Pricing

Pricing structure and information

At Clifford Johnston & Co, we firmly believe in giving you choice, flexibility, and transparency when it comes to paying for the legal advice you need. We also believe you have a right to expect the very highest levels of client service and for us to deliver what we promise to you.

We are subject to the Solicitor Regulation Agency Transparency Rules.  The rules aim to make sure consumers have the information they need to make an informed choice of legal services provider, including understanding what the costs may be.

The rules require all regulated law firms to publish information on the prices they charge in relation to the following areas:

For members of the public

• residential conveyancing (Freehold sale or purchase, leasehold sale or purchase, mortgages and remortgages)
• Probate (uncontested cases with all assets in the UK)
• Motoring offences (summary only offences)
• Employment tribunals (claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal)
• Immigration (excluding asylum applications).

For businesses

• Debt recovery (up to £100,000)
• Employment tribunals (defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal)
• Licensing applications for business premises (new applications or varying existing licenses).

We set out below information about the price we charge for the following areas of work:

Conveyancing

SALE OF A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the sale of the property. This will include the preparation of a contract package, dealing with enquiries raised by the buyers solicitors, exchanging contracts, completing the matter, repaying any mortgages, and accounting to you.

The legal fees set out below are charged based on fixed fees.

VAT of 20% will be added to the above costs.

Prices can vary for a range of issues including, but not limited to;

• Strict / short deadline requested for the sale of the property.
• Unregistered Land.
• Funds coming from overseas.
• Geographical location of lawyer instructed.
• Qualification / experience of lawyer instructed.
• Complexity of transaction.
• Complexity of lender requirements​​​

Additional fees charged by Clifford Johnston (excluding VAT).

Services excluded

Our fixed fee conveyancing service will not include any of the following:

• Advice on the value of the property.
• A physical inspection of the property.
• Advice on any planning implications unless instructed to do so which may be subject to additional charges.
• Checks on the property to ensure that it has been built in accordance with any planning permissions granted.
• Advice on any search result findings that identify contaminated land, fracking sites, or other environmental issues.
• Advice on tax or other accounting matters.

PURCHASE OF A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new property including submitting search requests, reporting to you on those searches, reporting to you on the contract, title and standard conveyancing forms, dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales, dealing with registration at the Land Registry and reporting to you. If the property is to be used for business purposes, please ask for an estimate of the costs involved.

The legal fees set out below are charged based on fixed fees.

VAT of 20% will be added to the above costs.

Prices can vary for a range of issues including, but not limited to;

• Strict / short deadline requested for the purchase of the property.
• Unregistered Land.
• Funds coming from overseas.
• Geographical location of lawyer instructed.
• Qualification / experience of lawyer instructed.
• Complexity of transaction.
• Complexity of lender requirements.

Additional fees charged by Clifford Johnston ​​​​​​(excluding VAT)

REMORTGAGE OF A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the mortgage of the property including obtaining approximate balance monies due to existing lender, submitting search requests subject to the lenders requirements.

The legal fees set out below are charged based on fixed fees.

How long will my house sale or purchase take?

How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move into your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 12-16 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first-time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 10 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 4 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the transaction of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:

SALE

• Take your instructions and identification documents and give you initial advice.
• Prepare your contract package and send to buyers solicitors to review
• Request management pack and Landlords / Freeholders completed LPE1 for leasehold properties
• Deal with enquiries from the buyers solicitors and give you advice on the enquiries.
• Send final contract and transfer to you for signature.
• Request settlement figures from lenders.
• Agree completion date  and exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
• Redeem any existing mortgages / charges and account to you for surplus.
• Redeem agent fees and disbursements.

PURCHASE

• Take your instructions and identification documents and give you initial advice.
• Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
• Receive and advise on contract documents
• Carry out searches and review results of your searches and advise upon
• Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
• Give you advice on all documents and information received
• Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
• Send final contract to you for signature
• Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
• Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
• Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
• Complete purchase
• Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
• Deal with application for registration at Land Registry

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the term of the lease.

We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.

• HM Land Registry fee depending on the value of the property and please see https://fee-calculator.landregistry.gov.uk/
• Search fees: £350 – £500 (variable on location)

Anticipated Disbursements

• Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease or the recipient company. Often the fee is between £200 and £400
• Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease or the recipient company. Often the fee is between £200 and £400.
• Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £200 and £400.
• Certificate of Compliance fee – To be confirmed upon receipt of the management pack or confirmation from the recipient company, as can range between £100 and £500

These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.

You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as this we receive this information.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.

Our fee assumes that:

1. this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
2. this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease
3. the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
4. all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
5. no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Purchase of a residential property

Our fees cover all the work required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.

Conveyance fees and disbursements

• Legal fee will vary depending on cost as table above
• Electronic money transfer fee £30
• VAT £6
• Subtotal £36

Disbursements

• Search fees £350 – £500 (variable on location)
• HM Land Registry fee £ depends on value of property

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

You can find our conveyancing team by clicking here.

