Independent Legal Advice Request Letter Template & Generator
How to request employer contributes to independent legal advice costs — the details that count, your legal rights, and a free generator tool.
← All Letter Templates & Generators · Settlement Agreement · Last updated 18 August 2026 · Written and reviewed by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights
This is free rights guidance, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, see our About page or contact Citizens Advice.
If you need to request employer contributes to independent legal advice costs, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong independent legal advice request should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.
What this letter needs to cover
- Reference the legal requirement for independent advice before a settlement agreement is binding
- Request written confirmation of the contribution amount and confirm the name of the solicitor who will advise
Why independent legal advice is a required part of any settlement agreement
Settlement agreements are only legally binding if you've received independent legal advice on the terms and effect of the agreement — this is a legal requirement, not just good practice, and employers routinely contribute towards this cost since it's in their interest for the agreement to be properly binding.
What to include before you send it
- Confirmation you're seeking independent legal advice as required for the agreement to be valid
- A request for your employer to confirm their contribution towards this cost
- Reference to typical contribution amounts, if you're aware of a standard figure
- A reasonable timeframe for confirmation
What a typical contribution actually covers
Employer contributions are generally intended to cover the cost of a solicitor reviewing and advising on the settlement agreement specifically — this is usually a fixed, modest amount rather than covering broader advice on the merits of pursuing a claim instead, so it's worth understanding what the contribution is actually meant to fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my employer refuses to contribute anything?
While there's no absolute legal requirement for them to contribute, it's standard practice, and a refusal is worth raising directly since it can affect whether the process can proceed smoothly.
Do I have to use a solicitor recommended by my employer?
No — you're entitled to choose your own independent solicitor, and the advice must be genuinely independent for the agreement to be valid.
Ready to write yours?
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