Questions, answered

Yes. The first 30 minutes are free and come with no obligation. If I cannot help, I will tell you, and point you to someone who can.

Your contract, any letters or emails about the issue and a short timeline of what happened. A rough note is fine.

With me, from the first call to the final signature. Verdix is one lawyer, so nothing is handed down to a trainee or a team you have not met.

Yes. Most of my work happens by phone, video and email, so I work with clients across England and Wales.

Yes. Everything you tell me is confidential from our first conversation, whether or not you go on to instruct me.

We split your matter into stages. Each stage has a fixed fee, agreed in writing before it starts. If something changes, we agree the new fee first.

I tell you as soon as I see it and explain why. We agree a new fixed fee before I do any extra work, so you are never billed for work you did not approve.

Each stage is invoiced when you approve it and is payable within 14 days. Larger stages can be split into two or three payments.

Often, yes. Most employers contribute towards the cost of advice on a settlement agreement, and the contribution usually covers my fixed fee.

No. Fees are quoted before VAT, which is added at the standard rate of 20%.

Yes. A settlement agreement only binds you once an independent adviser, usually a solicitor, has advised you on it. Most employers contribute towards the cost of that advice.

Not long. Most claims have a short time limit that starts on the day you were dismissed or the day of the act you are complaining about, and you must contact Acas first. Call me early so we can work out your date.

Not before we have spoken. Resigning can change the claims you have and the money you can recover, so get advice first, even if you are sure you want to leave.

Yes. I can help you write a clear grievance, prepare for the meeting and respond to the outcome, or help an employer run a fair process from the start.

Yes. You get a marked-up copy with a short note on every change that matters, usually within three working days, for a fixed fee agreed before I start.

Before you raise, hire or grant options. It is far easier to agree who owns what, and what happens if someone leaves, while everyone still agrees.

Yes, I advise both, but never both sides of the same matter. If there is a conflict, I will tell you on the first call.

Yes. Many clients come back for each new contract, hire or funding round. There is no retainer: each piece of work has its own fixed fee.