Funding Litigation

There are now many ways of paying for your dispute. We set out below the options available and some of the pros and cons of each option. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your case and your options please contact a member of the team on 01245 453 813

1. Paying your solicitor on an hourly rate: this is the most common arrangement. It will usually in the long run be the cheapest arrangement.  This is because there is no success fee to be paid. However, the fee is not based on the outcome of the case and therefore you have to pay whether or not you win or lose. 
    
2. Third party funding: this is where a totally independent third party provides the finance for the litigation to be run. 
    
3. Conditional Fee Agreements: this is often referred to as “No Win No Fee”. In this situation you are not charged if you lose your case. However, if you win your case then you have to pay your lawyer their normal hourly rate and also a success fee.  A success fee cannot now be recovered from your opponent and therefore you will have to pay this yourself. It may be as much as 100% of your solicitor’s normal hourly rate charges.
    
4. Damages-based Agreement:  this is where you agree that a percentage of what you are awarded is paid to your solicitors.  If you are unsuccessful then there is no charge.  However, if you are successful the damages-based agreement may be that you have to pay up to 50% of what you are awarded to your lawyer. 
    
5. Before the event insurance: you may have legal expense insurance on an insurance policy that you have, such as your home or car insurance. You may be able to make a claim on that insurance and the insurers would pay the legal costs.  However, policies are usually quite restrictive and also your insurers will try to make you use their panel solicitors rather than your own solicitor.
    
6. Community Legal Services Scheme: this is available on a very limited basis and eligibility depends not only on the type and merit of the case but also personal financial circumstances. We confirm we are not on the Community Legal Services scheme panel.

All of these options for funding need to be considered. They all have advantages and disadvantages for the client and the lawyer.

If you would like to discuss your case and your options please contact a member of the team on 01245 453 813.