Immigration Advice and Representation

OUR IMMIGRATION FEES

We understand that the need for immigration advice can be stressful and confusing.

Our solicitors can support you through the immigration process. To help simplify the process and take away some of the stress, we offer a fixed fee service for some immigration applications.

Some types of immigration work are not suitable for fixed fees, in such circumstances our experts can give fee estimates and charge at hourly rates.

Our expert solicitors will consider your individual circumstances and offer confidential advice tailored to your personal circumstances.

We cannot provide any guarantee with regards to the outcome of any application or appeal; we will provide you with the best advice that you can receive to maximise your prospects of success.

We set out below our fees for conducting the Immigration Applications and procedures undertaken by our Immigration Team. In conducting your matter, you should expect our fees to be in line with the information given below, but there may be specific circumstances relating to your case which mean that it will be necessary to agree different rates with you – and these will be discussed with you on a case by case basis.

Please note that our fees below exclude VAT unless specifically stated. However, charging VAT in relation to immigration matters may depend on where you live and/or what immigration permission you have. We will confirm whether VAT (at a rate of 20%) is payable when you instruct us.

INITIAL ADVICE SERVICE: £250.00 plus VAT

What is involved?

Our solicitors will offer a face to face or telephone consultation to explore your immigration query for up to one hour. During this consultation, the solicitor gathers information about your specific circumstances, explains the relevant immigration rules, and conducts an assessment to determine how these rules apply to your situation. It covers details about the application process, including the necessary forms and supporting documents required to make an application, as well as the fees that need to be paid to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). , Our solicitors will then provide you with a written summary of the advice provided.

CHECKING SERVICE: from £400 to £600 plus VAT

What is involved?

If you choose to prepare your application yourself but wish to seek reassurance that you’re on the right track or have specific questions, our service is designed for you. We can provide you with feedback on your application (i.e., British citizenship or partner application). The exact fee depends on the type of application, and we can fix the price once we have details of your individual application.

FULL APPLICATION SERVICE: from £400.00 – £1800.00 plus VAT

What is involved?

If you prefer to let an expert handle your application from start to finish, you can benefit from our full application service. Our expert solicitors will advise you on the application form, fees, complete relevant forms and advise on the supported documents needed to maximise the merits of your application succeeding. Our immigration specialists will also forward your application onto UKVI.

From £400.00 plus VAT

Travel document applications, request for change of name on documents.

From £800.00 plus VAT

NTL applications, Visit Visas, Applications for Students, Naturalisation applications, , Family Reunion applications, applications for EEA nationals.

From £1500.00 plus VAT

Partner applications, (including spouse, fiancé, civil partner and same-sex partner applications), Points Based applications Applications for settlement (10-year route), human rights and outside the rules applications.

APPEALS AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW: from £500.00 – £2000.00 plus VAT

What is involved?

If you have received a refusal decision and you need to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal, our solicitors can guide and support you through the process. Appeals are often subject to short time limits and ensuring that the court has the correct evidence can increase your prospects of success.

From 500.00 plus VAT

Consideration of a refusal decision and drafting grounds to the Tribunal, preparation of a bail application (but not witness statements)

From £500.00 plus VAT

Application for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal and renewal applications

From £1500.00 plus VAT

Immigration appeal hearings – preparation and presentation

ADD on charges:

For existing clients of Clifford Johnston who need extra steps to be taken on their case:

£50.00 : Subject Access Request: to make the request for subject access from the Home Office:

HOURLY RATES: from £250.00 plus VAT

Our solicitors can undertake tailored work on an hourly rates basis where appropriate. A fee quote will be given once the work required has been explained.

Figures quoted above are for single applicants only. Dependant family members will attract additional fees per applicant (usually in the region of £300-500 plus vat per person).

Fixed fees must be paid in full and before any application is submitted to the Home Office.

Prices do not include VAT, Home Office and visa application fees, Immigration and Asylum Chamber fees, barrister fees, interpreter or translation fees or other independent expert fees.

VAT

Charging VAT for immigration cases can be complicated because it depends on where the individual lives and their immigration status. We will let you know if you need to pay VAT (at a 20% rate) at the start of your case.

Other Costs

The costs quoted here do not include:

• Any Home Office fees for making the application. You will pay this to the Home Office directly as part of the application process.
• Where the Home Office refuse your application, advice and assistance in relation to any appeal.
• Interpreter costs or other disbursements.

Fixed fees are not appropriate for all types of immigration applications and appeals and Clifford Johnston Solicitors reserves the right to charge for work on an hourly-rates basis where appropriate.

You can find our immigration solicitor by clicking here.

Probate

(uncontested cases with all assets in the UK)

Our fees for dealing with the administration of an estate where the assets are in the UK and where matters are not contested are based on fixed fees.

