Approach and fees
You know where you stand from the outset. We set out the scope of our services and our fees in an engagement letter that we agree with you individually.
Clear arrangements in advance and in writing
Fixed fee up front
For an initial assessment of your case and the first letter, we agree a fixed fee in advance.
Hourly rate
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, we calculate our fees on the basis of the hours spent multiplied by the hourly rate of the lawyer (advocaat) involved. Urgency, expertise, the interests at stake and the complexity of the case may be taken into account.
Office expenses and disbursements
To cover general office expenses, we charge a percentage of the fees. Costs we incur on your behalf, such as court fees, register extracts, couriers and travel expenses, are charged separately.
German cases
The same hourly rates apply to work carried out by our Rechtsanwälte. The fees under the German Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz, RVG) apply as a minimum.
Monthly invoicing
We invoice monthly by email, with a payment term of fourteen days. We may ask for an advance, which we set off against the final invoice.
Engagement letter
We set out the scope of our services and our fees in an engagement letter. Our general terms and conditions apply to all our engagements.
How we work
Our aim is to resolve and prevent disputes. We litigate in every area of law in which we advise, before the civil courts and in arbitration, in the Netherlands and Germany.
Step 1: Introduction
We listen carefully to your problem or question. A response within 24 hours.
Step 2: Analysis and advice
We look for the right solution and give you an honest view of your prospects, for a fixed fee agreed in advance.
Step 3: Engagement letter
Clear arrangements on fees and scope, in advance and in writing.
Step 4: Execution
An experienced lawyer handles your case, together with our Rechtsanwälte or our international network where needed.
Step 5: Litigation when necessary
Before the civil courts or in arbitration, in the Netherlands and in Germany.
Questions about fees and approach
For an initial assessment of your case and the first letter, we agree a fixed fee in advance. So you know where you stand from the outset. After that, we discuss where the case stands and what the next step will cost, in advance and in writing.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, we calculate our fees on the basis of the hours spent multiplied by the hourly rate of the lawyer (advocaat) involved. In addition, we charge a percentage for office expenses and any disbursements, such as court fees and travel costs. We set out these arrangements in advance in an engagement letter.
We may ask for an advance on work to be carried out. Any advance paid is set off against the final invoice. As a rule, we invoice monthly by email, with a payment term of fourteen days.
For advice and proceedings under German law, our Rechtsanwälte act as German lawyers. The German rules of professional conduct and the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz (RVG, the German Lawyers’ Remuneration Act) apply. We explain this in advance in the engagement letter.
Our general terms and conditions apply to all our engagements. In addition, we record the scope of the engagement and the fee arrangements in an engagement letter.
We would like to hear if you are not satisfied. Please discuss it with your lawyer (advocaat) first. If you cannot resolve it together, you can submit a complaint under our internal complaints procedure. Mr. Dr. P. Bavelaar LL.M. acts as complaints officer.