No Win No Fee in New Zealand
If you have lost your job or been treated unfairly at work, the cost of getting help should not stand in your way.
No Win No Fee means you can pursue an employment claim with Sacked Kiwi without paying anything up front. You only pay if we achieve a result for you, and in most cases we cover your costs along the way.
Key Terms Explained
Employment disputes come with a lot of jargon. Here are the core terms in plain English so you know exactly where you stand.
No Win No Fee
An arrangement where you pay no legal fees up front and are only charged if your claim succeeds. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for the representation provided under the agreement. It removes the financial barrier to challenging unfair treatment at work.
Employment advocacy
Professional representation in employment matters by a specialist advocate rather than a lawyer. Advocates focus solely on employment law, can represent you in mediation and at the Employment Relations Authority, and typically charge less than a traditional law firm.
No Win No Fee
An arrangement where you pay no legal fees up front and are only charged if your claim succeeds. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for the representation provided under the agreement. It removes the financial barrier to challenging unfair treatment at work.
Employment advocacy
Professional representation in employment matters by a specialist advocate rather than a lawyer. Advocates focus solely on employment law, can represent you in mediation and at the Employment Relations Authority, and typically charge less than a traditional law firm.
No Win No Fee
An arrangement where you pay no legal fees up front and are only charged if your claim succeeds. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for the representation provided under the agreement. It removes the financial barrier to challenging unfair treatment at work.
Employment advocacy
Professional representation in employment matters by a specialist advocate rather than a lawyer. Advocates focus solely on employment law, can represent you in mediation and at the Employment Relations Authority, and typically charge less than a traditional law firm.
Key Takeaways
No Win No Fee means you only pay if your employment claim is successful.
It makes representation for unfair dismissal and other disputes accessible without up front fees.
Sacked Kiwi covers your costs until we achieve an outcome in the vast majority of cases.
Confirm the fee structure in writing so you understand exactly what you will pay on a win.
Compare advocates and lawyers to find the right fit for your situation.
Traditional Lawyer vs Sacked Kiwi
Here is how our No Win No Fee model compares to a traditional employment lawyer.
| Traditional Employment Lawyers | Sacked Kiwi | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront fees | Often required | No up front fees |
| Billing model | Hourly billing | No Win, No Fee |
| Financial risk | Carried by you | We cover your costs |
| Area of focus | Often generalist | Employment law only |
| Case acceptance | May decline smaller claims | We take on cases of all sizes |
No Win No Fee Employment Lawyers
Many New Zealanders look for a No Win No Fee employment lawyer to represent them in a workplace dispute. In practice, only a limited number of law firms offer this arrangement because of the financial risk involved in funding a case with no guarantee of payment.
Limited availability and higher fees
- Scarcity: Few firms offer No Win No Fee specifically for employment disputes, so finding a lawyer willing to take your case on this basis can be difficult.
- Higher cost on success: Lawyers often take a percentage of any compensation awarded, which can work out higher than a fixed or advocate fee. You pay nothing up front, but you may pay more overall.
- Fee transparency: Always ask for the full fee structure in writing. Hidden costs or a high percentage cut can significantly reduce what you actually take home.
Challenges in navigating employment disputes
The scarcity of No Win No Fee lawyers and the potential for higher fees can limit access to justice, particularly for workers who have just lost their income.
An employment advocate is often a more accessible and affordable alternative.
No Win No Fee Employment Advocates
An employment advocate offers similar representation to a lawyer but is usually more accessible and more affordable. Advocates specialise in employment law and can support you through the entire dispute resolution process, ensuring your rights under the Employment Relations Act 2000 are upheld.
Benefits of choosing an advocate
- Lower fees: Advocates generally charge less than lawyers, so you keep more of your compensation.
- No up front cost: Representation without an up front payment, which matters most when you are under financial strain.
- Specialist focus: Advocates work in employment law every day, giving them deep, current knowledge of the field.
- Willing to take complex cases: Advocates are often more open to challenging matters, including those with lower compensation potential.
What Our No Win No Fee Advocates Provide
At Sacked Kiwi, our No Win No Fee advocates offer a full range of services to resolve employment disputes:
- Representation for unfair dismissal where you believe you have been let go without justification.
- Dispute resolution, guiding you through mediation, negotiation, and the ERA where needed.
- Advice on your workplace rights, including your protections under the Employment Relations Act 2000.
- Employment agreement review to make sure your contract protects your interests.
- Support for bullying and harassment cases, with practical guidance and genuine care.
