We will update you regularly on your costs throughout the matter so you can stay in control with no unexpected surprises.
It may be the case that a firm prices its services lower than ours, but we anticipate that they will not offer the range of services we do to assist all of your family’s needs and potentially not the level of experience. The size of a firm also affects what happens when solicitors are absent on holiday or illness. Our size means that we have the support in place for those unexpected times.
Please see the relevant sections for our hourly rates for our services and where alternate fixed prices for particular services are available, what these fees are.
Size matters. Our size means that we are on the panel with all high street lenders so that you will have one solicitor acting for both you and your lender for your transaction, potentially saving you time and costs.
Quality matters. You will have a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer acting for you from beginning to end of your matter. We have grown our reputation on the personal service that we deliver to our clients. Please see the profiles of our team for more information.
Relationship matters. Our profile pages set out who is in our property team, which office they are based in and their level of experience. You will be communicating with this person quite regularly over the period of the transaction so please do contact them to start the relationship blossoming.
For a guide to the process please look at these documents:
Natalie Berry is the Director overseeing the Property department.
What are my legal fees going to cost? Each property transaction is unique so please contact us to obtain a bespoke estimate for your purchase.
An example estimate for a freehold purchase of a property registered at the Land Registry for £500,000 with a mortgage: our legal fee £1,450 plus VAT.
An example estimate for a leasehold purchase of a property registered at the Land Registry for £350,000 with a mortgage: our legal fee £1,650 plus VAT.
These standard fees do not take into account matters that are unforeseeable at the outset of your matter which can cause unexpected difficulties and additional time and are therefore likely to increase the cost of your matter. For example, if the land is unregistered, if there are title defects, lack or missing paperwork, all parties being co-operative and that there are no unreasonable delays in providing information and no indemnity policies are required.
If you would like a specific solicitor or partner to look after your matter their hourly rate may apply instead of the standard legal fees listed. Hourly rates are displayed below.
Supplemental fees: online ID verification (per person) £30 plus VAT, bank transfer fee (per transfer) £30 plus VAT, lenders report fee £150 plus VAT, documentation fee £40 plus VAT, new build fee £200 plus VAT, Help to Buy £200 plus VAT, SDLT fee £40 plus VAT.
Disbursements and other costs are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process and they should be the same at all firms if they are just charging you what they are being charged.
HM Land Registry fee, calculated according to the amount of the purchase price (see the Land Registry fees calculator)
Search fees, approximately £290, with the benefit of the search fee guarantee that if your matter goes abortive we will obtain another search pack for free if you reinstruct us on another property within 6 months of the searches having been submitted
SDLT or Land Tax, dependent on the purchase price and calculated using the HMRC calculator, or the Welsh Revenue Authority’s calculator if the property is in Wales
Bankruptcy search, £6 plus VAT for person
Land Charges search, £7 plus VAT
There are certain disbursements on leasehold matters that relate to the individual lease but typically include a notice of transfer fee to the landlord or management company, ranging from £30 to £150 per notice, a notice of charge fee if the property is mortgaged, anything from £30 to £150, a deed of covenant fee as required by a management company, from £50 to £400, and a certificate of compliance to be confirmed by the management company, ranging from £50 to £400.
Ground rent and service charge are likely to apply from the date of ownership of the property and these will be confirmed once we have the lease information.
How long will it take? Each sale or purchase is unique and the time it takes from your offer being accepted until you can move into your property depends on a number of factors. The average process takes 8 to 12 weeks to get to completion, although leasehold purchases tend to take longer. We have completed a transaction as fast as 24 hours before, so it does depend on each individual case.
What are my legal fees going to be? Our legal fee estimates below are for all the work that we can foresee, without knowing more details from you, for the sale of your home.
An example estimate for a freehold sale of a property registered at the Land Registry for £500,000 with a mortgage: legal fee £1,500 plus VAT.
An example estimate for a leasehold sale of a property registered at the Land Registry for £350,000 with a mortgage: legal fee £1,650 plus VAT.
These standard fees do not take into account matters that are unforeseeable at the outset of your matter, in the same way as set out under purchase fees above. If you would like a specific solicitor or partner to look after your matter their hourly rate may apply instead of the standard legal fees listed, displayed under our individual profiles.
