord registration fee (approximately) £150 plus VAT
Land Registry/Land Charges Registry searches (approximately) £10 plus VAT

Typical timescales and key stages

The average residential property purchase takes between 8 and 12 weeks.

Key stages of the purchase process are typically:

  • Receive your instructions, identification and other necessary details
  • Check finance arrangements and initiate contact with lender (if applicable)
  • Receive and advise on contract documents
  • Undertake searches / obtain planning documentation if necessary
  • Make necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
  • Review and advise on all relevant documents and information
  • Review and advise on mortgage offer (if applicable)
  • Finalise contract for signature & confirm completion date
  • Exchange of contracts
  • Arrange for receipt of all monies required for completion
  • Complete purchase
  • Prepare and submit Stamp Duty Land Tax return with payment
  • Prepare and submit registration at Land Registry with payment

Fees

Our fees start at £3,000 plus VAT for a residential property sale up to £400,000 for a relatively straightforward matter rising thereafter with sale price and complexity. Examples are set out below but all our fees will depend on the individual features of the sale.

Freehold

Property price up to £400,000 Property price £750,000 Other property prices
£3,000 plus VAT £3,500 plus VAT Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation

Leasehold

Property price up to £400,000 Property price £750,000 Other property sale prices
£3,000 plus VAT £3,500 plus VAT Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation

Typical disbursements

Our handling charges for sending telegraphic transfer on completion (if we redeem a mortgage, there will be 2 telegraphic transfers so this item and charge will appear twice) £25 plus VAT
Land Registry searches £12 plus VAT
On leasehold properties – information regarding the service charge and the freeholder’s or managing agent’s intentions in respect of on-going costs and any major works (approximately) £250 – £650 plus VAT

Typical timescales and key stages

The average residential property sale takes between 8 and 12 weeks.

Key stages of the sale process are typically:

  • Receive your instructions, identification and other necessary details
  • Prepare and send sale documentation pack for buyer’s solicitor
  • Initial contact with lender (if redemption of mortgage is involved)
  • Respond to enquiries by buyer’s solicitor
  • Finalise contract for signature & confirm completion date
  • Exchange contracts
  • Complete purchase and transfer proceeds of sale as necessary

Fees

Our fees start at £1,750 plus VAT for a residential re-mortgage where we also act for a standard High Street lender for a loan up to £300,000.00 for a relatively straightforward matter, rising thereafter with level of loan and value of the property

Freehold

Lending up to £300,000 Lending between £300,000 and £750,000 Other lending amounts
£1,750 plus VAT £2,250 plus VAT Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation

Leasehold

Lending up to £400,000 Lending between £300,000 and £750,000 Other lending amounts
£1,975 plus VAT £2,450 plus VAT Please call to discuss a bespoke quotation

Typical disbursements

Our handling charges for sending telegraphic transfer on completion (if we redeem a mortgage, there will be 2 telegraphic transfers so this item and charge will appear twice) £25 plus VAT
Land Registry title information £12 plus VAT
Land registry fee dependant on value of lending from £20 (VAT not applicable)
Pre completion searches (approximately) £7 plus VAT
Indemnity insurance instead of full searches dependant on value of property (approximately) £30 (VAT not applicable)
For leasehold properties notice would also need to be served on your landlord (approximately) £60 plus VAT

Typical timescales and key stages

The guide below applies in a typical remortgage where the lender is a bank/building society and not an individual. The typical remortgage transaction takes approximately 4 weeks to complete but in some instances can be completed quicker.

  • Obtaining title deeds and a redemption statement
  • Obtaining office copies of the client’s property title
  • Carry out title checks
  • In the case of leasehold properties, carry out a check of the lease and make enquiries to the landlord regarding the status of service charge and rent payments
  • Check mortgage offer
  • Prepare for completion
  • Obtain final redemption statement
  • Final searches and checks
  • Obtain mortgage advance and complete the remortgage
  • Register changes at the Land Registry

 

Meet the Conveyancing Team

Employment

Fees

For a straightforward unfair or wrongful dismissal claim lasting 2 days, the typical period for these claims, in an Employment Tribunal, which would involve many or all of the key stages as mentioned below, we would anticipate our fees (for either employer or employee clients) to total between £10,000-15,000 (plus VAT).

For more complicated or longer cases (such as those involving an element of unlawful discrimination or whistleblowing), our total fees will be significantly more than stated above and could amount to £40,000 – £50,000 plus VAT.

Disbursements

Usually the only disbursement that would be payable are Counsel’s fees for a barrister to represent you at the Tribunal.  Counsel fees vary depending on the level of experience of the barrister and the complexity and length of the case but can usually be expected to range, for a 2 day hearing, between £1,550 and £6,250 (plus VAT).  Counsel’s fees cover the barrister’s preparation for the hearing as well as attendance at the Tribunal.

Typical timescales and key stages

Employment Tribunal proceedings for unfair or wrongful dismissal typically involve the following stages:

  • Taking client’s (whether employer or employee) initial instructions, reviewing documents and advising on merits and likely compensation.
  • Entering into ACAS Early Conciliation process (where mandatory) to see if settlement can be reached.
  • Drafting and filing a claim form (known as an ET1) for a claimant (employee) or a response form (known as an ET3) for a respondent (employer).
  • Drafting and calculating a schedule of loss.
  • Preparing and attending a Case Management Discussion or Preliminary Hearing (either in person or via telephone conference call).
  • Complying with document disclosure process and agreeing a bundle of documents for any hearing(s).
  • Meeting/discussing evidence and drafting witness statements.
  • Liaising with the other party regarding a List of Issues and/or Chronology.
  • Preparing for and attending a Final Hearing, including instructing Counsel and attending Counsel in conference.

 

Meet the Employment Team

Debt Recovery

Fees

Our fees in these matters typically range from £750 plus VAT upwards depending on particular aspects of your matter.

Disbursements

You may have to pay court fees and barrister’s fees in addition to our fees.

Typical timescales and key stages

This will depend on the type of case and whether it is dealt with in the court, tribunal or another forum. The courts are usually extremely busy so it could be 12 months before your matter reaches a conclusion. Tribunals are generally less busy and have a quicker turnaround time normally of between 3 to 9 months.

 

Meet the Debt Recovery Team

Estate Administration

Fees

Our fees in these matters typically range from £3,000 to £15,000 plus VAT (where applicable) depending on the circumstances and complexity of your matter.

Hourly rates range from £135 to £325 plus VAT depending on the experience and qualification of the appropriate fee earner.

Typical disbursements

Probate Court Fees of £155 plus £0.50 per additional copies of the Grant (VAT not applicable).

Swear Fees £5 to £7 (VAT not applicable).

S27 Trustee Act Notice in the London Gazette £78 plus VAT.

Typical timescales and key stages

Identifying estate property, establishing a summary of the deceased’s assets as at the date of death including a valuation of the deceased’s assets and liabilities for estate and tax purposes and preparing the appropriate HMRC inheritance tax account: 3-6 months from instruction.

Establishing the basis for testamentary or other dispositions, preparing the relevant Oath for the personal representatives and submitting the application for the Grant to the Probate Registry of the High Court: 3-6 months.

Collection of estate assets, payment of estate liabilities and testamentary legacies and distribution of residuary estate: 6-9 months.

Estate accounts and income tax reports and returns: 6-12 months.

 

Meet the Estate Administration Team

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