Employment Settlement Agreement Lawyers

We offer a fast, 24-hour turnaround and a fully remote service so that you can get expert advice and your ILA certificate quickly and conveniently, without any travel or delay.

• Specialist Settlement Agreement Solicitors: Our expert employment lawyers have a proven track record advising on hundreds of settlement agreements. We are leading solicitors in this field, with deep expertise in UK employment law and the negotiation of exit packages for employees (England & Wales jurisdiction only). You will receive personalised, confidential guidance from a solicitor who is 100% on your side – independently advising you, not your employer.
• No Cost to You (Employer Pays): In almost every case, your employer covers our fees for advising you on the settlement agreement. We cap our fee to your employer’s contribution, so you pay nothing out of pocket in the vast majority of agreements. (For example, employers typically contribute between £250 and £500 + VAT toward legal advice, which usually covers the full cost of our service. If additional negotiation is needed beyond the standard advice, we’ll always discuss any further fees with you upfront.)
• Fast 24-Hour Turnaround: Need your agreement signed off quickly? We can often review your settlement agreement, provide advice, and issue the signed Independent Legal Advice certificate within 24 hours. Our solicitors understand that tight deadlines (for instance, redundancy offers or exit dates) are common – we prioritise fast service without compromising quality. In urgent cases, same-day appointments can frequently be arranged to ensure you meet your employer’s deadline and receive your settlement payment promptly.
• Fully Remote Service: Our settlement agreement advice is available fully remote – via phone or video call – so you can consult our lawyers from anywhere in England or Wales. No need to visit an office; email us your agreement, and we’ll handle the rest through a telephone or Zoom/Teams consultation. Remote ILA is just as valid as in-person: our SRA-regulated solicitors’ advice and electronic signature on the certificate are accepted nationwide. This means you get the same high-standard legal advice conveniently from home, with documents handled securely by email.
• Expert Guidance & Support: As specialists in settlement agreements, we do more than “sign off” the paperwork. We take time to explain every clause in plain English – from termination payments and tax implications to confidentiality and restrictive covenants. We make sure you understand exactly what rights you are waiving and what you’re receiving in return. If any terms are unfair, unclear, or can be improved, we’ll advocate for changes on your behalf. Our goal is that you feel fully informed, protected, and confident before signing. Every step of the way, you’ll have direct access to a friendly, knowledgeable solicitor who can answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

Specialist Settlement Agreement Solicitors in England & Wales

As specialist settlement agreement solicitors, we bring deep expertise and dedication to advising employees on exit agreements. Settlement agreements often arise in situations like redundancy, workplace disputes, performance dismissals, or mutually agreed departures. Our firm has years of experience handling all these scenarios – from straightforward redundancy settlements to complex executive exit packages – so we understand the tactics and legal nuances involved.

Our Expertise: Every member of our employment law team is a fully qualified solicitor with a focus on employee rights. We have successfully advised thousands of clients on settlement agreements, ensuring they received fair compensation and reasonable terms. We are familiar with the common clauses and potential pitfalls in these agreements, and we stay up to date with the latest employment legislation and ACAS guidelines. This means when you come to us, you’re getting advice from leading lawyers who know the field inside out and have likely seen a case very similar to yours.

Personalised Service: We recognise that no two settlement situations are the same. We take the time to listen to your circumstances and priorities. Whether you’re concerned about a redundancy payout, an unfair dismissal claim, a non-compete clause, or want to ensure you’re not signing away important rights, our solicitors will tailor their advice to your needs. Our approach is empathetic and client-focused – we explain your options clearly and empower you to make informed decisions. If negotiation is needed (for example, requesting a higher ex gratia payment or an agreed reference), we can provide strategic guidance or even negotiate with your employer’s solicitor to improve the terms.

England & Wales Coverage: Our firm is authorised and regulated to practice in England and Wales, and our remote capabilities allow us to serve clients nationwide. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, or anywhere in between, you can access our settlement agreement expertise without hassle. Because our service is online/phone-based, distance is no barrier: you get the benefit of top-tier legal advice no matter your location. We’ve advised clients from all over the country on their settlement agreements, and our consistently high satisfaction ratings speak to the quality and reliability of our service.

