looking for a solicitor after putting in an ET1 form

RayJackie

I put in a tribunal claim last Saturday and am still waiting for a conciliator contacting me back. Once the conciliator contacted me, there might be a phase when my ex-employer asks for a settlement, but I don't want to put my hopes up. 
I wondered if it is possible to look for a solicitor to represent me for a hearing, to write a witness statement and to calculate my compensations. Would they reject the work if they may think I am too "cheap"? Also, would it be too risky to ask for junior solicitors to go for my case? It is indeed too much money to ask for a senior one. Their hourly rates are too expensive. 
Any advise can help as I want to reduce my cost. Pardon me, unfortunately, most of my money is hard-earned. 

Marcon

There's a lot of useful info here: https://www.lawclinic.org.uk/employment-law-resources

They may be able to help to some extent, even if you aren't in Scotland.

Sandtree

RayJackie said:

Also, would it be too risky to ask for junior solicitors to go for my case? It is indeed too much money to ask for a senior one. Their hourly rates are too expensive. 

Do you have Legal Expenses insurance on your Home insurance? They often cover employment issues.

If you deal with a large legal firm its likely the majority of the work is done by paralegal under the guidance of a "junior solicitor"

JamoLew

I take it you have no union backing ?

A solicitor may also not agree to take on your case if they don't think it has any merits

steampowered

Solicitors would certainly be able to help advise you on whether you have a good case, help you draft your witness statement, represent you at the hearing and help you with a settlement.

The cost for each of those would be very different.

For simply helping you with a settlement agreement you might be looking at a bill of £500-1000, and this is usually paid by the employer. Representing you at a hearing could be a few thousands pounds as the work required is much greater.

It might be worth calling round a few employment solicitors (you can find a solicitor on the law society website) to see how they can help and what it would cost.

If you cannot afford a solicitor, you could look at going to a law centre. "No Win No Fee" type shops which take a portion of your damages if successful are an option, but realistically you would only get something to represent you on that basis if the value of your case makes it worth their while. 

RayJackie

Thank you for your reply. I wondered when I should have got my witness statements ready. I submitted the ET1 form on 17th January. I phoned in ACAS and the conciliator had not had my form yet today.  
As I went through the Tribunal website, there will be a 28 day period for my respondent to reply to me once she got contacted by an ACAS conciliator. Does it mean I have to get my witness statement and the first preliminary hearing ready after 28 days. 
It would be great if you could give me some ideas. I know my respondent "might" settle with me during the 28 day period. However, I should prepare the worst first rather than hope the best. 

Thrugelmir

Hearing if one is held might be weeks / months later.  You've no idea how your employer is going to respond. 

steampowered

This is an excellent flowchart which gives you a fairly detailed picture of the different steps in Employment Tribunal proceedings: https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk/insights/timelines/employment-tribunal-timeline

As you will see from that, witness statements come much later in the process. 

After your employer has filed an ET3, the Tribunal will give directions setting out what happens next, potentially by holding a preliminary hearing. Those directions might set a hearing date and require both parties to file their witness statements with the Tribunal and send a copy to the other side by a particular date.

In the current circumstances it will be months before the case gets to that point, so you don't need to start preparing a witness statement yet. However, making a personal note of the relevant dates and facts while they are fresh in your mind may help your recollection later.

You should get enough notice of any preliminary hearing so don't worry about that yet either.