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• Fees: how much does a lawyer cost?
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Fees: how much does a lawyer cost?

Lawyers are free to set their fees in agreement with their clients. There are no guidelines as to fees, even approximate ones. This means that you have to go over with your lawyer the modalities enabling you to determine the amounts charged.

Inclusive fees

At the beginning of their relations, the lawyer and his client agree on an overall remuneration for the services they have defined jointly. Over and above those services, all other services are to be covered by further remuneration.

Hourly fees

At the beginning of their relations, the lawyer and his client agree on an hourly remuneration. The definitive total is calculated by the lawyer on closing the case.

Fees based on results

Under French law, it is not possible to determine a lawyer’s fees on the basis of whether the case is successful or not, or in the light of the results obtained.

On the other hand, it is possible to agree on a basic fee (on an inclusive or hourly basis), completed by further remuneration calculated on the basis of the results obtained. These extra fees must be the object of a prior agreement.

Useful information

Whatever the type of fee adopted, it is preferable to set it out with your lawyer in writing.

Remember to check with your insurer whether you benefit from legal protection insurance cover.

Depending on your income levels, you may be entitled to Legal Aid.

More about legal aid

Your lawyer’s fees may not be the only costs to be laid out for a case. The extra outlays are known as costs or expenses, and they usually correspond to procedural costs or remuneration for other representatives of the law (an intervention by a bailiff, for example).

Any disputes concerning fees are to be brought before the President of the Bar, to whom you can write by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, setting out the reasons for your disagreement concerning your lawyer’s fees.