Some lawyers can be secretive about much their representation will cost. We don’t think that is right, so we do everything we can to be transparent about our costs.

The most common question we get asked is how much our legal representation will cost. We want to answer it as best we can.

Like most lawyers, we charge for the time we spend working for you. So although we have a fixed hourly rate, this doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how much time we need to spend on your matter.

The problem is, it is impossible to say with certainty how much time we will need to spend on your matter.

If something is resolved quickly, you might be surprised at how little our legal support will cost. But if your matter takes longer, perhaps because it is complex or the other side is being unreasonable, it could cost more.

For employment matters, we have set out ranges of costs for a typical employment matter. If at any stage of this process the matter is resolved, that is the end of the matter. If it is not resolved you will have the option of moving to the next step.

  1. Step One – Raise or respond to personal grievance. This can range from $1,500 – $3,000. This is where we do most of our initial work. We analyse the factual and legal issues involved in your matter, and if necessary research the most up to date case law. We identify the causes of action you can rely on, and we draft a comprehensive letter raising or responding to the personal grievance. This is essential, because it may not be possible to raise issues later if they are not raised now.
  2. Step Two – Negotiate with the other side. This can range from $500 to $1,000. This is where many employment disputes are resolved by agreement, and we work to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome for you at this early stage.
  3. Step Three – Mediation. This can range from $1,000 – $3,000. If the matter is not resolved by negotiation, the next step is usually MBIE facilitated mediation. Even if we think the matter will progress to formal legal proceedings, mediation is typically directed by the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court, so it needs to be done.
  4. Step Four – Formal Legal Proceedings. This can range from $5,000 to $10,000. Most matters are resolved at this point, but if it is not then legal proceedings is the first time in the process in which an independent decision maker imposes a decision on the parties. This means even if the other side is stubborn or unreasonable, if you are successful you will have an enforceable decision.

You can see how it is always best to resolve a matter quickly, without resorting to formal legal proceedings. If this is not possible, we will tell you what your options are, the advantages and risks, and chances of success.

We will work efficiently and do our best to minimise costs. We have found that compared to other lawyers, we work efficiently and our overall costs are normally lower.

Why should you spend money on a lawyer? The answer is, because in some situations not having a legal representative making sure your interests are being looked after would cost much more.

Contact Frontline Law for a free initial consultation.

 

*These is general guidance only, and does not replace the need for us to talk to you about your specific situation.