Publishing information about services and fees is a crucial aspect of transparency and accountability for legal practitioners. Clients benefit from having clear information to make informed decisions about their legal representation. Here’s a summary of the areas of work, pricing examples, included services, expected case duration, and personnel information provided by SMB Solicitors:
Areas of Work: The firm outlines the areas of legal work they cover, which could include various legal matters such as probate, personal injury, immigration, etc.
Fees Examples: SMB Solicitors provides examples of fees charged for their services. For instance, in probate matters, they may offer fixed fees for simple cases or hourly rates for more complex cases.
Included Services: Clients are informed about what services are included in the fees quoted. This could range from initial consultations to the handling of the entire legal process on behalf of the client.
Case Duration: The firm gives an estimate of how long a case is likely to take to reach a conclusion. This helps manage client expectations regarding the duration of their legal proceedings.
Personnel Information: Clients are provided with information about the personnel who may work on their case. This could include details about the experience and qualifications of solicitors or legal professionals assigned to handle their matter.
By providing this level of detail, SMB Solicitors aims to empower their clients to make informed decisions about their legal representation. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the firm’s services, ensuring clients understand what to expect in terms of both costs and outcomes.
Civil Litigation Fees
SMB Solicitors provides transparent information about their hourly rates for litigation matters, which may vary based on several factors such as the complexity of the case, the experience level of the assigned caseworker, and the location of the practice. Here’s a breakdown of their guideline hourly rates:
Grade A: Solicitors and legal executives with over 8 years’ experience.
Rates ranging from £272 to £546, depending on location and experience level.
Grade B: Solicitors and legal executives with over 4 years’ experience.
Rates ranging from £233 to £371, depending on location and experience level.
Grade C: Other solicitors or legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience.
Rates ranging from £189 to £288, depending on location and experience level.
Grade D: Trainee solicitors, paralegals, and other fee earners.
Rates ranging from £134 to £198, depending on location and experience level.
These rates are subject to VAT at 20%. Please be advised that the firm may also agree to cap fees until a certain point in the litigation process. Clients can request information about previous guideline for hourly rates for comparison purposes.
By providing these guideline hourly rates, SMB Solicitors ensures transparency and helps clients understand the cost implications of litigation services based on the complexity of their case and the experience level of the legal professionals involved.
Driving Offences Fees
SMB Solicitors operates on an agreed and fixed fee basis for road traffic offence cases, providing clients with transparency and certainty over costs. Here’s an overview of their fee structure and what is included:
General Fee Structure:
Agreed and fixed fee range: Between £1,000 to £2,000 plus 20% VAT.
The fee varies based on the nature of the hearing and the work involved.
Preparation for Trial at the Magistrates’ Court:
Agreed and fixed fee range: Between £5,000 to £8,000 plus 20% VAT.
Includes dedicated case management, conferences with the client, liaison with the court and prosecution, preparation of evidence and exhibits, witness statements, preparation of legal arguments, and representation at the hearing.
Sentence at the Magistrates’ Court:
Agreed and fixed fee range: Between £950 to £2,000 plus 20% VAT.
Includes case management, conferences with the client, advice on mitigation, liaison with the court and prosecution, preparation of plea in mitigation, and representation at the hearing.
Disbursements and Costs:
Disbursements such as expert fees are not included in the agreed fee and are usually paid directly by the client.
Common types of experts include psychiatrists, blood alcohol calculation experts, EBM machine experts, road traffic reconstruction experts, and forensic scientists.
Examples of other common disbursements include process servers, couriers, and fees for medical records.
Counsel’s fee is typically incorporated within the agreed fee, with the cost depending on their level of experience and qualification.
Additional Work Not Included in the Agreed Fee:
Various additional services such as preparation and service of defence case statements, drafting of legal documents, site visits, and additional conferences may increase the fee.
SMB Solicitors aims to provide clients with peace of mind by offering a clear fee structure and ensuring transparency regarding expected costs and work included in road traffic offence cases.
Family Law Fees
SMB Solicitors provides transparent information about their hourly rates for family law matters, emphasising their commitment to helping clients understand the cost implications of legal services. Here’s a breakdown of their guideline hourly rates for different grades of legal professionals:
Grade A:
Solicitors and legal executives with over 8 years’ experience.
Rates ranging from £272 to £546, depending on location and experience level.
Grade B:
Solicitors and legal executives with over 4 years’ experience.
Rates ranging from £233 to £371, depending on location and experience level.
Grade C:
Other solicitors or legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience.