We charge 1% of the gross estate value plus VAT charged at 20%. There is a minimum charge of £1000.

Cost Examples

If the estate is worth £500,000 then the fee charged will be  £5000 plus VAT of 20% making the total cost  £6000.

If the estate is worth £1Million, our charges will be £10,000 plus VAT making the total cost £12,000.

The average total disbursements on a matter is around £350.

Our hourly rates for the team who may deal with your matter range from £150 plus VAT for Trainee Solicitors to £300 plus VAT for Partners.

What is Included?

Each probate case is unique and the process can vary from case to case.  The typical process will consist of:

• Provide you with a dedicated probate solicitor to work on your matter
• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
• Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
• Establish a cost estimate at the outset;
• Obtaining details of the estate assets and liabilities;
• Completing Inheritance Tax documents for HM Revenue & Customs and drafting the probate application;
• Obtain the Grant of Probate
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate in accordance with the Will or rules of intestacy

What is not included?

The fee estimate provided above may differ if:

• Assets and liabilities held outside of the UK.
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate.
• Any contested probate matters
• Advising on or the management of any trusts connected to the deceased estate

If there are complications requiring additional work then further fees may be payable. In such cases, a fixed price can be agreed once we know the circumstances of your matter.

Disbursements

In a probate a matter there may also be fees payable to third parties, such as:

Useful links for further information on the probate process

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/common-legal-issues/dealing-with-someones-affairs-when-they-die

You can check if Inheritance Tax may be liable here:

https://www.gov.uk/valuing-estate-of-someone-who-died/estimate-estate-value#use-the-online-inheritance-tax-checker

You can find our probate solicitors by clicking here.

Motoring Cases

This section is designed to assist clients seeking legal advice and representation in relation to motoring cases which can only be tried in the Magistrates’ Court (known as summary only offences).

This includes:

• Careless driving
• Drink driving
• Drug driving
• Speeding
• Using your mobile phone whilst driving
• Driving without insurance and or a licence

Although Clifford Johnston & Co. has a legal aid franchise, legal aid is often not available for the above offences.  We will advise you further in respect of your eligibility for legal aid.

It may not be possible to give you a precise cost of your case at the outset of a summary only motoring offence, but it is possible to indicate the likely cost.  The reason for this is that every case is different and will depend upon several different factors, including:

• The volume of evidence and paperwork to consider.
• Whether you plead guilty or not guilty and at what stage any guilty plea is entered.
• The number of witnesses that we need to speak to.
• The number of statements and/or other documents that we need to prepare.
• The number of hearings and the nature of those hearings.
• Whether the matter raises any unusual points of law.
• Whether any expert witnesses are required.

For summary only motoring offences, dealt with at a single hearing at a Court, we offer a fixed fee of £1000 plus vat (£1200 in total) where the Court is less than 30 minutes away from our nearest office.  Any additional travel above 1 hour, or any subsequent hearings, will be charged at our hourly rates albeit we may be able to offer a further fixed fee.

Please note that Vat is charged at 20%.

Fee includes:

• 2 hours attendance/preparation:
• considering evidence
• taking your instructions
• providing advice on likely sentence
• Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court

The fee does not include:

• instruction of any expert witnesses
• taking statements from any witnesses
• advice and assistance in relation to a special reason hearing and or exceptional hardship
• representation at a trial
• representation in relation to any appeal

Key stages when entering a guilty plea:

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing.

• Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
• We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
• Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (this will have an additional cost at the appropriate hourly rate).
• We will explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
• Advice regarding the court process, what to expect and the sentencing options available to the court
• We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.
• Detailed guidance on what character references should address
• We will attend court on the day and meet with you before going before the court. We anticipate being at court for half a day.
• We will discuss the outcome with you and advise you on appeal.

For any work not included in the fixed fee, our solicitors charge an hourly rate for summary only road traffic offences as set out below:

Solicitor Seniority Hourly Rate

Grade A (Solicitors and legal executives with over 8 years’ experience):

£350 + VAT (at 20%)

Grade B (Solicitors and legal executives with over 4 years’ experience)

£250 + VAT (at 20%)

Grade C (Other solicitors, legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience):

£150 + VAT (at 20%)

Grade D (Trainee solicitors, paralegals and other fee earners):

£150 + VAT (at 20%)

These rates are for attendances, preparation, and advocacy.  Travel and waiting are charged at half rate, plus disbursements.  Disbursements will typically include mileage and parking or public travel costs.

No two cases are identical, but these times are a simple illustration of what could be expected

How long will it take? 

For guilty plea motoring summary only matters, cases are usually completed within 1 to 6 months.

What qualifications do the team hold?

You can find our motoring offence solicitors by clicking here.

ALL OTHERS MATTERS

We will discuss your case with you and advise on likely cost.