Settlement agreement advice, made simple.

No — you are never obliged to sign a settlement agreement. Signing is always voluntary and your employer cannot force you to do so. That said, if you choose not to sign, your employer may pursue another course of action, such as a formal redundancy or performance process. It's important to understand the full picture before making any decision, which is exactly what we're here to help with.

Independent advice is a legal requirement — without it, a settlement agreement is not valid or binding. The law requires that you receive advice from a relevant independent adviser (usually a solicitor) before signing, and that adviser must sign a certificate confirming they have advised you on the terms and effect of the agreement.

Nothing. Legal fees are usually covered by your employer — this is standard practice and is typically provided for within the settlement agreement itself. Assuming no negotiation is required, we will cap our fees at the amount your employer has agreed to contribute meaning you pay absolutely nothing. We will always be upfront and transparent with you if anything falls outside of this.

Once you've made contact, we move quickly. We aim to provide initial advice within 24 hours of onboarding. If you have a specific deadline — for example, if your employer has given you a date by which the agreement must be signed — please let us know.

An adviser's certificate is the signed document confirming you have received independent advice on your settlement agreement, as required by law. Your adviser signs it once they have advised you on the terms and effect of the agreement. It is then returned to your employer alongside the signed agreement to complete the process.

Settlement agreements are not just for employees whose employment is ending. They can also be used to resolve a workplace dispute or change employment terms while you remain in your role. If you have been presented with an agreement in any circumstances, we can help.

Legal advice is provided by Nexa Law Limited. Employment Settlement Solicitor is a trading name of RJB Legal Services Ltd, a limited company registered in England and Wales with number 17353836. RJB Legal Services Ltd does not provide legal advice. RJB Legal Services is a consultant practice of Nexa Law Limited, a limited company registered in England and Wales with number 10209198, which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA number 633024. Robyn, the solicitor who handles these matters, practises through Nexa Law Limited, which means you receive all the protection and assurances of a fully regulated legal service.

Absolutely. Everything you share with us is treated in strict confidence. As a regulated firm, Nexa Law Limited is bound by strict professional duties of confidentiality. Your information will not be shared with your employer or any third party without your consent.

In most cases, we simply need a copy of your settlement agreement, your employment contract and any other documents which govern your employment (such as an employee handbook). We'll let you know if anything else is required once we've received these. We'll provide clear guidance on how to share these securely as part of the onboarding process.