Settlement agreement solicitors UK-wide rely on Maison Lex to provide expert, independent legal advice on settlement agreements for both employees and employers. A settlement agreement (formerly known as a compromise agreement) is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee in which, in exchange for an agreed financial payment — and often other benefits such as an agreed reference or continuation of certain benefits — the employee agrees to waive their right to bring specific legal claims against their employer. As leading settlement agreement solicitors in the UK, we ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to and that your interests are protected throughout. For wider workplace advice, visit our UK Employment Law for Employees page or our Employment Law for UK Employers page.
Settlement agreements are used in a wide variety of employment situations, including redundancy, dismissal, disciplinary proceedings, workplace disputes, and negotiated exits. They provide both parties with legal certainty and allow disputes to be resolved without the time, cost, and uncertainty of Employment Tribunal proceedings.
Common components of a settlement agreement include:
It is a legal requirement under UK employment law that any employee who is asked to sign a settlement agreement must receive independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor, barrister, or authorised adviser before the agreement becomes binding. Without this advice, the agreement will not be legally valid.
Yes — by law, you must receive independent legal advice from a qualified adviser before signing a settlement agreement. This is not simply a formality; it is a critical legal requirement that protects employees by ensuring they fully understand what they are agreeing to and what rights they may be waiving.
Your solicitor will:
In most cases, your employer will make a contribution towards your legal fees for taking advice on a settlement agreement. Our settlement agreement solicitors will liaise directly with your employer’s legal advisers to ensure the process is handled efficiently and professionally.
In many cases, the initial offer made by an employer in a settlement agreement is not the final figure. Employees often have more negotiating leverage than they realise — particularly where there is a viable Employment Tribunal claim in the background, such as unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, or discrimination.
Our settlement agreement solicitors are experienced negotiators. We regularly achieve improved financial packages for our clients — including:
We will assess your position clearly and honestly — advising you on the realistic value of any claims you may have, and negotiating assertively on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
Settlement agreements can arise in a wide range of circumstances. We assist clients in all of the following situations:
A settlement agreement solicitor will review your agreement, explain the legal terms, and advise whether the compensation offered is fair.
In many cases, settlement agreements are negotiable. Employers often expect changes to be requested.
We regularly negotiate improved terms for employees, including:
Our aim is always to secure the best possible settlement agreement outcome for you.
A settlement agreement solicitor will review your agreement, explain the legal terms, and advise whether the compensation offered is fair.
We advise employees at all levels, including:
Whether your settlement agreement arises from redundancy, performance issues, workplace disputes or a breakdown in the employment relationship, we provide calm, strategic advice.
A settlement agreement solicitor will review your agreement, explain the legal terms, and advise whether the compensation offered is fair.
In most cases, employers make a contribution towards the employee’s legal fees for settlement agreement advice.
We offer:
Get Settlement Agreement Advice Today
If you have been offered a settlement agreement, do not sign it without legal advice.
Contact our settlement agreement solicitors today for independent legal advice and to ensure you are getting the best possible deal available to you.
A settlement agreement solicitor will review your agreement, explain the legal terms, and advise whether the compensation offered is fair.
We simplify complex legal matters by providing clear, concise, and accurate answers to your most pressing questions. Our goal is to ensure you have the knowledge.
A settlement agreement solicitor will review your agreement, explain the legal terms, and advise whether the compensation offered is fair.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement between an employee and employer that usually ends employment or resolves a workplace dispute. In return for a financial settlement, the employee agrees not to bring certain legal claims against the employer.
Yes. By law, employees must receive independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor or adviser for a settlement agreement to be valid. Your employer will usually contribute to your legal fees
There is no legal minimum timeframe, but ACAS recommends at least 10 calendar days to consider the agreement. Employers should not pressure employees into signing without sufficient time or advice.
Yes. Settlement agreements are negotiable, including the payments made to you. Legal advice can significantly improve settlement terms.
In straightforward cases, settlement agreements can be completed in a few days once legal advice is taken. More complex negotiations may take longer.
Dosanjh Legal Ltd, trading as Maison Lex, is a firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 8013851). Further information about the SRA Standards and Regulations is available at www.sra.org.uk
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