Master of the Rolls, Sir Geoffrey Vos, announced the 3.65% increase last month, which came into effect from 1 January 2025. This means that the hourly rates have increased in line with SPPI (inflation).
The GHR provide a framework for the recoverable hourly rate for different grades of fee earners in different regions of England and Wales. The GHR is split is split into various different sections. The rates vary depending on the location of the legal professional and the title/experience of the legal professional.
The grades set out for the experience of solicitors are as follows:
- Grade 1/A – Solicitors and legal executives with over 8 years of experience
- Grade 2/B – Solicitors and legal executives with over 4 years of experience
- Grade 3/C – Other solicitors or legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience
- Grade 4/D – Trainee solicitors, paralegals and other fee earners
The grades of legal professionals are then split into their working location:
- London band 1 – Heavy commercial and corporate work in Central London
- London band 2 – City and Central London
- London band 3 – Outer London
- National 1 – Usually inner cities
- National 2 – Usually outer cities
The updated 2025 Guideline rates to solicitors’ costs in England and Wales are set out in the table below:
Regional Grade A Solicitors in Leicester will see an increase of the GHR to £288 per hour up from £278 per hour.
Trainee Solicitor, Yusuf Takoliya observes: “An increase in the Guideline Hourly Rate (GHR) is a positive development that acknowledges changing market conditions such as inflation. However, many legal professionals offer alternative rates based on factors such as the complexity of the case and the amount of work required.Given this, should the GHR framework be modified to incorporate formally agreed enhanced rates that account for case value and complexity? This adjustment would certainly provide greater clarity and transparency.
At MDS, we offer a No-Win-No-Fee Agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement or a CFA. This means you won’t have to pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your case succeeds, your opponent will cover our legal fees, although there will be some deductions from your compensation, including a success fee.
A CFA is an excellent way to fund a potential medical negligence claim because it minimises the financial risk for claimants and provides access to justice.”
For further information regarding the solicitors’ guideline hourly rates for 2025, please select the following link: Solicitors' guideline hourly rates -GOV.UK
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales,and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
