Funding & Retainer Guide

A "no win, no fee" retainer. The solicitor's fee is only payable, or only payable in full, if the case succeeds, usually with a success fee uplift on top of base costs when it does.

A reduced hourly rate is payable as the case progresses, with the balance up to the full rate, plus a success fee, payable only if the case wins.

The solicitor's fee is calculated as a percentage of the damages recovered, rather than by reference to hours worked, subject to the statutory cap.

Fees are billed as the work is done, at agreed hourly rates, regardless of outcome. Usually the lowest-risk option for the solicitor and the most predictable for the client to budget against.

The client meets costs as they're incurred. Simplest to set up, but exposes the client to the full cost of the case regardless of outcome.

A CFA paired with after the event insurance, so the client's exposure to the other side's costs (and often their own disbursements) if the case loses is covered by the policy.

An external funder pays some or all of the costs of the case in return for a share of the proceeds if it succeeds, with no recourse against the client if it doesn't.

Taken out once a dispute has arisen, covering the other side's costs and, depending on the policy, the client's own disbursements if the case is lost.

Cover already in place before the dispute arose, often bundled into a household, motor or business insurance policy, which may fund some or all of the legal costs.

The client or their solicitor meets disbursements as they arise, rather than through an insurance policy, usually where the disbursement spend is modest or an ATE premium isn't cost-effective.