What percentage do no win no fee solicitors charge for pension claims?

Solicitors handling pension mis-selling claims on a no win no fee (conditional fee agreement) basis typically charge a success fee of between 15% and 35% of the compensation recovered, plus VAT in some cases. The specific percentage varies by firm and by the complexity of the case. You should always confirm the exact percentage and whether it is subject to VAT before signing a CFA.

Are there any costs if the claim is unsuccessful?

Under a properly structured CFA, you pay nothing to the solicitor if the claim is unsuccessful. However, you should check the terms carefully — some agreements may include disbursements (e.g. expert reports, court fees) that are payable regardless of outcome. Make sure you understand exactly what you would owe if the claim did not succeed before signing anything.

Is a 30–35% no win no fee fee reasonable for a pension claim?

Fees at the higher end of the range — 30–35% — are common for complex pension mis-selling cases, particularly DB transfer claims, where significant work is required to calculate and evidence the loss. Where the claim is more straightforward or the compensation is very large, a lower percentage may be negotiable. What matters most is not the percentage in isolation, but the net amount you receive after the fee is deducted.

What is the difference between no win no fee and a claims management company?

A solicitor operating under a no win no fee CFA is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and owes you professional and fiduciary duties. A claims management company (CMC) is regulated by the FCA but operates differently — they may charge higher fees, pass your case to another firm, or have less expertise in complex pension claims. For pension mis-selling claims, a solicitor is generally preferable to a CMC.

Do I need to pay any money upfront for a no win no fee pension claim?

Under a genuine no win no fee CFA for a pension mis-selling claim, you should not need to pay anything upfront. The solicitor's fee is taken from the compensation if the claim succeeds. If a firm asks for upfront payment before work begins, check whether they are operating on a true CFA basis or a different fee arrangement.

Can I negotiate the no win no fee percentage?

In some cases, particularly where the potential compensation is large, there may be scope to negotiate the percentage. It is always worth asking. What you should also consider is the experience and track record of the solicitor in pension mis-selling claims — a lower fee from a less experienced firm may not produce the best outcome overall.

No Win No Fee Pension Claims — What Percentage Do Solicitors Charge?

Q: What is a conditional fee agreement (CFA)?

A conditional fee agreement (CFA) — commonly called a no win no fee agreement — is a contract between you and your solicitor under which the solicitor's fee is contingent on the outcome of the claim. If the claim is unsuccessful, the solicitor receives nothing (or a reduced fee, depending on the terms). If the claim succeeds, the solicitor receives their agreed percentage of the compensation.

Nadeem PervazSolicitor, Edward & Amaury Solicitors SRA RegulatedFirm SRA No. 800525

Nadeem Pervazis a solicitor at Edward & Amaury Solicitors, a law firm authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Content is reviewed for legal accuracy and compliance with FCA guidance and SRA conduct standards.

Published: September 2026About the firm

TL;DR — Quick Summary

▸No win no fee solicitors for pension claims typically charge 15–35% of the compensation recovered, plus VAT in some cases.
▸If the claim fails, you pay nothing to the solicitor under a properly structured CFA.
▸Fees at the higher end are common for complex DB transfer claims requiring significant evidencing work.
▸A solicitor regulated by the SRA offers stronger protections than a claims management company (FCA-regulated).
▸Always confirm the exact percentage, VAT treatment, and what (if anything) you owe if the claim fails before signing.

Most pension mis-selling solicitors offer no win no fee arrangements — meaning you pay nothing if the claim fails, and a percentage of the compensation if it succeeds. Understanding what a reasonable fee looks like, and what to check before signing, helps you make an informed choice.

Quick Answer

No win no fee solicitors for pension mis-selling claims typically charge 15–35% of the compensation recovered. Complex DB transfer claims tend to sit towards the upper end. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. Confirm the exact terms before signing any agreement.

What Is a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)?

A conditional fee agreement is the formal name for a no win no fee arrangement. Under a CFA:

The solicitor agrees to take on your case with their fee conditional on success.
If the claim fails, the solicitor receives nothing (or, in some cases, a reduced base fee — check the terms).
If the claim succeeds, the solicitor charges a success fee — a percentage of the compensation recovered.
The success fee is deducted from the compensation paid to you.

Typical No Win No Fee Percentages for Pension Claims

Typical Range

15–20%More straightforward claims — clear liability, straightforward loss calculation

25–30%Mid-complexity — SIPP mis-selling with some evidencing work required

30–35%Complex claims — DB transfers, multi-party SIPP cases, large losses requiring detailed PS22/13 calculations

These are indicative ranges only. Actual fees vary by firm, case complexity and jurisdiction. Always confirm the exact percentage with your solicitor before signing.

What to Check Before Signing a No Win No Fee Agreement

The exact success fee percentage — and whether it is inclusive or exclusive of VAT

What you owe if the claim fails — is it genuinely zero, or are there disbursements?

How disbursements (e.g. expert reports, court fees) are handled — who bears them if the claim fails?

Whether the solicitor is SRA-regulated (solicitor) or FCA-regulated (claims management company)

Whether there is any minimum fee clause

Whether the agreement can be terminated — and on what terms

What happens if compensation is recovered in stages — when is the fee calculated and deducted?

See our full guide to no win no fee pension claims for more on how these arrangements work.

No Win No Fee Pension Claims — What Percentage Do Solicitors Charge?

What Is a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)?

Typical No Win No Fee Percentages for Pension Claims

What to Check Before Signing a No Win No Fee Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

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