Fees

The question of the cost of legal advice is understandably an important part of the decision to instruct a lawyer. I therefore want you to know, before I begin my work, what fees you may incur and what determines their amount.

How much does legal advice cost?

The fees for my services are generally based on the German Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz – RVG) or on an individually agreed fee. Which billing method is appropriate in your case depends in particular on the nature and scope of the work, the subject matter of the mandate and, for certain services, the value of the matter.

For legal advice alone, where no further fee-bearing activity is involved, the RVG generally provides for a fee agreement. For consumers, the fee for an initial consultation is legally capped at €190 plus VAT, unless another fee agreement has been made.

My initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation. It serves to get to know your situation, provide an initial legal assessment of your matter and discuss together whether and in what form I can assist you.

Statutory fees or an individual fee agreement

Depending on the mandate, fees may be calculated according to the statutory provisions of the RVG or on the basis of an individual fee agreement. Such an agreement may be particularly appropriate where the scope of the work or the expected workload cannot be adequately reflected by the statutory fees alone.

In such cases, I will discuss the fees with you before commencing the relevant work. This means that you know from the outset what costs you can expect and can make an informed decision about how you wish to proceed.

Out-of-court and court proceedings

For out-of-court representation—for example, in dealings with an authority, a contractual partner, an employer or another party—the fees are determined by the statutory provisions applicable to the respective activity or by an agreed fee arrangement.

If court proceedings become necessary, court fees will generally arise in addition to lawyers’ fees. In many court proceedings, the amount of the statutory lawyers’ fees depends on the relevant value of the matter or amount in dispute.

I will explain what costs may arise in your particular case before any further instruction, insofar as this can be reliably assessed at that stage.

Cost risks and recovery of costs

Who ultimately bears the costs of proceedings depends on the circumstances of each individual case. If court proceedings are successful, the statutory costs of legal representation and court fees may, under certain conditions, be recoverable from the opposing party. The fee actually agreed may exceed the statutory fee; reimbursement by the opposing party or the state does not automatically cover any additional amount beyond the statutory fee.

If you have legal expenses insurance, I will be happy to discuss with you whether and to what extent the intended legal work may be covered. Legal aid for legal advice (Beratungshilfe) or legal aid for court proceedings (Prozesskostenhilfe) may also be relevant depending on the circumstances.

What does this mean for you?

You do not need to know before our first conversation which legal steps will be necessary or what costs they may involve.

Start by telling me what your situation is. During the free initial consultation, we can discuss your matter. If this leads to a further instruction, I will explain what work is required, what fees will apply and what additional costs may arise.

Transparency. Clarity. No surprises.