Supplemental fees: online ID verification (per person) £30 plus VAT, bank transfer fee (per transfer) £30 plus VAT, documentation £40 plus VAT, leasehold fee £150 plus VAT.
Disbursements and other costs: HM Land Registry downloads £3 to £10 plus VAT per document or plan, bankruptcy search £6 plus VAT per name.
On the sale of a leasehold property there will be additional charges for the landlord or management company to provide information essential for the sale, ranging from £100 to £300, determined by the landlord or management company.
How long will it take? As with a purchase, each sale is unique and the average process takes 8 to 12 weeks to completion. We have done it as fast as 24 hours before, so it does depend on each individual case.
What are my legal fees going to cost? Our legal fee estimates below are for all the work that we can foresee, without knowing more details from you, for the remortgage of your home, based on a property in Buckinghamshire registered at the Land Registry. Please contact us for an estimate about your specific remortgage.
House price brackets: £0 to £150,000 is £550 plus VAT; £150,001 to £1,050,000 is £600 plus VAT across that range; £1,050,001 to £1,300,000 is £700 plus VAT; £1,300,001 to £1,500,000 is £750 plus VAT; £1,500,001 to £1,750,000 is £800 plus VAT; and £1,750,001 and above in the published table is £900 plus VAT.
Supplemental fees: online ID verification (per person) £30 plus VAT, bank transfer fee (per transfer) £30 plus VAT, documentation £40 plus VAT, leasehold fee £150 plus VAT.
Disbursements and other costs: HM Land Registry downloads £3 to £10 plus VAT per document or plan, bankruptcy search £6 plus VAT per name, HM Land Registry fee calculated according to the value of the property, search fees approximately £290 although some lenders will accept a no search indemnity which can be cheaper depending on the value of the property, and Land Charges search £7 plus VAT per title. Leasehold disbursements typically include a notice of charge fee if the property is mortgaged, anything from £30 to £150.
How long will it take? Each remortgage is unique depending on the property. The average process takes 3 to 4 weeks to draw down the funds from the lender.
At Hine Solicitors we understand that the loss of a loved one is difficult. We provide our clients with a professional and thorough service in a friendly and supportive manner. We understand that no one case is the same and offer different service levels to suit you.
Fixed fee: if you would like us to assist in obtaining the Grant of Representation only, we offer to complete this on a fixed fee basis so that you know precisely how much it will cost you. We would deal with all steps for you up to obtaining the Grant. The fixed fee ranges between £1,750 plus VAT and £5,000 plus VAT depending on several factors, including whether or not the deceased left a will, the size and extent of the estate, for example if there are a large number of shares, bank accounts or investments, and whether Inheritance Tax is payable and can be realised easily from the estate.
Hourly rate: if you would like us to deal with the administration of the estate in its entirety we would undertake this on an hourly rate basis. Each estate is different but, depending on complexity and the amount of work involved, we estimate our fees for dealing with the entirety of the administration range from approximately £2,500 for around 10 hours to approximately £48,000 for around 160 hours plus VAT. If the estate is protracted or other issues, assets, information or family dynamics come to light during the administration, the estimate may need to be revised and could exceed 160 hours.
The hourly rate of fee earners in the department are currently, partner £354 plus VAT, associate director £340 plus VAT, senior solicitor £320 plus VAT, senior legal executive £320 plus VAT, solicitor £280 plus VAT, and legal executive or ILEX £280 plus VAT. All costs are subject to VAT, currently 20%.
Other costs, payable to third parties as disbursements, that you can expect in most estates: Grant of Probate court application fee £300 plus £1.50 per sealed copy of the Grant, notices for creditors, also known as Section 27 Notices, between £200 and £300, Land Registry fees £3 plus VAT per property, and bankruptcy searches £2 plus VAT per beneficiary. Inheritance Tax may also be payable in some cases, with reliefs and allowances that may apply, and options for payment, which we advise on and guide you through. There may also be other sums payable to estate agents, surveyors, accountants and other professionals involved in the administration. These costs do not include the fees or disbursements for the sale of any property in the estate, which is charged separately, with our property team pleased to assist and quote for their services.
