Why do I legally need independent advice on a settlement agreement?

Because you are waiving employment rights, a settlement agreement is only valid once you have received advice on its terms and effect from a qualified independent adviser such as a solicitor.

Do I have to pay for settlement agreement advice?

Usually not. Employers almost always contribute to the employee's legal fee for this advice, and in most straightforward cases that contribution covers it in full.

How quickly can a settlement agreement be signed off?

Often the same day. Settlement agreements usually come with a deadline, so advice and sign-off are typically arranged quickly.

Settlement agreement advice · England & Wales

Been offered a settlement agreement? Get the advice the law requires.

Q: What is a settlement agreement?

A legally binding agreement, usually offered when employment is ending, under which you receive a payment and other terms in return for agreeing not to bring claims against your employer. It was previously called a compromise agreement.

A settlement agreement is only binding once you've taken independent legal advice on it. We give you that advice — from a solicitor, quickly and remotely — and sign it off. In most cases it costs you nothing, because your employer contributes to the fee.

Get advice today See how it works

✔ Advice from a solicitor ✔ Usually no cost to you ✔ Fast, often same-day, fully remote ✔ England & Wales

Why do I need a solicitor to sign it? A settlement agreement asks you to give up your right to bring claims against your employer. By law, it's only valid once you've received independent legal advice on its terms and effect from a qualified adviser. That's not a formality to rush — it's your chance to check the deal is fair before you sign. We give you that advice and provide the sign-off the agreement needs.

What you get

Proper advice, fast — and usually free to you

Most people are handed a settlement agreement with a deadline and told to "get it signed off." We make that step quick and painless, and make sure you actually understand what you're agreeing to.

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Advice from a solicitor

Your agreement is reviewed and explained by a practising solicitor with professional indemnity insurance — the qualified independent adviser the law requires.

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Usually no cost to you

Employers almost always contribute to your legal fee for this advice. In most straightforward cases that contribution covers it, so you pay nothing.

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Fast turnaround

We work to your deadline — often the same day — so a tight signing window is never a reason to accept a deal you haven't properly understood.

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Is the deal fair?

We don't just rubber-stamp it. We explain what you're giving up, flag anything that looks light, and tell you where there may be room to push.

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Entirely remote

Handled by phone, email and secure forms wherever you are in England & Wales — no need to take time off to visit an office.

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The sign-off you need

We provide the adviser's certificate the agreement requires, so it becomes binding and your termination payment can be released.

Quick & remote

How it works

From sending us the agreement to a signed sign-off — often within a day, wherever you are.

Send us the agreement

Email us the settlement agreement your employer has offered, with a few details about your situation.

Advice call with a solicitor

We talk you through the terms and effect — what you're giving up, what you're getting, and whether it stacks up.

We flag anything to raise

If something looks light or unclear, we tell you — and can help you go back to your employer where it's worth it.

We sign it off

Once you're happy, we provide the independent adviser's certificate, and the agreement becomes binding.

Why use us

Not a rubber stamp — real advice, at your employer's expense

✔ Advice from a practising solicitor — the qualified independent adviser the law requires.
✔ In most cases free to you, because your employer contributes to the legal fee.
✔ Fast, often same-day turnaround that respects your signing deadline.
✔ A straight view on whether the deal is fair — not just a signature.
✔ Handled entirely remotely across England & Wales.

Get started

Send us your agreement

Email us the settlement agreement and your deadline. We'll arrange your advice call and get you signed off in time.

Get advice today

Questions

Settlement agreements — FAQs

What is a settlement agreement?

It's a legally binding agreement, usually offered when your employment is ending, under which you receive a payment and other terms in return for agreeing not to bring claims against your employer. It was previously known as a compromise agreement.

Why do I legally need independent advice?

Because you're waiving employment rights, a settlement agreement is only valid once you've received advice on its terms and effect from a qualified independent adviser, such as a solicitor. Without that advice and sign-off, it isn't binding.

Do I have to pay for the advice?

Usually not. Employers almost always agree to contribute to your legal fee for this advice, and in most straightforward cases that contribution covers it in full, so it costs you nothing. We'll confirm this with you before we start.

Can you help me get a better deal?

We can advise you on whether the terms look fair and where there may be room to negotiate, and help you put the case to your employer. Whether to push is always your decision, and we'll give you a straight view.

How quickly can it be done?

Often the same day. Settlement agreements usually come with a deadline, so we work quickly — send us the agreement and your timeframe and we'll fit around it.

Get your settlement agreement signed off

Send us the agreement and your deadline. We'll talk you through it, make sure it's fair, and provide the sign-off you need.

Call 020 7499 2605

Prefer email? ey@notarypubliclondon.co.uk