How fees are set
The office charges clients a fee for the professional work done. The fee is estimated according to the difficulty, scale and length of the matter. We mainly consider:
- the time and work needed to carry out the mandate;
- the nature, novelty and difficulty of the case — fees are lower for routine matters;
- the importance of what is at stake — cases involving large sums or valuable property carry greater responsibility for the lawyer.
Types of fee
- Hourly fee — a fixed amount for each hour of professional work. Where possible we estimate the number of hours in advance. Phone time with the client is charged when the call amounts to a consultation.
- Fixed (flat) fee — a set amount for a service or group of services.
- Periodic fee (retainer) — recommended for clients who use the office frequently, for example companies on retained legal services.
- Combined fee — a mix of the above.
Hourly, fixed and periodic fees are due whatever the outcome.
In addition to an hourly or fixed fee, the parties may agree an additional success fee, payable only if the result set in the contract is achieved. Under the rules of the profession, a fee may not depend solely on the outcome (pactum de quota litis).
The legal services contract
In every case, the fee, the lawyer’s tasks and the payment terms are set out in a written legal services contract signed before any assistance or representation begins.
Expenses incurred on the client’s behalf (court fees, bailiff, notary, expert or translator fees, travel) are not part of the fee and are agreed separately in the contract.