Typical Fees & Funding Options
Guidance on the fee arrangements specialist UK defamation solicitors typically offer — so you know what to expect before you commit.
Defamation Guard does not charge you legal fees
Defamation Guard is a UK-focused information and referral service, not a law firm. There is no charge for using this website or for a case assessment. The fee structures set out below are typical of specialist UK defamation solicitors — the specific fees and terms will be set by the independent solicitor you decide to instruct.
How specialist solicitors typically charge
Specialist defamation solicitors offer several fee arrangements to suit different situations and budgets. During your free case assessment, we can explain which is typically used for cases like yours — and the solicitor you are referred to will confirm their own terms.
No Win, No Fee
Conditional Fee Arrangement (CFA)
Where a specialist solicitor offers a CFA, you typically pay nothing unless the case is successful. If it succeeds, a success fee is added to the costs recovered from the other side.
- No upfront legal costs (where offered)
- Reduced financial risk for the client
- Success fee is capped by law
- Ideal for strong defamation claims
- After the Event (ATE) insurance sometimes available
Typical use: Often used for individuals with strong cases who cannot afford upfront costs.
Fixed Fee
Predictable Pricing
A pre-agreed fixed fee for defined work, giving certainty about costs from the outset. Common for initial assessments and pre-action letters.
- Cost certainty for defined tasks
- No surprise invoices
- Scope clearly defined upfront
- Common for pre-action work
- Payment plans sometimes available
Typical use: Common for specific, well-defined tasks such as sending a pre-action letter.
Hourly Rate
Traditional Billing
Work billed at an agreed hourly rate. Regular updates on costs incurred and budgets set in advance where possible.
- Pay only for work done
- Flexible scope of work
- Regular cost updates provided
- Suitable for complex or evolving matters
- Budget caps can be agreed
Typical use: Common for complex cases where the scope may change or for ongoing retainer work.
What you should expect from a specialist solicitor
Common Questions About Fees
Answers to the most frequently asked funding questions.
Note: Defamation Guard is not a law firm and does not charge legal fees. The figures and structures above are illustrative guidance about how specialist defamation solicitors typically charge in England and Wales. Actual fees vary between firms and cases. The solicitor you instruct will provide a detailed written costs estimate and client-care letter before undertaking work.