Valla

Valla is a UK-based legal platform that helps employees fight back against workplace mistreatment, including bullying, discrimination, and unpaid wages. Users can book a 1-hour call with a UK legal expert to assess their case, receive a detailed legal report, and get step-by-step guidance to settle or go to an Employment Tribunal. The service is designed for individuals who need transparent, fixed-price support to resolve workplace issues without the high costs of traditional law firms.

The process begins with booking a 1-hour call with a UK legal expert to discuss the specific workplace issue. After the call, Valla reviews the case and sends a detailed legal report outlining potential claims and the likelihood of success. Users can then use the platform's tools and support to either settle with their employer or proceed to an Employment Tribunal.

Valla offers pay-as-you-go support with a starting rate of just £10. The platform's own rate for expert support is £99 per hour including VAT, which is around a quarter of the UK average employment solicitor rate. For those who need more extensive help, the service provides step-by-step guidance and templates to present a professional case even without legal representation.

The most common issues addressed include bullying at work, unpaid wages, toxic workplaces, and disability discrimination. The platform also assists with raising grievances, submitting Employment Tribunal claims (ET1), and preparing for settlement negotiations or COT3 agreements.

According to the website, Valla offers transparent, fixed-price support with plain English guidance and no jargon. It is not a traditional law firm but provides SRA-authorized assessments and un-reserved legal services like coaching and document checks. The platform aims to give people the tools to take action on their own terms rather than relying solely on expensive legal representation.

To get started, users can visit the website to book a 1-hour call with a UK legal expert. This initial consultation helps identify if there is a valid case, assesses its likelihood of success, and explains what it could be worth. After the assessment, users can use the platform's resources to raise a grievance, submit a Tribunal claim, or settle with their employer.

Users can change or cancel a booking if they provide at least 48 hours' notice before the appointment's start time. In such cases, the time is credited back to their account for a new booking. If less than 48 hours' notice is given, the time is not credited back, and rescheduling requires paying for a new booking.

If a user misses a booking without giving 48 hours' notice, they are not entitled to a refund or credit for that session. However, if Valla needs to cancel a booking or the legal expert does not show up, the time is credited back to the user's account.

Within 14 days of purchasing services, users have the right to change their mind and receive a full refund under consumer protection laws. If a user cancels after this 14-day period, they are generally not entitled to a refund unless they are unhappy with the quality of the service.

Partial refunds or credits may be offered if a user has only used part of a pre-paid block of time or wants to cancel a partially used service. In cases where a full or partial refund is issued outside the cooling-off period, a 50% administration fee may apply to reflect the cost of managing the refund.

Recent reviews indicate that users praise the user-friendly website and responsive customer support, though some note that response times can be slow. The overall Trustburn rating is 4 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews, with a mix of positive experiences regarding ease of use and helpfulness, alongside some complaints about support delays.

Valla is authorized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to conduct assessments of potential employment claims under the supervision of qualified solicitors. The platform also delivers un-reserved legal services such as coaching and document checks through a group of hand-picked professionals with varying qualifications, including solicitors, CILEX accredited lawyers, and HR professionals.

Users can use Valla for free to track their workplace issue and get smart help at every stage. The platform provides guides, resources, and a free action toolkit to help individuals understand their rights and prepare for potential legal action without committing to a full claim.

The platform offers tools, templates, and guidance to help users present a professional case at an Employment Tribunal even without legal representation. This includes clearly defined, professionally-checked details of claims and step-by-step instructions to navigate the tribunal process.

Valla has received the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award in 2024, the LawTech UK LawTech Sandbox Award in 2022, and a "Disruptive Innovator" Award from AccelerateHer in 2022. It is also a member of the National User Group for Employment Tribunal of England and Wales and the Law Society of Scotland.