Settlement after Maternity Leave

[HereIfYouNeedMe]

Can anyone recommend a solicitor to use for settlement agreements?

I've not yet received my settlement but have been advised to get a solicitor when I do, which will be by end of play.

I can't ask anyone IRL, any help would be appreciated. I'm feeling all the emotions right now!

I'll give a hug and a hand hold first before giving you advice, because going through legal shit can be, well, shit.

Firstly, are you a member of a union, or do you have house insurance which could cover legal expenses? This is a very long shot as I'm sure you would have had union involvement beforehand if you did, and alot of legal cover only kicks in if you take it to tribunal.

If this is maternity related, I would take a look at pregnant then screwed and see if they can give some advice.

If its already down the line to settlement agreement, and this is definitely what you want, then there should be an amount that the company is willing to pay for your legal costs - its usually about £500, which isn't a huge amount, so it's worthwhile negotiating an increase or what they consider reasonable costs.

Costs can range between 350 an hour and 600 per hour, but sky is the limit really, but you will need a legal professional as there may well be non disclosure agreements, provision of references etc to sort out.

As for how to choose a solicitor, I've only done this once, and we looked at one focused on the employee side and the protected characteristic most relevant, and then looked at the biographies on the local firm websites and went for a big name which sounded reasonable.

Thanks for replying. Yes they are contributing to costs, not sure how much yet. I know my rights and they are breaking them so I'm hoping the settlement will be fair. Was hoping for a tried and tested recommendation but I'll look on Google x

I can recommend this chap from personal experience (not sure where you are based). It maybe worth looking at getting the firm to pay ALL your legal fees if they are already in the wrong and aware you maybe able to get them to pay - mine did. Good luck

Thank you @mommybear1 they've basically employed someone else to do my job and have hit me with a settlement agreement 2 weeks before returning. I've been completely blindsided... still waiting for the agreement