Timescales: the time it takes to deal with each estate depends on factors including the complexity of the matter, the size and extent of the estate, whether Inheritance Tax is payable, the terms of the will and family or beneficiary dynamics. On average you can expect the estate to be dealt with between 6 months and 2 years. Once the probate application is submitted it can take approximately 16 to 20 weeks to obtain the Grant of Representation and a further 16 to 24 weeks to gather in the assets and it may take longer to market and sell any property in the estate.
If you would like to know more, please call us. We are pleased to have an initial free 15 minute consultation to go through the estate, establish how we can assist, and answer any initial queries you may have.
Our estimates for the provision of advice and representation at the Magistrates’ Court in relation to standard road traffic offences that can only be heard in a Magistrates’ Court, dealt with at a single hearing, are set out below. For matters that proceed to further hearings, or that can also be heard in the Crown Court, please speak to us directly for a full case specific estimate.
We strive to give accurate and honest cost estimates but recognise that each case has its own unique issues which can increase or decrease the costs involved. Below are some example fees based on being at court for up to half a day, with extra costs incurred if all day.
We offer an initial fixed fee meeting of up to an hour for £200 plus VAT. If you do decide to instruct us for the hearing, this fee is deducted from the fees outlined below.
Driving with excess alcohol or fail to provide: £600 plus VAT. Speeding: £750 plus VAT. Careless driving: £850 plus VAT. Use of mobile telephone whilst driving: £600 plus VAT. Driving without insurance: £600 plus VAT.
What work do the above fees include: considering the evidence, providing advice on plea, likely sentence and options available to the court, advising on whether an exceptional hardship or special reasons argument can be made, and representation at a single hearing.
Many clients instruct us when their driving licence is at risk, either through accruing too many penalty points or because the offence itself carries the possibility of immediate disqualification. In those circumstances we can advise on whether to put forward arguments for exceptional hardship or special reasons to avoid losing the licence. If such an argument is presented in court, our fee is £1,200 plus VAT.
Additional costs will be incurred if we are required to interview and take statements from witnesses, or provide advice on appeal or need to instruct an expert witness. These are charged at the hourly rate for the solicitor or caseworker engaged.
Disbursements or other fees: the estimates do not include disbursements such as mileage at 45p per mile, car parking or public transport fees, which are charged as incurred.
Who will be carrying out the work: our motoring team is made up of qualified solicitors, trainee solicitors and caseworkers, who may be available to reduce the cost of some elements of case preparation. Please see the hourly rate section for information relating to each solicitor. The team is led by partner David Hicks, who has over 20 years’ experience in criminal defence and qualified as a solicitor in 1998.
We offer an initial fixed fee consultation of up to an hour for £250 plus VAT. After the initial consultation we provide advice on the best way forward with a cost estimate for the work anticipated for your individual matter. The initial appointment fixed fee does not include advice on Settlement Agreements, which is determined by the individual agreement.
Our charges are based on time spent dealing with the case and certain other factors. When calculating charges, we may in addition to the time spent take into account a number of factors including the complexity if the issues arising, the speed at which action must be taken, and the expertise or specialist knowledge that the case requires and if appropriate the value of the property or subject matter involved.
Our estimates are bespoke depending on your individual situation. We charge at hourly rates for time spent on your case. The work is completed by one of our Employment team, whose details are displayed in the profile section of our website. The hourly rate of our senior solicitors who conduct this work is currently £250 plus VAT.
It may be appropriate to instruct a barrister to attend a hearing. The fees to instruct a barrister depends on their experience and the complexity of the matter. We do not instruct any other parties without prior authority from you.
Indicative costs for acting for employers defending a claim to the Employment Tribunal for unfair or wrongful dismissal are likely to be within 25% of those acting for an employee, though this can vary significantly depending on instructions, time delays, reporting requirements, travel requests and witnesses interviewed. These example fees do not take into account matters unforeseeable at the outset of a matter, for example a large amount of documentation, the need for experts, or a large number of witnesses.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter payable to third parties, for example court fees or experts, and we handle payment of these on your behalf.
We offer an initial fixed fee appointment of up to an hour for £250 plus VAT. After the initial appointment we provide a cost estimate for the work anticipated for your individual matter. The initial appointment fixed fee does not include advice on Settlement Agreements, whereby we try to limit our fee to the contribution offered by the employer, where reasonable, which is determined by the individual agreement. We would tell you in advance if our fee is likely to be more than this, for example if the case is protracted, complex, involves material amendments to the agreement, or negotiation with the employer. The employee remains responsible for ensuring our fee is discharged, payable irrespective of whether the employee ultimately accepts the terms of the agreement. The firm’s minimum fee for advising, negotiating and concluding a proposed Settlement Agreement is £500 plus VAT.
