Been offered a settlement agreement? Get it checked before you sign.
A settlement agreement only becomes binding once a qualified adviser has signed it off. I give you that advice, explain what you are giving up, and sign the certificate — often at no cost to you, because your employer usually pays.
Why this matters
You cannot sign it alone
The law requires independent advice from a qualified adviser before a settlement agreement is valid. That is not a formality — it is your protection.
You are giving up real rights
Signing usually means giving up the right to bring a tribunal claim. You should know exactly what that is worth before you agree.
Your employer usually pays
Employers normally contribute to the cost of your advice, so getting a specialist look at the terms often costs you nothing.
What you get
Advice on the terms
- A plain-English explanation of what the agreement says and what you are signing away
- Whether the money on the table is reasonable for your situation
- Any terms that need changing before you sign
The certificate
- I sign the adviser's certificate the agreement needs to become binding
- Confirmation you can give your employer to release the payment
How it works
This service is offered under the Direct Access Scheme, so there are a few short formalities first.
Send me a few details so I can check there is no conflict of interest and that I can act. If I can, I ask for the papers I need and send you a fixed quote.
Response within 1–2 working days
Once you are happy with the quote, we agree terms in a short client-care letter.
Before the work starts
I read the papers and advise you on the terms, the value and anything worth negotiating, then sign the certificate — in clear, plain-English written advice (or a short call if that suits you better).
To an agreed timetable
You get a straight answer on your options and the risks, so you can decide what to do next with confidence.
Before your deadline
Who it is for
- You are running your own tribunal case and want a specialist on the parts that matter
- You can give me the papers and answer short, focused questions on time
- You want expert input without handing the whole case over
Who it is not for
- Same-day or last-minute work
- Anyone who wants their whole case managed for them — that is really a solicitor's role, and I will say so
- Claims in the Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth or Southampton Employment Tribunals — I sit there as a judge, so I cannot be involved in cases in those tribunals
Pricing
A fixed quote, after I have seen your papers
- I give you a fixed quote once I have seen your documents — I do not guess before then
- Everything is agreed in a short client-care letter before any work starts
The fee covers the work set out in the client-care letter. Extra work or a change of scope is quoted separately.
Questions
Usually not, or not much — employers normally contribute to the cost of your advice as part of the deal. I will tell you upfront if there is anything for you to pay.
I can advise you on what is reasonable and what to ask for. Whether to push, and how hard, is your decision — I will give you a clear view of the risks either way.
Settlement agreements often come with a deadline. Send me the details as soon as you have them and I will tell you honestly whether I can turn it round in time.
Ready to get this done properly?
Send me a few details and I will tell you quickly whether I can help, and what it will cost. No obligation.