Settlement Agreement Solicitors
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors provides expert legal support for employees negotiating a settlement agreement.
You don’t have to face this alone—start with a straightforward, free initial consultation with an employment law specialist to understand your options.
Why choose Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for your settlement agreement?
Navigating a settlement agreement can be complex — you need a team that understands employment law and can provide tailored guidance for your situation.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors is a trusted law firm, with a team of experienced employment lawyers providing expert guidance and personalised support every step of the way.
We can assist with all types of employment contracts and provide practical solutions to help you consider, negotiate, and agree settlement terms, whether through direct discussions with your employer or more formal procedures.
- Transparent and Trusted: Harcourt Stirling Solicitors is proud to have earned positive client feedback on Google and Trustpilot, reflecting our focus on professionalism, expertise, and responsive client service.
- Experienced Team: Our team has extensive legal experience in a variety of practice areas, including employment law.
- Strategic Approach: We help determine whether negotiation, mediation or formal proceedings are most appropriate, creating a strategy that aligns with your objectives and minimises disruption.
- Location: No matter where you are in the UK, our settlement agreement solicitors are happy to help.
How Harcourt Stirling Solicitors handles your settlement agreement
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we provide clear, practical advice on settlement agreements to help you understand your rights and make informed decisions. Our experienced team combines specialist knowledge with a straightforward, supportive approach.
Our process typically includes:
- Free initial consultation: We take time to understand your situation, explain how settlement agreements work, and outline the process ahead.
- Agreement review: We carefully review the proposed settlement agreement and your employment contract to ensure you understand each clause and the rights you may be waiving.
- Tailored legal advice: Based on your objectives, we provide clear guidance on whether the terms are fair and identify areas that could be improved to better protect your interests.
- Negotiation support: Where appropriate, we engage with your employer or their representative to negotiate amendments or improved terms, such as compensation, notice periods, or references.
- Resolution and completion: We help you finalise and sign the agreement, ensuring all terms are clear and that the process is completed efficiently and with minimal disruption.
By combining legal expertise with a client-centered approach, Harcourt Stirling Solicitors provides the guidance and support to help you navigate this challenging time.
Speak to an employment law specialist today!
Key elements of an effective settlement agreement
A settlement agreement can resolve workplace disputes efficiently and fairly, but not every situation is suitable. At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we help ensure your agreement is fair, clear, enforceable, and protects your rights.
A strong settlement agreement typically includes:
- Clear terms: All obligations, payments, and outcomes are explicitly stated.
- Accurate documentation: The agreement reflects your employment history and relevant correspondence.
- Financial compensation: Any payment reflects your losses and expectations.
- Balanced clauses: Provisions such as confidentiality (NDA), non-compete, garden leave, and references are clearly defined to prevent future disputes.
Our settlement agreement solicitors guide you through the process, helping you evaluate options and negotiate terms that reflect your circumstances.
Your rights and options after a settlement agreement — and how our lawyers can help you
A proposed settlement agreement can be a key step in resolving an employment-related dispute. Understanding your rights and options is crucial before deciding whether to accept any offer.
With a settlement agreement, you have the opportunity to:
- Agree a financial settlement that considers any losses or entitlements.
- Resolve disputes without the stress and costs of a tribunal or court proceedings.
- Maintain confidentiality and a smoother transition from your employment.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, our experienced settlement agreement lawyers can guide you through the process by:
- Reviewing the terms of the proposed agreement to identify potential issues or areas for negotiation.
- Advising on the implications of signing, including which rights you may be giving up.
- Supporting negotiations with your employer to help reach a fair and legally binding outcome.
- Advising on alternative options, including tribunal or court proceedings, if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Our settlement agreement solicitors aim to provide clear guidance and practical support, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Speak to an employment law specialist today!
How to start your settlement agreement negotiations with Harcourt Stirling Solicitors
Taking action after an employment dispute can feel overwhelming, but having expert guidance can help you navigate the process with clarity. At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we provide practical and supportive advice to help you understand your options and prepare for (or negotiate) a settlement agreement.
- Contact us: Get in touch via phone, email or our online enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation.
- Prepare your case: If you wish to explore a settlement agreement, we’ll guide you on gathering all relevant documents, including your employment contract, correspondence, and any records relating to your dispute. At the same time, we’ll complete standard legal checks to verify your identity (KYC/AML), which may include providing ID and proof of address. Having this information ready allows us to review your situation thoroughly and provide informed guidance on negotiating a fair and compliant settlement.