Rates ranging from £189 to £288, depending on location and experience level.
Grade D:
Trainee solicitors, paralegals, and other fee earners.
Rates ranging from £134 to £198, depending on location and experience level.
These rates are subject to VAT at 20%. The firm also offers capped fees until a certain point in the litigation process upon agreement with the client. Clients can request information about previous guideline for hourly rates for comparison purposes.
In addition to hourly rates, the Family Law Team at SMB Solicitors is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility by offering free initial appointments for those in need. For divorce cases, the firm may provide services on a fixed fee basis, subject to consultation with one of their lawyers. Similarly, they offer fixed fee services for preparing living arrangement agreements, prenuptial agreements, and trust deeds, with the fee determined based on the assessment of the work involved.
By offering a range of fee options and providing free initial appointments for those in need, SMB Solicitors demonstrates their commitment to accessibility and transparency in their legal services, particularly in family law matters.
Immigration Fees
Consultation and Advice
An initial consultation will be scheduled to discuss your case in detail, understand your specific needs and concerns, and provide tailored legal advice.
Case Assessment and Strategy
Our experienced team will conduct a thorough assessment of your case, reviewing relevant documents, evidence, and applicable laws.
Based on our analysis, we will develop a comprehensive legal strategy to address your matter effectively and achieve the best possible outcome.
Document Preparation and Review
We will prepare and review all necessary legal documents, including applications, petitions, contracts, agreements, or pleadings.
Our team ensures that your documents are accurate, complete, and compliant with the relevant laws to safeguard your interests.
Communication and Correspondence
We will communicate with relevant parties, including opposing counsel, government agencies, or other stakeholders.
Our team will draft and respond to letters, emails, and other forms of correspondence to ensure seamless communication throughout your case.
Legal Research and Analysis
Comprehensive legal research will be conducted to support your case.
We will apply our findings to provide accurate, effective, and tailored legal advice.
Case Management and Administration
We will manage your case files, documents, and deadlines efficiently, ensuring all matters are handled on time.
You will receive regular updates on the progress of your case, and we will maintain open communication channels to address any queries.
Please note: The specific inclusions in our legal fees may vary based on the complexity and nature of your case. We will work closely with you to ensure our services meet your unique needs and objectives.
To maintain transparency, we will provide a detailed fee agreement outlining the services covered by our legal fees and any additional costs or disbursements that may arise.
Fees
As part of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Transparency Rules, we are pleased to share information regarding fees for immigration-related Home Office applications. This will help you make informed decisions about the costs involved in your matter.
Application Fees
The Home Office charges different fees based on the type of immigration application, such as visa, settlement, or naturalisation applications.
Fees depend on your specific circumstances and the application category.
For updated Home Office Fees, please click here.
Fee Structure
Home Office fees are subject to change. You can refer to the latest fee schedule on the Home Office website or consult with us for up-to-date information.
Application fees often include a base fee for the primary applicant and additional fees for dependents.
Some applications may require payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
Please note that Home Office fees are non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful.
Legal Fees
In addition to Home Office fees, our professional legal fees are based on the complexity of your case, the services required, and the level of representation.
A clear breakdown of our legal fees will be provided during the initial consultation or as part of the engagement process.
Disbursements
Disbursements are additional costs incurred, such as translation services, courier fees, or document authentication. These vary depending on your case requirements.
VAT
All fees are subject to 20% Value Added Tax (VAT), except for entry clearance applications and applications for illegal entrants and visitors, which are exempt from VAT.
We are committed to transparent and fair pricing for our immigration services. Since each case is unique, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and receive a tailored cost estimate.
Should you have any questions about our fees or require further clarification, please feel free to contact our office. We are here to provide guidance and ensure you fully understand the costs associated with your immigration application.
