Payments & Payouts
eSolicitors uses Stripe Connect to process all payments. When a client pays for a matter, funds are held in escrow. As each milestone is approved, your share is transferred to your Connected Account and paid out by Stripe.
Setting Up Stripe Connect
Before receiving your first payout, you must connect a Stripe account:
- Go to Lawyer Portal → Earnings → Connect with Stripe
- You are redirected to Stripe Express onboarding
- Provide your bank details, identity information, and tax details
- Return to the platform once complete
Your Connected Account status appears in your earnings dashboard. Stripe typically verifies accounts within 1–2 business days.
How Escrow Works
When a client clicks "Accept & Hire" and pays:
- The full matter value is collected via Stripe Checkout
- Funds are held in the platform's escrow (not yet transferred to you)
- Escrow status: Funded
As each milestone is approved by the client (or auto-released after 14 days):
- Platform fees are deducted from the milestone amount
- Your net amount is transferred to your Stripe Connected Account
- Stripe pays out to your bank account on its standard schedule (typically 2–7 days)
Platform Fees
Platform fees are applied per milestone release. The fee has three components:
Seller Fees (Deducted from Your Payout)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Platform Usage Fee | Core marketplace fee - covers platform infrastructure |
| Technology & AI Fee | Covers the embedded video room, real-time transcription, and AI scope generation infrastructure |
| Seller Protection Fee | Covers dispute mediation and payment protection |
Fees are calculated using a fixed-fee-per-unit model - not a simple percentage. The fee per unit of matter value decreases as matter value increases (tiered bands), and is lower for Pro and Elite subscribers.
Fee Example
| Subscriber Tier | Approximate Effective Rate |
|---|---|
| Free | Highest |
| Pro | Mid |
| Elite | Lowest |
Exact fees are shown in your dashboard fee calculator before you submit any milestone. There are no hidden fees.
Stripe Processing
Stripe's standard processing fee (1.5% + £0.20 for UK cards) is a pass-through cost - it is not an additional eSolicitors fee, and it is applied transparently.
Template Sales
When a client purchases one of your templates from the eSolicitors template store:
- You receive 75–85% of the sale price (depending on your subscription tier)
- Payouts for template sales are processed on the same Stripe Connected Account
- Template commission is separate from matter fees
| Plan | Your Share |
|---|---|
| Free | 75% |
| Pro | 80% |
| Elite | 85% |
Project Bid Payments
When a client accepts your bid on a project:
- A Stripe Checkout session is created immediately (no cooling-off period)
- The client pays the full agreed amount into escrow
- The same milestone/payout system applies as for scope-based matters
Disbursements
Disbursement payments (client-funded expenses like court fees, search fees) are processed as a separate direct charge to the client via Stripe, paid directly to your Connected Account. These are not mixed with matter escrow funds - SRA-compliant separation is maintained.
Your Earnings Dashboard
Go to Lawyer Portal → Earnings to view:
- Total earned (all time, this month, last month)
- Pending escrow - funds held for active milestones
- Platform fees paid - total fees deducted
- Payout history - each transfer to your bank account
- Template sales - separate breakdown
- Fee calculator - enter a matter value to see exact fees before committing
Platform Payment Method
You are also required to add a platform payment method (a card on file). This is used for:
- Your monthly subscription fee (Pro/Elite)
- Seller fees on milestone releases where escrow is insufficient
Your card is stored securely by Stripe. It does not affect your Connected Account (your payout bank account).
Add your platform card at: Lawyer Portal → Settings → Payment Method.
Tax Obligations
eSolicitors does not provide tax advice. Your earnings from the platform are income and may be subject to:
- Income Tax (UK self-employment or PAYE depending on your structure)
- VAT (if your firm is VAT-registered - apply your appropriate VAT treatment)
- Self-Assessment (UK sole traders and partners)
Consult your accountant regarding your obligations. Your earnings dashboard can export transaction records to help with your accounts.
Stripe Payout Schedule
Stripe Express accounts are typically paid out 2–7 business days after a milestone is approved, depending on:
- Your bank's processing time
- Stripe's standard payout schedule for your country
You can configure your payout schedule (daily, weekly, monthly) in your Stripe Express dashboard.