How to Fund a Legal Case in the UK
Pursuing legal action can be a significant step—emotionally, logistically, and financially. Whether you’re challenging an unfair dismissal, raising a negligence claim against an employer, or seeking damages for personal injury, the costs of legal advice and representation can feel overwhelming.
At DSM Legal, we believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to justice, and that’s why we offer clear,practical advice on the funding options available to you. In this blog post, we break down the most common ways to fund a legal case in the UK, particularly for employment law,negligence, and personal injury claims. From traditional private funding to insurance-backed options and government-supported schemes, this guide will help you make informed choices about how to move forward.
Private Funding
One of the most common ways to fund legal services in the UK is through private funding,where the client pays for legal advice and representation directly. This is typically done in one of two ways: hourly billing or a fixed fee arrangement.
Hourly rates involve the solicitor charging for each hour of work completed on your case.This can include time spent on meetings, phone calls, correspondence, research, drafting documents, and court appearances. While hourly billing can be appropriate for complex or unpredictable cases, it can also lead to uncertainty around the final cost—particularly if the case becomes drawn out or involves unforeseen developments.
In contrast, a fixed fee is an agreed price for a specific piece of legal work, set in advance.This model offers far more transparency and allows clients to plan their finances with confidence, knowing exactly what the service will cost from the outset.
At DSM Legal, we believe that legal costs should never come as a surprise. That’s why we offer fixed fee pricing for many employment law and negligence-related services. We also offer hourly rate billing so that you have a choice. However, there are no hidden extras and you are kept fully informed throughout the case. This allows you to know upfront exactly what the service will cost, so you can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected bills.
No Win, No Fee (Conditional Fee Agreements)
No Win, No Fee agreements — also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) — is a common way to fund personal injury and negligence claims. Under this model, you only pay legal fees if your case is successful. If you win, a success fee (a percentage of your compensation) is charged. If you lose, you won’t owe fees for the solicitor’s time.
This model significantly reduces the financial risk to the client and is especially attractive to those who may not otherwise afford legal representation. However, while this model reduces the financial risk, you may still need to cover disbursements (e.g. medical reports or court fees). Although, after-the-event (ATE) insurance can cover these costs if your case is unsuccessful.
At DSM Legal, we do offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for many personal injury and negligence claims, but not for employment law matters. We’re happy to assess your case and advise on suitable funding options during an initial fixed fee consultation.
Damages-Based Agreements
A Damages-Based Agreement (DBA) is a funding model where the solicitor takes a percentage of the compensation awarded if the case succeeds. If the case is unsuccessful,the client pays nothing for the solicitor’s time.
However, not all solicitors offer DBAs due to their financial risk. Clients should carefully read and understand the terms before agreeing to this funding model. Like CFAs, costs such as court fees or expert evidence may not be included in the arrangement.
While DBAs are a legal option for employment claims, they are not currently offered by DSM Legal. In our experience, fixed fees offer a more transparent and manageable approach for clients bringing employment or negligence claims.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) is often overlooked, but it can be an effective and low-cost way to fund legal proceedings. Many individuals unknowingly have LEI as part of their home contents, car, or even credit card insurance policies. This insurance covers legal costs for specific types of disputes, including employment claims, personal injury, and sometimes negligence.
At DSM Legal, we accept clients who are covered by legal expenses insurance. If you believe you may have a qualifying policy, we can help you understand whether it applies to your legal issue. We’re also happy to work with your insurer and their panel to ensure you get the right representation. It’s important to notify your insurer early in the process and check whether you have the freedom to choose your solicitor.
Trade Union Support
If you are a member of a trade union, you may be entitled to free legal advice and representation in employment-related matters. Trade unions often provide substantial support in cases of unfair dismissal, redundancy, workplace discrimination, or health and safety violations.
The legal support offered by trade unions is typically excellent and includes access to experienced solicitors with specialist knowledge of employment law. Some unions may even fund negligence claims if they arise from your employment.
However, the scope of assistance is limited to issues related to your work. Moreover, you usually need to have been a member of the union at the time the issue arose to qualify for help. It’s worth checking your union’s policy as early as possible if a dispute begins to develop.
Legal Aid
Legal aid is public funding provided by the UK government to help people meet the costs of legal advice and representation. Unfortunately, access to legal aid for employment and negligence claims is extremely limited.
However, legal aid may still be available in exceptional circumstances, such as discrimination claims or cases involving serious breaches of human rights. Eligibility is determined based on your income and the merits of your case.
For a full guide on legal aid eligibility, including an online calculator, visit the UK Government’s legal aid portal.
Pro Bono Legal Assistance
Some solicitors and organisations offer pro bono (free) legal services for those who can’t afford representation and don’t qualify for legal aid. Pro bono help is often available through charities, university law clinics, and legal advice centres such as LawWorks and Citizens Advice.
While pro bono resources are limited, they can be an invaluable lifeline for individuals with meritorious cases who are otherwise unable to proceed. LawWorks provides helpful resources on finding pro bono services and understanding what they can and cannot offer.
While DSM Legal does not operate as a pro bono provider, we do offer an initial consultation at a fixed rate to help assess the merits of your claim and explore your funding options. In some cases, this may be enough to point you in the right direction or resolve the issue without the need for a full tribunal hearing.
How DSM Legal Can Help
At DSM Legal Solicitors, we specialise in helping individuals with employment disputes, negligence claims, and personal injury matters. We aim to make legal support accessible and affordable by offering:
- Fixed cost arrangement for many employment and negligence claims
- Acceptance of legal expense insurance where possible
- No win, no fee agreements for many negligence and personal injury claims
- Clear advice tailored to your situation
- Transparent communication about costs from day one
Every case is different, which is why we take the time to understand your position and advise on the most suitable funding route. Whether you’re taking on an employer or seeking compensation for a professional’s negligence, we’re here to guide you.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your funding options is key to pursuing justice without unnecessary stress or financial strain. From private fixed-fee arrangements to insurance-backed support, there are many ways to get legal help without breaking the bank.
If you think you may have a claim or are unsure how to fund your case, get in touch with us at DSM Legal Solicitors. We’re here to help you weigh your options and take the first step toward resolving your legal issue.
