Fee structures

Our charges are competitive - we want our clients to know what is included in the price at the outset and we confirm it in writing.

For non-transaction work, lawyers' fees are most often based on the taxi-meter system of hourly rate charges for time spent working for the client.  Under the traditional system, all those working for a client have an hourly rate and the more senior the person, the higher the rate.  The fees may also reflect the complexity or seriousness of the individual matter, the value involved or the skills required.  When we work under this system, our hourly rates are subject to review from time to time, usually once a year on 1st January although in work involving disputes we usually review the rates at the same time as the local courts.

But we prefer a more flexible approach. 

Whenever possible we will try to accommodate our client's requirements.  We encourage funding arrangements such as

• fixed fees
• capped fees
• staged fees
• conditional fee agreements
• contingency fee arrangements
• annual retainer
• sector specific services package
  

VAT is charged on our fees and in addition we charge for 'disbursements' made on a client's behalf.  Disbursements include payments such as search fees, court fees and fees paid to barristers or expert witnesses.  Because we have an obligation to ensure that disbursements are paid, it is our practice to ask clients to put us in funds for them in advance.

Where we cannot agree a fixed fee, we will give you our best estimate of the likely overall cost of a matter at the outset and as the case progresses.  If the amount of work likely to be undertaken is uncertain, the estimate of charges is bound to be uncertain.  As the case progresses we will tell you if the estimate we have given is likely to be exceeded because the amount of work we will have to undertake is more than anticipated or you have asked us to do additional work.

Email our commercial team.