Our Professional Fees
Asylum and Humanitarian Protection
Asylum Claim: £1,500 to £3,000
Indefinite Leave to Remain Applications: £1,500 to £3,000
British Citizenship
Naturalisation as a British Citizen: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as a child as a British Citizen – MN1 Application: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration of a child as a British Citizen who was born in the UK and has lived in the UK for 10 years: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as British Citizen by British Protected Person: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as British Citizen by BOC: £1,500 to £3,000 as British Citizen by British Protected Person: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as British Citizen by British Protected Person: as British Citizen by British Protected Person: £1,500 to £3,000
British Citizenship as BNO: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as British Citizen under The British Nationality (Hong Kong Act) 1997: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as a British Citizen by BOTC: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as a British Citizen by a Stateless Person: £1,500 to £3,000
Registration as a British Overseas Territories Citizen if you had previously given up citizenship: £1,500 to £3,000
EU Law Applicant
Entry Clearance Applications as a Family Member of an EU National: £1,500 to £3,000
Retaining right of residence as a family member of an EEA National after divorce or death of the EEA National: £1,500 to £3,000
Pre settlement/settlement for European National: £1,500 to £3,000
Pre settlement/settlement for non-European National: £1,500 to £3,000
Immigration Appeals and Admin Reviews
Administrative review against refusal of entry clearance as PBS Migrant: £1,500 to £3,000
Admin Review against refusal of an in-country refusal by the Home Office: £1,500 to £3,000
Entry Clearance Appeal: £1,500 to £3,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
In-Country Immigration appeal: £1,500 to £3,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Asylum Appeal: £2,000 to £4,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Deportation Appeal: £2,000 to £4,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Application to 1st Tier Tribunal for permission to appeal to Upper Tribunal: £1,500 to £3,000
Application to Upper Tribunal for permission to appeal to Upper Tribunal: £1,500 to £3,000
Appeal to the Upper Tribunal – Oral Hearing: £1,500 to £3,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Application to the Upper Tribunal for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal: £1,500 to £3,000
Application to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal to Court of Appeal: £2,500 to £4,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Appeal to the Court of Appeal – Oral Hearing: £3,000 to £4,500 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Judicial Reviews in the Upper Tribunal
Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review Against the Home Office: £1,500 to £3,000
Paper Application to Upper Tribunal for permission to apply for Judicial Review: £1,500 to £3,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs etc)
Oral Consideration/renewal of application for permission to apply for Judicial Review: £1,500 to £3,000 + Disbursements (Barrister Costs, Court Fees etc)
Emergency injunction to stop removal from the UK: £4,000 to £5,000
Long Residence Applications
ILR- 10 years long residence: £1,500 to £3,000
ILR- 10 years long residence (same day Visa service): £1,500 to £3,000
Extension of Stay- 10 years long residence: £1,500 to £3,000
Passport and Tavel Documents Application
Application for British Passport: £500 to £1,000
Refugee Travel Document: £500 to £1,000
Stateless Person Travel Document: £500 to £1,000
UK Student Visas
Dependants of Tier 4 General Students: £1,500 to £3,000
Tier 4 General Student Extension: £1,500 to £3,000
Switching into Tier 4 General Student: £1,500 to £3,000
Entry Clearance- Tier 4 General Student: £1,500 to £3,000
Switching into Tier 4 Child Student: £1,500 to £3,000
Entry Clearance- Tier 4 Child Student: £1,500 to £3,000
UK Work Visas
Dependants of Tier 1 General Migrant: £1,500 to £3,000
ILR Tier 1 General: £1,500 to £3,000
ILR as Tier 1 Entrepreneur: £2,500 to £4,000
Dependants of Tier 1 Entrepreneur: £1,500 to £3,000
Entry Clearance as Tier 2 General Migrant: £1,500 to £3,000
Switching into Tier 2 General: £1,500 to £3,000
Tier 2 General Extension: £1,500 to £3,000
ILR Tier 2 General: £1,500 to £3,000
Dependants of Tier 2 General Migrant: £1,500 to £3,000
ILR Domestic Worker: £1,500 to £3,000
ILR Dependants of Domestic Worker: £1,500 to £3,000
Other Immigration Applications
Discretionary leave: £1,500 to £3,000
Family & Private life: £1,500 to £3,000
Bail application to the Secretary of State: £700 to £1,500
Bail application to the Immigration Judge at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal: £2,500 to £4,000
For any subsequent bail application, if your first bail application to the Immigration Judge has been unsuccessful: £3,000 to £5,000
Sponsor Licence Application (Tier 2/5): £3,000 to £5,000
Subject Access Request (SAR): £500 to £700
TOC Application: £1,000 to £1,500
NTL Application: £1,000 to £1,500
Disclaimer: The above information is intended as general guidance and may be subject to change. For the latest information, consult with our firm or visit the Home Office website.
Landlord & Tenant Fees
SMB Solicitors offers fixed fees for representing landlords, assignors, or assignees, for a fee ranging from £2,000 to £15,000 plus VAT (excluding any disbursements) depending on the complexity of the case. This transparent pricing structure, agreed upon at the outset, ensures that clients have clarity on costs upfront and can make informed decisions about engaging legal services for their landlord and tenant issues.