In short, choosing our expert settlement agreement lawyers means choosing experience, dedication, and proven results. We are proud of our reputation as leading employment law solicitors in the settlement agreement arena, and we are ready to put that expertise to work for you.

What Is a Settlement Agreement?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that resolves employment-related claims or disputes. In a typical settlement agreement, the employer offers some form of benefit – usually a financial payment (such as a lump sum compensatory payment, enhanced redundancy pay, notice pay, etc.) and sometimes additional terms like a job reference – and in exchange, the employee agrees not to pursue any legal claims (for example, claims for unfair dismissal or discrimination) against the employer. Once signed by both parties (and certified by an independent adviser), the settlement agreement becomes a final resolution of the issues covered, and the employee cannot take the matter to an employment tribunal for the claims covered by the agreement.

Settlement agreements are voluntary; you don’t have to accept one if you feel it’s not in your best interest. They are often used to achieve a “clean break” in situations like redundancies, negotiated exits, or to resolve ongoing disputes without litigation. Importantly, settlement agreements used to be called “compromise agreements” – so if you see that term, it refers to the same type of contract (the terminology changed in 2013, but many people still use the old term).

To be legally valid, a settlement agreement must meet certain conditions (as set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996 and related regulations). Key requirements include that the agreement is in writing, it relates to specific complaints/claims, and – crucially – the employee has received independent legal advice on it. This independent legal advice requirement exists to protect employees and ensure you fully understand what rights you’re giving up by signing. We’ll explain more about this requirement below, and why your employer will typically insist you get a solicitor (and even pay for it).

Why You Need Independent Legal Advice for a Settlement Agreement

By law, you must receive independent legal advice for a settlement agreement to be enforceable. If you sign a settlement agreement without getting advice from an independent solicitor or certified adviser, the agreement is not legally binding – meaning you could still bring a tribunal claim against your employer despite having signed the “settlement”. Employers know this, which is why they will usually pay for you to get independent legal advice before signing. The law requires the adviser to sign an Independent Legal Advice certificate (usually a page at the end of the agreement) confirming that you have been advised on the terms and effect of the agreement. Without that signed certificate, the settlement doesn’t fully “close the case,” so employers are highly motivated to ensure you obtain the necessary advice.

Protecting Your Rights: The independent legal advice requirement isn’t just a formality – it exists to protect your rights. Our solicitor’s job is to look out for your interests, not the employer’s. We will check that the settlement agreement is fair and that you’re not being short-changed or asked to agree to unreasonable terms. We explain what legal rights you’re waiving (for example, claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy pay, notice, holiday pay, etc.) and confirm whether the compensation on offer is adequate given your circumstances. We also verify that the agreement doesn’t try to make you give up rights that cannot legally be waived (like your right to accrued pension, or claims for personal injury that you’re not aware of, etc.) unless properly addressed.

Understanding the Terms: Settlement agreements can be lengthy documents filled with legal terminology. We will walk you through each clause – from obvious parts like the settlement sum, termination date, and any reference, to more complex sections like tax indemnities, confidentiality clauses, non-disparagement commitments, and restrictive covenants. You must understand what obligations you’re agreeing to (for instance, are you promising not to compete with your employer’s business? Not to reveal certain information? Not to say anything bad about them publicly?). We ensure you know exactly what you’re signing. If anything is unclear or too restrictive, we can advise on how to request changes.

Ensuring a Valid Agreement: Part of our role is to ensure the document itself meets the legal requirements for a valid settlement agreement. We check that the agreement properly identifies the parties, cites the relevant legislation, and explicitly lists the specific claims you are agreeing not to pursue. (For example, it should enumerate claims like breach of contract, unfair dismissal, discrimination under the Equality Act, etc., rather than a blanket waiver of “all claims” which could be invalid). We also confirm that the agreement includes the required statements that you have received advice and that the adviser is identified and insured. This thorough review protects you from inadvertently signing an agreement that wouldn’t hold up legally or that leaves you exposed.