What Makes Our No Win No Fee Different
transparent & fair fees
There are no hidden fees or surprise costs. You understand your fee structure from the outset, so you can focus on resolving your dispute rather than worrying about the bill.
inclusive representation
Unlike firms that only take cases with high compensation potential, we represent clients regardless of case size or complexity.
specialist employment law expertise
Our team focuses solely on employment law and stays current with New Zealand legislation, giving you more effective representation than a generalist practitioner.
A personal, supportive approach
We prioritise your wellbeing throughout, offering empathetic support and advice tailored to your situation. We act for people from Auckland to Wellington and across the country.
Your Job, Your Rights, Our Fight
Frequently Asked Questions
What does No Win No Fee mean?
No Win No Fee means you pay no legal fees up front and are only charged if your employment claim succeeds. If the claim is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for the representation provided under the agreement. At Sacked Kiwi we also cover your costs until an outcome is reached in the vast majority of cases.
How does No Win No Fee work for employment cases in New Zealand?
You engage an advocate or lawyer who agrees to represent you without an up front fee. They guide you through mediation, negotiation, and if needed the Employment Relations Authority. A fee is only payable if you achieve a successful outcome, usually as an agreed portion of the compensation or settlement.
Are No Win No Fee lawyers good?
A good No Win No Fee representative gives you access to expert help you might not otherwise afford, and their fee being tied to your result means their interests are aligned with yours. The key is transparency. Always confirm the fee structure in writing before you sign, so you know exactly what you will pay on a win.
Are No Win No Fee lawyers worth it?
For most employees, yes. They remove the up front financial barrier to challenging unfair treatment, which is often the difference between pursuing a claim and walking away. An employment advocate can offer the same No Win No Fee benefit, usually at a lower cost than a traditional law firm.
How much do No Win No Fee lawyers take?
In New Zealand there is no fixed rate. Fees are typically an agreed percentage of the compensation or settlement, or a set fee payable on success, and this varies between providers. Advocates generally charge less than lawyers. Sacked Kiwi sets out its fees clearly before you commit, with no hidden costs.
How much do No Win No Fee lawyers take in QLD?
That figure relates to Queensland, Australia, where personal injury law caps contingency-style costs differently from New Zealand. It does not apply to a New Zealand employment claim. If you are dealing with a workplace issue in New Zealand, the relevant framework is the Employment Relations Act 2000, and we can explain exactly how our fees work here.
What happens if you lose?
Under a genuine No Win No Fee arrangement, you do not pay the representation fees covered by the agreement if your claim is unsuccessful. At Sacked Kiwi we cover your costs until an outcome is reached in the majority of cases, so the financial risk of bringing a claim sits with us, not you. Always check what a particular agreement covers before you sign.
How much compensation can you get?
It depends on the circumstances. Remedies in a personal grievance can include compensation for hurt and humiliation, reimbursement of lost wages, and in some cases reinstatement. The amount turns on the facts of your case, the seriousness of the breach, and the losses you have suffered. We can give you a realistic indication once we understand your situation.
Where can a small business owner get free legal advice?
Small business owners can access free or low cost guidance through Employment New Zealand and MBIE’s free mediation service, Business.govt.nz, and Community Law Centres. For an employment dispute specifically, Sacked Kiwi offers a free initial conversation through our toll free hotline to help you understand where you stand before any cost is involved.
What is the difference between an employment lawyer and an advocate?
Lawyers tend to charge higher fees and often work across multiple areas of law within larger firms. Advocates specialise in employment law and usually offer more affordable, focused representation. Both can represent you at mediation and the Employment Relations Authority. At Sacked Kiwi, our advocates are well qualified and work in employment law exclusively.
What types of employment cases qualify for No Win No Fee?
Common matters include unfair or unjustified dismissal, 90 day trial disputes, constructive dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, harassment, and unpaid wages or holiday pay. Call our toll free hotline to speak with an employment specialist and find out whether you qualify for No Win No Fee with Sacked Kiwi.
Who are the best No Win No Fee employment lawyers in NZ?
The right representative is one who specialises in employment law, is transparent about fees, and is willing to take on your specific situation. Sacked Kiwi acts for employees nationwide on a No Win No Fee basis, focuses solely on employment matters, and covers client costs in the majority of cases. We are happy to talk you through your options at no cost.
Talk to Our Team
If you need employment advice, contact us in confidence. In the vast majority of cases we represent you on a No Win No Fee basis, which means no charge up front for a grievance and we cover your costs until we achieve an outcome.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on the Sacked Kiwi website should not be relied upon as legal advice or opinion. Laws and regulations change over time, and updates to legislation such as the Employment Relations Act 2000 may render this information outdated. Seeking tailored legal advice is always recommended.