Our estimates are bespoke depending on your individual situation, charged at hourly rates for time spent on your case, completed by one of our Employment team. The hourly rate of our senior solicitors who conduct this work is currently £250 plus VAT.
It may be appropriate to instruct a barrister to attend a hearing, with fees depending on the experience of the barrister, the complexity of the matter and their involvement.
Costs for key stages of a typical unfair dismissal claim:
For example, our costs for acting for employees bringing a claim to the Employment Tribunal for unfair or wrongful dismissal, as key stages of a typical unfair dismissal claim:
Notice of claim or letter before action £500 to £1,000 plus VAT
ACAS early conciliation £250 to £1,500 plus VAT depending on engagement by the employer
ET1 preparing grounds of complaint £500 to £1,500 plus VAT
ET3 advice on grounds of resistance £500 to £1,500 plus VAT
Preliminary tribunal hearing £500 to £1,000 plus VAT
Disclosure of documents £500 to £1,000 plus VAT
Witness statements £750 to £1,000 plus VAT per witness
Preparation of trial bundles for the final hearing £500 to £1,500 plus VAT and representation at a final hearing £1,000 to £2,000 per day plus VAT for the first day then £750 plus VAT per day thereafter.
Overall estimate of : between £5,000 plus VAT and £12,000 plus VAT to proceed through to a final hearing lasting one day.
If your matter is atypical, more complex than normal, involves elements of discrimination, where the other party fails to cooperate, or where we do not receive timely and accurate instructions, these estimates are likely to be exceeded. These example fees do not take into account matters unforeseeable at the outset of a matter, for example a large amount of documentation, the need for experts, or a large number of witnesses.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter payable to third parties, for example court fees or experts, and we handle payment of these on your behalf.
Time estimates: the time taken for a matter to reach a final hearing at an Employment Tribunal, not including any appeal, can vary significantly, though typically we would expect a matter to be listed for final hearing approximately 9 to 15 months after starting an employment claim.
We will advise you of the deadlines imposed by the Tribunal Rules and/or legislation, but sensible to seek legal advice as soon as possible as these deadlines can be very short, e.g. some are 3 months less 1 day from the last day of work and/or when the matters in dispute arose. The main fixed dates are the limitation dates for bringing a claim, for unfair dismissal with no other grounds of complaint this is typically 3 months less one day following the effective date of termination, though other deadlines may apply so always seek advice as soon as possible. Once a claim is issued the respondent has 28 days following receipt of the claim from the Tribunal.
We offer an initial fixed fee meeting of up to an hour for £250 plus VAT.
For sending a protocol compliant letter of claim in a straightforward debt claim, the typical cost is £325 plus VAT, one hour’s work, more in a complex matter or where investigatory work or Counsel’s opinion is needed before sending the letter.
For issuing court proceedings in a straightforward money claim for a fixed amount up to £25,000, and entering judgment in default of a response, an additional two hours’ work is likely, £650 plus VAT, in addition to the £325 plus VAT for the first letter.
What work does the above include: taking your instructions and reviewing the documentation, sending a letter of claim, drafting and issuing a claim in court, and entering judgment if there is no response. The above fees are for an uncontested claim. If a claim is contested, we give a bespoke estimate. Please contact us.
Who will carry out the work: the work is completed by one of our senior solicitors in the Dispute team, whose qualification details are on our website. The hourly rate of our senior solicitors who conduct this work is currently £325 plus VAT.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter payable to third parties, for example court fees, and we handle payment of these on your behalf.
How long will it take: probably about three months from when you first instruct us to when we ask the court to enter judgment in default, assuming there is no reply from your opponent.