In summary, independent legal advice is essential for a settlement agreement because it ensures you’re not signing away valuable rights without understanding the consequences. With our expert advice, you can confidently decide whether to accept the deal on the table or negotiate for a better offer – and you can sign knowing the agreement is solid, lawful, and in your best interest.

Employer Pays Your Legal Fees – No Cost Independent Advice

Worried about how much it will cost to get a solicitor’s advice on your settlement agreement? Good news: in most cases, it will cost you nothing. It is standard practice in the UK for employers to contribute towards an employee’s legal fees for settlement agreement advice. Employers do this both as a gesture of goodwill and because, as explained, they need you to get that independent advice for the agreement to be effective.

Typically, your settlement agreement will contain a clause where the employer agrees to pay a fixed amount (or “contribution”) toward your legal fees for advice. Most employers contribute between £250 and £500, plus VAT, for this purpose, though the figure can be higher for senior positions or more complex agreements. This contribution usually covers the entire cost of reviewing the agreement and providing the required advice.

We will not charge you more than your employer pays, capping our fees at your employer’s contribution. In the vast majority of cases, this means our service is completely free for you (your employer pays the bill). For example, if your employer offers £350 + VAT for legal fees (a common amount), we accept that as full payment for the standard advice and signing of the certificate. You won’t have to dip into your own pocket at all.

Note: If your agreement requires significant negotiation or additional work beyond the usual scope (for instance, you want us to negotiate a much higher payout or there are unusually complex terms), there may be extra costs above the employer contribution. However, we will always warn you and get your approval before incurring any additional charges. In our experience, such situations are rare – most employees find the employer’s contribution is sufficient to cover everything needed, especially when the agreement is relatively straightforward. Our goal is to keep the process as cost-effective and hassle-free for you as possible.

We also try to make the payment process simple: we can often invoice your employer directly for the fees (with their permission), so you don’t have to act as the middleman or pay us and then claim it back. This direct billing can save you time and inconvenience. We’ll handle all fee arrangements in accordance with the settlement agreement, and we’ll only proceed once we’re satisfied that you won’t be left footing the bill unexpectedly.

Bottom line – don’t let cost be a barrier to getting the legal advice you need. You are entitled to it, your employer is usually willing to pay for it, and we ensure that their contribution is enough so that peace of mind comes at no personal cost to you.

Fast 24-Hour Turnaround – Quick Settlement Agreement Sign-Off

We understand that time is often of the essence when it comes to settlement agreements. You might have a tight deadline to return the signed agreement (employers sometimes give a week or even just a few days), or you may be anxious to finalise the deal so you can move on and receive your payment. Our service is designed for speed and efficiency, so you can get everything wrapped up without delay.

• Contact Us Today, Advice Tomorrow: In many cases, we can schedule your consultation the same day you contact us or by the next business day. We know settlement agreements often come with stress and urgency, so we aim to respond promptly and accommodate urgent appointments. If you reach out in the morning, there’s a good chance we can have one of our solicitors advise you by that afternoon or evening. We also offer evening or weekend slots by arrangement, if needed, to meet deadlines.
• 24-Hour ILA Certificate: Our goal is to provide you with the signed Independent Legal Advice certificate within 24 hours of your initial inquiry (or within 24 hours of receiving your agreement and employer details). In straightforward cases, we have often turned around the entire process the same day. For example, if you’re facing a next-day cutoff, don’t panic – we’ll do everything possible to complete the review and call with you so that you can sign and return the agreement in time. Our team is used to working under tight timelines and can expedite the service at no extra cost.
• Efficient Review Process: Speed doesn’t mean skimping on thoroughness. We streamline our process (as outlined below) to eliminate unnecessary waiting. As soon as we receive your settlement agreement document, we assign it to an experienced solicitor for immediate review. By the time of your scheduled advice call, the solicitor will have already analysed the terms and prepared key points to discuss. During the call, we focus on the critical issues and your questions to use time effectively. Right after you’re comfortable and agree to proceed with signing, we can usually email you (and your employer) the signed solicitor’s certificate within minutes. This means you could realistically go from first contacting us to having a fully signed-off settlement agreement in your hand in 24 hours or less.