- Case assessment – With your documents prepared, our settlement agreement solicitors review the details of your situation, identify the key issues, and provide guidance on your options and potential next steps.
- Strategy discussion: We discuss your options and advise on the next steps, typically beginning with settlement agreement negotiations before considering mediation or formal proceedings if required.
- Take action: Once you’re ready, we guide you through the process, representing your interests every step of the way.
Our settlement agreement specialists
Settlement agreement matters we specialise in
Selected settlement agreement resources
Selected settlement agreement case studies
Speak to an employment law specialist today!
Frequently Asked Settlement Agreement Questions
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that resolves an employment-related dispute — such as dismissal, wrongful termination, or constructive dismissal — without going to an Employment Tribunal, court, or involving other third parties.
What are the benefits of a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement allows both employer and employee to resolve a dispute efficiently and confidentially, avoiding the stress, cost, and publicity of a tribunal or court case. Key benefits include:
- Financial compensation: You can secure pay in lieu of notice, redundancy pay, or other losses without litigation.
- Confidentiality: The terms of the agreement and the circumstances of the dispute remain private.
- Flexibility: Agreements can include references, flexible exit terms, or other negotiated benefits.
- Certainty and finality: Once signed, a settlement agreement prevents further claims arising from the dispute.
What are the legal grounds for a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement can be used to resolve disputes arising from any employment-related claim, provided both parties agree voluntarily. Common legal grounds include:
- Dismissal claims: Wrongful, unfair, or constructive dismissal.
- Discrimination or harassment claims: Alleged breaches of employment law related to protected characteristics.
- Breach of contract claims: Where an employer or employee has not complied with contractual terms.
- Other workplace disputes: Such as redundancy disputes, unpaid bonuses, or flexible working disagreements.
For a settlement agreement to be valid, the employee must receive independent legal advice, typically from a qualified employment lawyer, and the agreement must be in writing.
How long do I have to make a settlement agreement?
There is no strict time limit for entering into a settlement agreement, but if your dispute involves claims that could be taken to an Employment Tribunal — such as unfair dismissal or discrimination — it’s important to act before the statutory deadlines expire (usually three months less one day from the date of dismissal).
In addition, Acas guidance recommends that employers give employees at least 10 calendar days to consider a settlement agreement before deciding whether to accept it. This ensures you have sufficient time to review the terms, seek independent legal advice, and make an informed decision.
What evidence do I need to support a settlement agreement negotiation?
To negotiate a settlement agreement effectively, it’s important to gather evidence that clearly supports your position. This may include:
- Employment contract and termination documents: Such as your contract, dismissal letter, or resignation letter.
- Correspondence: Emails, letters, or messages relating to your dispute.
- Grievances or complaints: Records of any formal or informal complaints you raised.
- Witness statements: Notes or statements from colleagues who can corroborate your claims.
- Financial records: Payslips, bonus statements, or evidence of lost benefits.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, our settlement agreement lawyers review all relevant documents and evidence to help you understand your position, estimate potential entitlements, and negotiate a settlement with your employer. We provide guidance throughout the process to support you in making informed decisions about your case.
How long does a typical settlement agreement case take?
Most settlement agreement cases are resolved fairly quickly. Straightforward situations — where both sides are willing to negotiate — can often be completed within a few days to a couple of weeks. More complex cases, or those involving serious disputes or higher compensation, may take several weeks as negotiations progress and terms are finalised.
According to Acas guidance, employees should be given a minimum of 10 calendar days to consider the written terms of a settlement agreement and to obtain independent legal advice — unless both parties agree to a shorter period.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we aim to progress matters efficiently while ensuring you have the time and clarity needed to make an informed decision. Our team handles negotiations on your behalf to help you reach a fair and timely resolution.
Do I need a lawyer to to help me with my settlement agreement?
Yes — it’s a legal requirement that you receive independent legal advice before signing a settlement agreement for it to be valid. This ensures you understand the terms, including what rights you’re waiving and whether the compensation offered is fair.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can help you with:
- Reviewing the agreement to confirm it meets legal requirements.
- Explaining the implications for your employment rights and future claims.
- Negotiating improved terms if the offer doesn’t reflect your entitlement.
- Ensuring the agreement protects your interests and is properly executed.
Our team provides clear, practical advice on settlement agreements — whether you’re negotiating new terms or reviewing an offer from your employer — helping you make an informed decision with confidence.
If I am offered a Settlement Agreement, do I have to accept it?