Property Fees
Fee Calculation and Quote Request
To determine the cost of our conveyancing services for buying or selling residential property, please refer to the full breakdown below. Generally, no extra expenses beyond those detailed will be necessary.
For each new conveyancing inquiry, we will communicate with you to understand the specifics of your situation and transaction. Subsequently, we will generate and send you a tailored quote fitting your circumstances.
For a personalized quote, please reach us at +44 203 5000 899 or info@smbsolocitors.co.uk Alternatively, contact a member of our property team directly. Alternatively, click the button below for an approximate personalised quote:
GET an approximate personalised quote NOW
Breakdown of Charges
Our charges encompass the following components:
Our legal fees for the required work.
‘Disbursements’ which pertain to expenses linked to your case, like Land Registry fees. We manage these payments on your behalf for a smoother process.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (applicable for property purchases).
Please note that any mention of VAT pertains to the prevailing rate of 20%.
Fee Structure
The fees we charge are contingent on the property’s value, whether it’s freehold or leasehold. Our fees include all necessary costs, eliminating the risk of unforeseen additions like bank transfer or ID checking fees on your bill later. Our fees are generally on a fixed fee basis, in that the fees for each aspect of a transaction have a defined amount. Complex matters may be billable on an hourly basis should the
The fees listed are our average fee ranges for a purchase transaction. The fee (including additional fees and disbursements) may vary depending on the source of the instruction, your solicitor’s experience and location, the property price and what work we are required to do. Conveyancing matters are either dealt with by a qualified lawyer or by a paralegal under direct supervision by a qualified lawyer. Peter Benjamin is our Head of Conveyancing and is a qualified solicitor with almost 20 years experience.
t persons, large and small companies and other entities. Litigation is a complex area and can be challenging to resolve. Once it becomes clear a dispute cannot easily be dealt with, it is vital to get expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity. This ensures that you do not become compromised or agree to terms that you later regret. Our litigation solicitors can provide expert assistance and advice that helps with all of this. We strive to provide competent legal services and representation for you. Litigators often obtain cases from beginning to final verdict at a bench or jury trial. While litigation is one of the high-paying legal practice areas, it is sought after most by legal professionals due to the infatuation for the work that keeps many litigators working in the litigation arena. In recent years, litigation has become even more complex with the blurring of global borders. With international law and cross-boundary disputes, it is essential to have legal advice you can trust. With bilingual experts on the team, cross border communication is not a challenge and we can ensure that you understand how your case is progressing.
| Property Value | Residential Purchase (exc VAT) | Residential Sale (exc VAT) | Commercial Purchase (exc VAT) | Commercial Purchase (exc VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £100,000 | £900 | £750 | £1,200.00 | £1,000 |
| £100,001 – £250,000 | £1,000 | £900 | £1,500 | £1,200 |
| £250,001 – £500,000 | £1,200 | £1,100 | £1,700 | £1,500 |
| £500,000.01 – £999,999 | £1,400 | £1,300 | £2000 | £1,700 |
| £1,000,000.00+ | Please call for a quote | Please call for a quote | Please call for a quote | Please call for a quote |
Additional Expertise
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Searches | £549 (+20% VAT of £109.80) |
| Help to Buy | £100 – £500 (+20% VAT of £20 – £100) |
| Help To Buy ISA | £50 (+20% VAT of £10) |
| Telegraphic Transfer | £50 + VAT (+20% VAT £10) per transfer |
| SDLT Admin | £50 – £125 (+20% VAT of £10 – £25) |
| Acting For Lender | £100 – £500 (+20% VAT of £20 – £100) |
| Islamic Mortgage | £500 + VAT |
| Administering Gifted Deposit – from a third party | £100 – £300 (+20% VAT of £20 – £60) |
| Administration for Applying Unilateral Notice | £50 (+20% VAT of £10) |
| Update to External Portals | £35 – £95 (+20% VAT of £7 – £19) |
| Limited Company Purchase | £250 (+20% VAT of £50) |
| ID/AML Checks | £49 + VAT per person |
| Pre-Completion Searches | £49.00 + VAT |
If both buying and selling a property, charges will apply to both the sale and purchase. For remortgaging, fixed fees of £950.00 (freehold) or £1,200.00 (leasehold) are applicable. VAT at 20% is added to all our fees.
Disbursements
Disbursement payments vary based on whether you are buying, selling, or both. They depend on property type, location, and other factors.