We pride ourselves on this fast turnaround because we know how important it is for you to resolve your employment matter quickly. You likely want closure and to move forward (and often you want that termination payment as soon as possible). With our team, you won’t be left waiting days for an appointment or for the paperwork to be done. Swift, responsive service is a cornerstone of our offering – without sacrificing the quality of advice.

(If you have a longer lead time and are not in a rush, that’s fine too – we’ll work to your schedule. Even in non-urgent cases, most of our clients appreciate getting everything sorted promptly rather than dragging it out. In all scenarios, you’ll receive the same attentive service.)

Fully Remote Consultations – Settlement Agreement Advice Anywhere in England & Wales

One of the advantages of choosing us is the convenience of our fully remote service. You do not need to take time off work to visit a solicitor’s office or travel across town for an appointment. We conduct the entire settlement agreement advice process over the phone or via video call, coupled with email for document exchange. This modern approach makes your experience easier, faster, and more comfortable, while maintaining complete legal compliance and confidentiality.

How Remote Advice Works: Send us your settlement agreement (usually a PDF or Word document) by email, via a secure form, or via upload. One of our solicitors will review the document in detail. We then arrange a telephone or video call with you at a convenient time – this could be a standard phone call, or an online meeting via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype, depending on your preference. During the call, the solicitor will go through the agreement with you, page by page, just as thoroughly as they would in person. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Once you’re happy to proceed, the solicitor will email you the signed advice certificate (and can also send it directly to your employer/HR if needed).

Legally Accepted Method: Some clients initially wonder, “Is a remote consultation as good as meeting face-to-face? Will my employer accept an electronically signed certificate?” The answer is absolutely yes. Independent legal advice given over a video or phone call meets all legal requirements, as long as it is provided by a qualified solicitor, and virtually all employers accept digital ILA certificates nowadays. In fact, remote settlement agreement advice became extremely common (even the norm) in recent years, and employers are very familiar with it. We are an SRA-regulated law firm, and our signed confirmation carries full legal weight whether delivered via email or in hard copy. Rest assured, doing it remotely does not compromise the validity or quality of the advice.

Benefits of Remote Service: By choosing remote independent legal advice, you enjoy several benefits: – Nationwide Reach: As mentioned, you can be anywhere in England or Wales and use our service. You are not limited to local firms, which means you can access our specialist expertise even if you’re in a location where specialist employment solicitors are hard to find. – No Travel Hassles: Save time and money – no commuting, parking, or waiting in an office. You can speak with your solicitor from the comfort of your home or even on your lunch break at work (using your personal device), as long as you have privacy to talk. – Flexible Scheduling: Remote meetings can be easier to fit into busy schedules. We can often accommodate early morning, late evening, or weekend consultations because neither party has to travel to an office. This flexibility helps us provide advice at short notice (as in urgent cases described above). – Document Convenience: All documents (your agreement, our advice summary, the signed certificate) are exchanged electronically, so you have them readily available in your email. There’s no risk of losing paperwork, and everything is neatly documented. We also keep secure digital records, so if you ever need a copy of your certificate or agreement, we can provide it quickly. – Health and Comfort: Especially in a post-pandemic era, many clients prefer remote interactions for health reasons or simply for comfort. Discussing a sensitive situation, like the end of your employment, can feel easier in a familiar environment. Our solicitors strive to make you feel at ease during the call, and many clients appreciate having a supportive friend or family member nearby (off-screen) for moral support,  if desired.

In summary, our fully remote settlement agreement service combines expert legal advice with ultimate convenience. You get the best of both worlds – top-notch solicitors who specialise in settlement agreements, and the ability to handle everything without leaving your home. All you need is a phone or computer; we’ll take care of the rest.

(If you prefer an in-person meeting for any reason, let us know – we can arrange a face-to-face appointment at one of our office locations. However, for the vast majority of clients, the remote process works beautifully and concludes even faster.)