Overall Supervision |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Alison Glover | Managing Partner | £400 |
| Tony Hine | Senior Managing Partner | £400 |
Disputes |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| John Young | Senior Solicitor | £325 |
| Hibah Haider-Rizvi | Associate Director | £275 |
Clinical Negligence |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Amy Stroud | Senior Solicitor | £350 |
Personal Injury |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Amy Stroud | Senior Solicitor | £325 |
Employment |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Amy Stroud | Senior Solicitor | £250 |
Property |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Emily Bolt | Solicitor | £300 |
| Natalie Berry | Partner | £330 |
| Joma Lawton | Partner | £330 |
| Karen Gleed | Legal Executive | £300 |
| Matt Phillips | Associate Director | £300 |
| Shakeel Mir | Solicitor | £300 |
| Amanpreet Rai | Solicitor | £300 |
| Anjali Mehra | Solicitor | £300 |
| Grace Neal | Solicitor | £300 |
| Karla Dudley | Licensed Conveyancer | £300 |
| Jasmine Phayre | Associate Director | £300 |
Wills & Probate |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Wendy Flawn | Partner | £354 |
| Samantha Stafrace | Associate Director | £340 |
| Adam Bragg | Legal Executive | £320 |
| Jade Bacon | Solicitor | £280 |
Crime |
||
| Name | Role | Hourly rate (exclusive of VAT) |
| Gareth James | Higher Rights Advocate | £440 |
| David Hicks | Partner | £350 |
| Anil Kalsi | Solicitor | £300 |
| David Anderson | Associate Director | £320 |
| John Berry | Associate Director | £320 |
| Karlie London | Associate Director | £320 |
| Nicola Hicks | Associate Director | £300 |
| Debbie Starrs | Partner | £350 |
| Luke Jameson | Associate Director | £300 |
| Shonagh Keddie | Solicitor | £300 |
| Gurdeep Singh | Partner | £350 |
| Hibah Haider-Rizvi | Associate Director | £320 |
| Holly Burton | Partner | £350 |
| Andrew Stewart | Solicitor | £320 |
| Paris Reynolds | Solicitor | £300 |
| Sharon Yaqoob | Solicitor | £300 |
| Aimee Mathijs-Petherick | Solicitor | £300 |
| Blaise Shervington | Solicitor | £320 |
| Courtney Cole | Solicitor | £300 |
| Charlie Moss | Solicitor | £300 |
| Rumahn Hanna | Solicitor | £300 |
| Aqeeb Hussain | Solicitor | £300 |
| Grace Neal | Solicitor | £300 |
| Jasmine Hussain | Solicitor | £300 |
| Jessica Fallon | Solicitor | £300 |
| Neha Hussain | Solicitor | £300 |
| Simeon Muir | Partner | £350 |
| John Lynch | Partner | £350 |
I think I’m still in shock. I can’t thank you enough for helping me get over the last hurdle. I do honestly feel that without your intervention I would still be in no man’s land. I could see the weight on my son’s shoulder’s lift last night. Thank you so much from all of us.
Family Law
I wanted to say a huge thank-you for your support with our Flat sale. I have been through the conveyancing process many times over the years and this was comfortably the best service I ever received. You have been friendly, responsive and efficient throughout. I would happily recommend you both and I know where to go next time I need legal services.
Property Law
Your solicitors were totally efficient, very helpful and understanding at all times. Visiting us in the hospital was excellent and we appreciated their complete co-operation. Thank you.
Wills and Probate
I was recommend via a friend and I would continue to spread via word of mouth as what you are doing restored my faith in solicitors. My solicitor was fantastic! She was clear, concise, helpful and really worked with me
Employment Law
My solicitor was excellent and achieved an outcome that totally exceeded our expectations. His attention to detail, advice offered and finally his presentation in the magistrates court was literally outstanding.
Motoring Law
Thank you so much for representing me yesterday at Banbury Police Station. I really appreciated it. You asked if I could let you know the result of that encounter. I was released without charge at about 4 am. The experience was truly devastating to me, but you were so supportive. I cannot thank you enough.
Crime
You have been fantastic in dealing with my case and I am really happy that it has now gone to an oral hearing. I have had a number of solicitors over the years but feel that you have gone over and above for me. I cannot thank you enough for the help you have given me so far.
Prison Law
I wanted to personally thank you for all your support. The assistance you have provided me, as the assisting officer, has been excellent. There have been a number of administrative matters which you have been extremely forward leaning in assisting me with and it’s been very much appreciated.
Military Law
I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you so much for your professionalism, hard work, and your patience afforded to me through my difficult times. Your support and kindness I shall always remember with gratitude.
Disputes
