Conditional fee agreements, often referred to as “no win, no fee” arrangements, allow individuals to pursue legal representation in employment disputes without upfront costs. Typically, the solicitor only receives payment if the case is successful. A client might utilize this arrangement to challenge unfair dismissal, discrimination, or other workplace grievances. Should the case be lost, the client typically doesn’t pay their solicitor’s fees, though they may still be responsible for other expenses like court fees. This arrangement often involves a success fee, a percentage added to the solicitor’s normal fees if the case is won, capped by law.
Access to justice is significantly improved by conditional fee agreements. These arrangements enable individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation to pursue valid claims against employers. This contributes to fairer workplaces by holding employers accountable and deterring unlawful practices. The introduction of conditional fee agreements expanded access to legal services, particularly in areas like employment law where individuals often face significant power imbalances against their employers.