How Our Settlement Agreement Process Works

Getting independent legal advice on your settlement agreement with us is a simple, streamlined process. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation & Document Review: Contact us by phone or via our website to request advice on a settlement agreement. We’ll ask you to email us a copy of your settlement agreement (and any relevant letters from your employer, like the settlement offer letter). A solicitor will promptly review the documents, checking the terms, compensation, and any tricky clauses. We also gather basic details (such as your last day of employment, the circumstances leading to the agreement, and what your employer has offered for legal fees). This upfront review allows our solicitor to identify key points and potential issues before speaking with you.
2. Friendly Advice Meeting (Phone/Video Call): We then schedule a consultation call with one of our expert solicitors at a time that suits you. During this one-on-one meeting, the solicitor will explain the settlement agreement to you in plain English. They will highlight your rights and options – for example, whether the financial compensation is fair, what claims you’re waiving, and any post-termination restrictions you need to know about. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your concerns. Our lawyers are patient and thorough; the meeting usually lasts 0 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your agreement and the number of questions you have. By the end, you should feel confident about whether to proceed with the agreement or if any changes are needed.
3. Negotiation (If Required): If, after discussing with you, we believe certain terms should be adjusted (and you agree), we can assist in negotiating with your employer. This might involve us calling or emailing the employer’s HR or their solicitors to request amendments – for example, asking for a higher settlement amount, a tweak to a restrictive covenant, or a clarification on a reference or non-disparagement clause. Minor changes can often be negotiated quickly. (If major negotiation is needed, we’ll advise on your chances of success and any additional costs that might entail, as mentioned in the pricing section above.) Often, clients are satisfied with the agreement as-is, especially if the deal is generous; in such cases, no negotiation is necessary, and we move straight to completion.
4. Signing the Agreement & ILA Certificate: Once you are ready to accept the settlement, we will guide you through signing the agreement and the ILA Certificate. Typically, you will sign the document (often electronically), and we will sign the adviser’s certificate confirming we’ve advised you. We prepare a short cover letter or email to the employer (or their solicitor) confirming that we have provided the independent legal advice as required. We then send the signed certificate directly to your employer (or to you to forward, if you prefer). This completes the process – the settlement agreement becomes officially binding, and you can expect to receive any payments due as outlined in the agreement.
5. Aftercare and Support: Even after the agreement is signed and you’ve parted ways with your employer, we remain available for any follow-up questions. For instance, if you want to confirm when your payment will arrive or how a clause might affect you in practice (e.g., what you can tell future employers about your exit), you can reach out to us again. We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, so we’re happy to assist with any post-settlement queries you might have. And of course, should you need any other employment law advice in the future, we hope you’ll consider us your go-to solicitors.

Throughout this process, our emphasis is on making it smooth, fast, and stress-free for you. We handle the legal heavy lifting and paperwork, while you get clear advice and the confidence that your rights are protected. Our approach is transparent and client-centred – you’ll always know what’s happening at each step, and we’ll keep you informed of any communications with the employer on your behalf.

Contact Us Today for Expert Settlement Agreement Advice

Are you ready to get your settlement agreement sorted by experts? Contact our friendly team today to arrange your independent legal advice. We are responsive and approachable – whether you call, email, or send an online inquiry, you’ll hear back from us quickly (usually within the hour during business hours). We can answer any preliminary questions and book you in for a consultation at the earliest convenient time.

Remember, time may be of the essence – settlement agreements often have deadlines. By reaching out now, you can avoid any last-minute rush and ensure your agreement is reviewed thoroughly. With our experienced settlement agreement solicitors on your side, you’ll benefit from top-ranked expertise, swift service, and the peace of mind that you’ve got the best possible deal from your employer.

Don’t leave your job on a handshake and a promise – make sure it’s done right, with a proper legal sign-off that protects you. Get in touch with us today and let us help you turn that settlement agreement into a secure, positive step forward in your career. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from initial review to final signature, all at no cost to you.

Secure your future with confidence – expert settlement agreement advice is just a phone call or email away. Let our leading lawyers provide the independent legal advice you need, fast and hassle-free. Contact Settlement Agreement Lawyers now, and take the first step toward closing this chapter on the best possible terms.