Fees: a clear method, set in writing

One principle: transparency first

Remuneration terms are set in writing before any work begins, together with the foreseeable costs and disbursements. As every case is different, the firm does not publish a fixed scale: after reviewing your situation, it presents a suitable, explained proposal.

What is taken into account

Fees are set having regard to the nature of the case, its complexity and the work required. Depending on the case, account is taken in particular of:

• the subject matter (advice, negotiation, recovery, litigation, enforcement of a decision);
• the legal complexity and the volume of documents to be reviewed;
• the work required: documents to draft, hearings, travel, follow-up until the decision;
• the courts involved and the foreseeable duration of the proceedings;
• where applicable, the urgency of the matter.

The fee agreement

It is drawn up before the assignment begins and protects both client and lawyer. It sets out:

• the parties: the client and the firm;
• the assignment: what is included, and what is not;
• the fees: a fixed amount or method of calculation, and payment dates;
• foreseeable costs and disbursements, and who advances them;
• each party’s obligations: documents supplied by the client, regular updates from the firm;
• the end of the assignment: conditions for withdrawal or dismissal and the fate of fees if it is interrupted.

Fees, court costs and disbursements

Fees remunerate the lawyer’s work. Court costs and disbursements (bailiff, expert, duties and taxes, travel) are sums advanced for the needs of the proceedings and do not remunerate the lawyer. This distinction is set out in the agreement to avoid any confusion at the time of payment.

Payment terms

Where the proceedings involve several stages, a payment schedule tied to the actual stages of the case can be agreed from the outset. It avoids later discussions, particularly when the pace of a case is disrupted by adjourned hearings.

Further information

• Answers to common questions: FAQ;
• How a case is handled, from the first meeting to the conduct of proceedings: practice areas.

This information is general in nature. It is not legal advice and does not replace the agreement concluded for a specific case.