No — signing a settlement agreement is entirely your choice. While there is often a financial incentive to agree, it’s important to fully understand which employment rights you are giving up by signing.
If you choose not to sign:
- You may still be considered for redundancy or be subject to ongoing disciplinary or performance processes.
- You retain the right to bring employment claims, but you must be aware of the strict statutory time limits for doing so.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can help you weigh the pros and cons, explain the implications for your rights, and advise on a course of action before making a decision.
What will happen if my settlement agreement is successful?
If your settlement agreement is successful, you’ll receive the agreed compensation or benefits in exchange for waiving your right to bring legal claims against your employer. Once both parties have signed, the agreement becomes legally binding, providing closure and certainty for both sides.
Typically, this means:
- You receive a tax-free compensation payment (up to £30,000, depending on the circumstances).
- Any outstanding salary, bonuses, or holiday pay are settled.
- Your employment officially ends on the agreed date and terms.
- Both parties can move forward without further dispute.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can help negotiate settlement agreements on your behalf, ensuring the terms are fair, compliant, and reflect your entitlements. We handle the discussions with your employer so you can leave your employment on secure, fair terms and focus on the next stage of your career with confidence.
What happens if my settlement agreement is unsuccessful?
If a settlement agreement cannot be reached between you and your employer — or the representatives negotiating on your behalf — you are still able to pursue your employment-related claim. This may involve taking your case to an Employment Tribunal or, in some circumstances, the civil courts.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we can guide you through the next steps, provide support in understanding your rights, and help you prepare your case should negotiations not reach a settlement.
Can the terms of a settlement agreement be negotiated and changed ?
Yes — the terms of a settlement agreement are negotiable. Employers usually make an initial offer, but you can discuss and amend aspects such as financial compensation, notice periods, references, or other benefits.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can negotiate on your behalf to help ensure the agreement is fair, compliant with the law, and reflects your entitlements. Our team supports you through the process, aiming to resolve the dispute efficiently and clearly.
Are settlement agreements tax free?
Government regulations state that you do not usually pay tax or National Insurance on the first combined £30,000 of:
- compensation for giving up your right to make a claim at a tribunal
- redundancy pay
The settlement agreement should show:
- a breakdown of the payments and amounts
- any deductions for tax and National Insurance
What happens if either party breaches the settlement agreement?
The answer to this question depends on which party breaches the agreement:
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If the employee breaches the agreement
The consequences depend on the terms of the agreement. You may be required to repay some or all of the compensation, particularly if the breach relates to a material term or any specific warranties outlined in the agreement. Some discretionary payments may also be affected if certain conditions are not met. -
If the employer breaches the agreement
If your employer fails to honour the terms, you may have the right to bring a breach of contract claim to recover damages. The next steps will depend on the nature and extent of the breach.
At Harcourt Stirling Solicitors, we can advise you on your options, guide you through enforcing your rights, and, if necessary, take the appropriate legal action to ensure the agreement is properly upheld.
How does the free initial consultation work?
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors offers a free initial consultation to discuss your settlement agreement case. The free initial consultation lasts up to 30 mins and is completely free.
It allows you to speak with an employment law specialist, learn about your options, and ask any questions you may have.
Harcourt Stirling Solicitors understand how difficult it can be to speak about sensitive and confidential employment matters during the normal working day – and so you can email us (or fill out the contact form) at anytime and we’ll do our best to respond to your enquiry.
How can I contact Harcourt Stirling Solicitors for advice on my settlement agreement?
You can give us a call at 020 3627 6074 from Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and one of our specialists will be happy to assist you.
Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form on our website and we’ll do our best to respond to your enquiry as soon as we can.
It’s important to seek advice as early as possible, as settlement agreements involve strict legal requirements and time-sensitive considerations. Harcourt Stirling Solicitors can provide guidance throughout the process and help you understand your rights.
What are your legal fees and do you offer "No Win, No Fee"?
We understand that cost is a major consideration. Each matter will be weighed on its merits to determine which fee structure to apply to the individual client.
After taking your instructions and assessing your case, we will agree on one of the following funding methods with you:
- No Win, No Fee (CFA): for cases with strong merits, we may work under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), meaning you do not pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
- Fixed Fee: for specific tasks, we can work on a fixed fee basis to be agreed on engagement.
- Hourly Rates: for other matters, we apply our standard hourly rates as per our terms and conditions.
We will ensure you have a clear understanding of the applicable fees before we begin any work.