Settlement agreements · Luton, London and beyond

Understand it
before you sign.

Advice and guidance on settlement agreements, whether you are an employee or an employer. We review the terms, explain what they mean for you and negotiate where there is room to improve them.

  • Legal 500 Leading FirmPreviously recognised
  • Highly CommendedLaw Society Excellence Awards 2021
  • NationwideIn person, by telephone or online
  • No cost to youYour employer pays your fees

Why us

Resolute, quick and professional.

Whether you want a pre-agreed settlement finalised or would like us to renegotiate with your employer, you can rely on a resolute, quick and professional approach built around your instructions and goals.

How we can help you

  1. A careful review

    We review the terms your employer has offered for fairness, and look for gaps in the drafting or clauses worded against you.

  2. A plain explanation

    We explain what signing would mean in your situation, and advise on any amendments the agreement needs before you commit.

  3. Firm negotiation

    We assess the value of any claims you may be giving up and, where there is room, negotiate with your employer on your behalf.

Dean Garrett

Key contact

Dean Garrett

Settlement agreements and employment

Dean has been with the firm for over 10 years, working across criminal defence, employment law and civil litigation. During that time, he has built substantial experience handling complex and high-profile matters, from serious criminal and regulatory cases to employment disputes and settlement agreements.

His employment practice includes settlement agreements, unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, contractual disputes and human rights issues. Dean regularly advises employees on proposed settlement agreements, scrutinising the terms, identifying potential claims and ensuring clients understand both the value of what is being offered and the rights they are being asked to give up. Where appropriate, he advises on negotiating improved terms and protecting a client’s position before an agreement is signed.

  • Over 10 years with the firm
  • Settlement agreements and employment disputes
  • Criminal defence and civil litigation

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

Craig Woods
Craig Woods
★★★★★
Contacted liberty law and from start to finish very happy with the whole process very helpful polite and easy to deal with they real do now there stuff
Karen
Karen
★★★★★
I could not recommend this firm enough. They manage to maintain complete professionalism whilst also being personable. Rasheda and Dean clearly explained every step of the process from beginning to end, with Dean taking the time to explain all of legal jargon. I really appreciated this as it made, what started as a daunting experience, so much easier to complete. I am so glad that I took the time to look around and read reviews before choosing any local firm. It really made a difference. Thank you Liberty Law.
Muhammad Khan
Muhammad Khan
★★★★★
Liberty Law took over my case at its hardest point. Dean Garrett was calm, straight-talking and on top of every detail from the first call: he strengthened my case, instructed an outstanding barrister, and his judgement was right at every turn. Rasheda kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes — calls arranged, documents where they needed to be, nothing ever too much trouble. My case concluded on day two of the final hearing, with an outcome I was very pleased with. They believed in my case when it mattered, and they delivered. Highly recommended.
Chapo
Chapo
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. They took the time to answer my questions, provided clear advice, and worked hard to achieve a great outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and dedicated legal representation. If you are looking for professionalism and results you have come to the right place!!
Tinksy 37
Tinksy 37
★★★★★
Cannot thank the guys enough my solicitor went absolutely above and beyond
Abdul Basit
Abdul Basit
★★★★★
I contacted Liberty Law Solicitors regarding one of my legal cases. Throughout the past year, Mr. Faris Nazar handled my case with exceptional dedication, honesty, sincerity, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, I was ultimately successful in my case. I can confidently say that this firm is highly professional and genuinely committed to serving its clients. They have earned my trust, and I would highly recommend their services.👏
Mohammed
Mohammed
★★★★★
Where do I even start from the start to the very end they delivered I can’t thank the team and Itsam Malik enough for the results we was looking at 16-20 years and they got it down to 3 years which turned into 10 months the whole team and Itsam malik are great people!
M. T
M. T
★★★★★
I cannot thank Liberty Law Solicitors enough for the support and representation I received during a very difficult and stressful time. My solicitor Dean Garrett was honest, clear, and professional from the outset, explaining my situation and the possible outcomes without giving false reassurance. I really appreciated that level of transparency. The preparation for the hearing was thorough and made a real difference. I felt well guided throughout the process and was able to stay calm and focused because of the support I received. I am very grateful for the work carried out on my case and would highly recommend Liberty Law Solicitors to anyone in need of strong, honest, and professional legal representation.
Kamal Hussain
Kamal Hussain
★★★★★
I recently sought advice and support from Atiq at Liberty Law Solicitors regarding an employment matter. I’m genuinely grateful for the way Atiq handled everything. He made the whole process feel manageable, took the time to explain things clearly, and provided steady reassurance throughout. Knowing I had someone knowledgeable and dependable guiding me made a big difference. It’s incredibly reassuring to have Atiq and the team at Liberty Law in your corner. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
View more reviews

How it works

Settlement agreements often come with a deadline. Here is what to expect once you get in touch.

  1. Send us the agreement

    Call us or send over the draft agreement and any letters from your employer. We will tell you what else we need.

  2. We review and advise

    We go through each clause, explain the effect of signing and tell you whether the sum offered looks reasonable for your circumstances.

  3. We negotiate if needed

    If the terms can be improved, we raise it with your employer or their solicitors, on your instructions.

  4. Sign with confidence

    Once you are happy, we sign the adviser’s certificate the agreement needs to be binding, and the agreed terms take effect.

Questions people ask

General information, not advice on your case. For that, speak to us — the first conversation costs nothing.

What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement, formerly known as a compromise agreement and sometimes called a severance or redundancy agreement, is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee. It usually provides a payment to the employee in return for giving up the right to bring claims against the employer. It is often offered at the end of employment, especially on redundancy, but can also be offered during employment.

Do I have to take legal advice before signing?

Yes, if the agreement is to settle your statutory employment claims. Under section 203 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, it is only binding on those claims if you have received independent advice on its terms and effect from a relevant independent adviser, who is named in the agreement and has insurance cover in place.

Who pays for the advice?

The employer usually covers the cost of your independent legal advice, and the agreement normally says how much they will contribute. Tell us what your agreement says about legal fees when you get in touch.

Is my settlement payment tax-free?

It depends on what each payment is for. The first £30,000 of a genuine payment for loss of employment can be paid tax-free, but contractual pay, notice pay (including post-employment notice pay) and holiday pay are taxed in the usual way. The tax treatment of your agreement should be checked as part of your advice.

Can I keep working for my employer after signing?

Yes. Settlement agreements are most often used when employment ends, but employers sometimes offer them during employment. If you plan to stay, we look closely at what you would be giving up and how the terms affect your role from then on.

What if I am unhappy with the offer?

You do not have to accept the first offer. We can assess the value of any claims you may have and, on your instructions, negotiate with your employer for better terms. We cannot promise your employer will agree, but you will know where you stand before you decide.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Every case turns on its own facts.

Tell us what has happened.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Two offices, one emergency line, and a solicitor at the end of it.

Luton office

01582 853 783
43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019
107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Request a confidential callback

Sent straight to a solicitor. We reply within two working hours, and immediately outside them if the matter is urgent.

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Say nothing until we are sitting beside you. Before you answer anything, call us. You should not face that interview alone. Do not go in there without a solicitor. Two in the morning is when we work hardest. You reach a solicitor, not a call centre.

The first conversation is free, confidential, and privileged from the first word. We attend police stations across England and Wales, day and night.

24-hour line 01582 853 783