Is It Safe To Sign My Settlement Agreement Without A Lawyer?
When you’re handed a settlement agreement by your employer, it can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering whether you really need to involve a lawyer. After all, it might seem like a straightforward offer – a payment in exchange for you agreeing not to pursue any claims.
But is it actually safe to sign a settlement agreement without a lawyer? In short: no, it’s not and here’s why.
Settlement Agreements Must Be Legally Valid
A settlement agreement is not just another workplace document. It’s a legal contract. Once you sign it, you’re usually giving up your right to bring a claim against your employer in an employment tribunal or court.
Because of the serious consequences, the law is very clear: a settlement agreement is only legally binding if you’ve received independent legal advice. This is a requirement under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
That means if you sign a settlement agreement without getting this advice, the agreement may not be enforceable. Your employer’s intention may be to draw a line under the situation, but without proper legal guidance, that line can be challenged or even ignored by a tribunal.
Why Is Independent Advice So Important?
Independent legal advice protects you. It ensures that:
- You understand what you’re agreeing to
- You’re not being pressured into signing something unfair
- The terms reflect your rights and entitlements
This is especially important if your employer has included complex clauses or restrictive covenants. You could be signing away more than just your job – including your ability to work elsewhere, make public comments or take action later if new information comes to light.
A settlement agreement lawyer will look beyond the surface and make sure every clause works in your favour or, at the very least, doesn’t harm your future.
What About the Cost?
A common concern is: how much will legal advice cost me?
Here’s the good news – you don’t need to pay anything.
It’s standard practice for employers to contribute towards the cost of your legal advice when it comes to settlement agreements. Some solicitors may also ask you to pay a contribution to their overall costs. If you choose to work with Clive Mackintosh, he will never ask you to make any payment. Clive’s service to you is totally free. That’s right free, because Clive’s unique service means that he always accepts your employer’s contribution in full settlement of his legal fees. That means you can get clear, reliable advice from an expert solicitor as Clive for free.
If you’re looking for settlement agreement advice, experience matters.
Clive Mackintosh is a solicitor with over 35 years of experience helping employees understand and resolve workplace legal matters. He’s seen thousands of settlement agreements, across a wide range of industries and employment situations. Whether your situation involves redundancy, workplace disputes, discrimination or unfair dismissal, Clive knows how to protect your interests.
He offers clear advice, fast turnaround times and complete reassurance. You’ll know exactly where you stand and what your options are. His role is simple: to make sure your agreement is legal, fair and gives you the outcome you deserve.
What Will a Settlement Agreement Lawyer Actually Do?
When you work with Clive Mackintosh at Settlement Agreement Expert, here’s what you can expect:
- He’ll review the settlement agreement line by line
- He’ll explain the meaning and consequences of each clause in plain English
- He’ll negotiate better terms on your behalf if needed
- He’ll confirm your agreement complies with the Employment Rights Act 1996
And once everything is in place, he’ll sign the legal certificate confirming you’ve received independent advice, making the agreement valid
You don’t have to understand all the legal language yourself – that’s Clive’s job. He’ll make sure nothing is missed and that you’re fully protected.
What If I’ve Already Been Offered a “Good” Deal?
Even if the amount offered seems generous, it’s still vital to get legal advice. The offer might not include everything you’re entitled to. For example:
- Have your holiday pay and notice period been correctly calculated?
- Are there any restrictive clauses that limit future opportunities?
- Could you bring a stronger claim with higher compensation?
You need someone who’s been through this many times before – who knows what to look for and what fair really looks like. Clive Mackintosh will give you peace of mind and honest, practical advice.
What If I Don’t Get Advice?
Without a lawyer’s certificate, your agreement isn’t legally binding. That means your employer may not be protected, and you may still have grounds to take legal action in the future. For that reason, most employers insist that you get independent legal advice before signing.
It’s not just about being cautious. It’s about doing things properly. Both you and your employer need certainty, and that only comes with legal confirmation.
You’re Not Alone – And You Don’t Have to Pay
This process might be new to you, but it’s not new to Clive Mackintosh. He’s helped people across the UK deal with difficult situations and come out the other side with clarity, dignity and financial security.
With no fees to pay and advice that’s both independent and legally required, there’s no reason to go it alone.
Need help now?
Get expert settlement agreement advice from Clive Mackintosh today. With over three decades of experience and no cost to you, you’ll get clear, professional guidance and a legally binding outcome you can trust.
Contact Clive Mackintosh on 0330 043 8845 for fast, friendly and experienced advice on your settlement agreement – with no fees to pay and full legal assurance.
