Fees
Fees
Except in urgent cases, a written fee agreement is signed before any work begins, so that you have a clear view of the overall cost.
Hourly rate and first meeting
Fees are usually charged at an hourly rate. A fixed fee can be agreed, as well as a success fee in addition to the base fee.
The usual hourly rate is €250 excluding VAT (€300 including VAT). Unless it leads to opening a file, the first 30-minute meeting is charged €125 excluding VAT (€150 including VAT).
Fees remunerate the lawyer’s work: consultations, preparation of the file, steps taken and court hearings. They reflect the time spent, the nature and difficulty of the matter, the interests at stake and the lawyer’s experience.
Payment by card, cheque, bank transfer or cash, or by debit from funds held for the client in the CARPA account (the Bar’s client funds account).
For companies, fees are charged at the hourly rate or at a fixed fee agreed in advance, after a first confidential call. Urgent matters on quote.
Legal aid and legal expenses insurance
Legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) gives people with modest incomes access to a lawyer. William Laurent may decide whether or not to act on that basis.
Legal expenses insurance may cover all or part of the fees and court costs. The insurer cannot impose a lawyer on you: the choice is yours.
Fee disputes
Under Articles 174 et seq. of Decree No. 91-1197 of 27 November 1991, fee disputes may be referred to the Bâtonnier of the Mulhouse Bar (Maison de l’Avocat, 27 rue Jean Mieg, 68100 Mulhouse, France).
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All exchanges with the office are strictly confidential.