Is going DIY a bad idea?

For most employment tribunal and small claims cases, no. Both forums are explicitly designed for self-representation — the rules of procedure are written assuming neither side has a lawyer. Solicitors are an option, not a requirement. 31–59% of UK employment tribunal claimants have no solicitor at the hearing, depending on the data source (MoJ hearing survey 2018; HMCTS case records 2023–25), and the small claims track is overwhelmingly used without legal representation.

What if my case is complex?

The platform flags it for you, honestly — if your situation involves an appeal, a regulated profession, large sums, or unusual legal issues, the case companion surfaces that flag and points you to a solicitor and a free initial advice route where possible, so you can decide how to proceed.

Can I recover any of these costs from the other side?

For Employment Tribunal: not usually — the ET only awards costs in narrow circumstances (vexatious conduct etc.). For Small Claims: court fees yes, solicitor fees almost never. Either way, our pricing means there is much less to recover even in the rare costs award.

Do I need to be tech-savvy?

No. The platform asks plain-English questions, the AI explains every step, and you can always email hello@startmyclaim.ai for a real human reply within one working day.

Start My Claim vs a Solicitor: Honest Cost Comparison