Fee Structure
Effective Date: January 2026 Version: 1.0
This document explains the fees charged by eSolicitors to legal professionals using the platform. All fees are subject to VAT at the applicable rate.
Overview
eSolicitors operates on a transparent fee model designed to align our interests with yours. We succeed when you succeed.
We believe in complete transparency. The fees listed on this page are the only fees you'll pay. There are no hidden charges, setup fees, or surprise costs.
Fee Types
1. Platform Commission
Our primary fee is a commission on transactions completed through the platform.
| Fee Type | Rate | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Commission | [X]% | On payment received |
| Fixed Fee Matters | [X]% | On matter completion |
| Hourly Billing | [X]% | On invoiced amounts |
How it works:
- Commission is calculated on the gross fee you charge the client
- Deducted automatically when client payment clears
- You receive the net amount in your next payout
Example:
Client pays: £1,000
Platform commission (X%): £[Amount]
You receive: £[Amount]
2. Subscription Plans (Optional)
We offer optional subscription plans with reduced commission rates:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Commission Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 | [X]% | Occasional users |
| Professional | £[X]/month | [X]% | Regular users |
| Enterprise | £[X]/month | [X]% | High-volume firms |
Subscription Benefits:
- Lower commission rates
- Priority listing in search results
- Enhanced profile features
- Priority support
- Marketing tools
3. Optional Services
| Service | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Featured Listing | £[X]/month | Appear at top of search results |
| Verified Badge | £[X] one-time | Enhanced verification displayed |
| Premium Analytics | £[X]/month | Detailed performance insights |
| Lead Generation | £[X] per lead | Qualified enquiries sent to you |
Payment Terms
Client Payments
- Clients pay through our secure payment system
- We hold funds until services are delivered or milestones met
- You request release when work is complete
Payout Schedule
| Payout Frequency | Minimum Balance |
|---|---|
| Weekly | £100 |
| Bi-weekly | £50 |
| Monthly | No minimum |
Payout Methods:
- Bank transfer (BACS) - Free
- Faster Payments - Free
- International transfer - Fees may apply
Processing Times
| Payment Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Client payment received | Same day |
| Funds available for payout | After release approval |
| Payout to your bank | 1-3 business days |
Commission Exclusions
Platform commission is not charged on:
- Disbursements passed through at cost
- Court fees paid on client's behalf
- Third-party costs (counsel fees, expert fees)
- VAT collected from clients
When billing clients, clearly separate professional fees from disbursements. Commission only applies to your professional fees.
Fee Changes
We may adjust our fees from time to time. If we do:
- Existing subscriptions are honoured for their term
- 30 days notice for commission rate changes
- 60 days notice for new fee types
- Email notification to all affected users
Disputes and Refunds
Commission Refunds
Commission may be refunded when:
- Client receives a full refund
- Matter was cancelled before work began
- Technical error caused overcharge
How to Request
- Log into your account
- Go to Billing > Transactions
- Select the transaction
- Click "Request Commission Review"
Tax Information
VAT
- All fees quoted are exclusive of VAT
- VAT is charged at 20% on platform fees
- VAT invoices are available in your account
Your Tax Obligations
You are responsible for:
- Declaring platform income on your tax returns
- Charging VAT to clients if VAT registered
- Maintaining proper financial records
We provide:
- Monthly statements
- Annual fee summary
- Transaction history export
Comparison with Alternatives
| Platform | Commission | Monthly Fee | Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSolicitors | [X]% | Optional | Weekly |
| Traditional Referral | 20-30% | N/A | Varies |
| Legal Directory | 0% | £200-500 | N/A |
| General Marketplace | 15-20% | £0-50 | Weekly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I pay the commission? A: Commission is automatically deducted when client payment clears. You never have to make a separate payment.
Q: Is there a minimum fee per transaction? A: No, we don't charge minimum transaction fees.
Q: Can I pass the commission on to clients? A: Your fee is your own business decision. However, we recommend building it into your pricing rather than showing it as a separate charge.
Q: What happens if a client doesn't pay? A: If payment isn't received, no commission is charged. We provide tools to help prevent non-payment.
Q: Are there volume discounts? A: Yes, our subscription plans offer reduced rates for higher-volume users. Contact us for custom enterprise pricing.
Contact
For billing questions:
- Email: billing@esolicitors.com
- Phone: [Phone number]
- Help Centre: [Link]
Fees are reviewed annually. This page reflects current fees as of January 2026.