For instance, buying a freehold property typically requires payments such as:
- HM Land Registry fee starting from £135.00
- Land Registry Priority Search at £3.00
- Bankruptcy Search at £2.00 per client
Selling a property involves disbursements such as:
- Land Registry Office Copy Entries and Title Plan at £3.00 per title number
Leasehold property disbursements differ and may include:
- Notice of Transfer fee (between £150- £250)
- Notice of Charge fee (if mortgaged) (between £150.00 – £200.00)
- Deed of Covenant fee (between £150.00 – £300.00)
- Certificate of Compliance fee (between £50.00 – £0.00)
- Leasehold Management Pack fee (between £50 – £600.00)
Stamp Duty Land Tax
Property buyers are subject to Stamp Duty Land Tax, calculated based on the property price. You can determine your payment using HMRC’s website or the Welsh Revenue Authority’s site for properties in Wales.
Other Considerations
If you have a mortgage or estate agent’s fee, we settle these payments directly from the sale proceeds. Leasehold property buyers should anticipate ongoing ground rent and service charges. Other unforeseen costs may also arise.
Examples of Charges
For a £500,000.00 freehold property sale, charges typically include:
- Our Legal Fee: £1,440.00
- VAT at 20%: £288
- Total Legal Fee, inc VAT: £1,728.00
Different scenarios like selling and buying a £500,000.00 and £750,000.00 freehold property entail charges such as:
Sale
- Our Legal Fee: £1,440.00
- VAT at 20%: £288
- Total Legal Fee, inc VAT: £1,728.00
Purchase
- Our Legal Fee: £1,560.00
- Searches Fee: £549.00
- VAT at 20%: £312
- Total Legal Fee, inc VAT: £2,421
Disbursements include Land Registry Official Copies, Bankruptcy Search, and Land Registry Fee, among others.
Processing Time
The conveyancing process usually takes around two months for a transaction or one month for remortgages. Variations depend on individual circumstances and the cooperation of all parties involved.
However, the time an individual case takes to complete can vary greatly from this average, depending on the circumstances; largely the result of the readiness and willingness of all parties to proceed.
We will always do our best to be proactive and, at no stage in the process, become the reason for delay.
Factors Affecting Time
Numerous factors influence conveyancing duration, including:
- Form completion delays
- Delays in third-party responses
- Chain transaction hold-ups
- Dependent legal proceedings (e.g., probate)
- Unforeseen issues (tenant demands, regulatory approvals)
Key Stages
For purchases, stages encompass:
- Title investigation and property searches
- Agreements and mortgage deed
- Completion and fund transfer
- Tax returns and HMRC payment (as well as Stamp Duty)
- Land Registry registration
For property sales, key stages involve:
- Liaising with estate agents and requesting the memorandum of sale
- Obtaining sale details
- Preparing and issuing a draft contract to buyer’s solicitor
- Requesting a redemption statement
- Addressing buyer’s inquiries
- Retrieving lender statements
- Regular updates and billing
- Completion statement and funds transfer
If we are simply helping you to re-mortgage your property, then we would generally speaking only need to:
- Provide initial legal advice
- Order property searches where necessary
- Obtain further planning documentation if required
- Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
- Send final documents to you for signature
- Apply for mortgage advance and redeem any previous mortgages
- Apply for registration at Land Registry
Who Manages Your Case?
Your case will be managed by a trusted member of our skilled property team, including qualified lawyers and specialized paralegals. Our partners supervise every case, ensuring high-quality service.
Personal Injury Fee
SMB Solicitors offers services for personal injury matters on No Win No Fee basis, aiming to provide clients with legal assistance for compensation for the injuries sustained during road traffic, workplace, and public place accidents.
No Win No Fee
Clients will not be charged any fees if the personal injury compensation claim is unsuccessful. However, if the case is successful, clients will be charged up to 25% of the recovered damages limited to £25,000.00. This percentage may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
Hourly Rate
If clients wish to transfer an existing file to SMB Solicitors, they will be charged for a pretransfer assessment on an hourly rate ranging from £138 to £398 per hour plus VAT, depending on the experience of the solicitor reviewing the case.
Cooperation Requirement
It’s important for clients to fully cooperate with their solicitors throughout the process. Failure to do so may result the termination of agreement and may lead to charging of our fees.
Disclaimer
SMB Solicitors emphasizes that the information provided on their website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Additionally, communication through the website does not establish a lawyer-client relationship, and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Overall, SMB Solicitors presents a transparent approach to personal injury matters, offering a No Win No Fee and clearly outlining the fees associated with existing files.