Is there a cap on attorney fees?
June 7, 2023 | 65,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schröter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you because I have a question regarding the lawyer's fees. I recently hired a lawyer to assist me with a legal matter. I have now received the first invoice and am somewhat surprised by the amount of the lawyer's fees.
My concern is that there is no cap on lawyer's fees and I could end up being faced with high costs that I cannot afford. Is there really no limit to lawyer's fees? I also wonder if the costs are proportional to the services provided and if I have the opportunity to review or dispute the invoice.
I am currently deciding whether to continue to engage the lawyer or to look for a more cost-effective alternative. Therefore, it is very important for me to know if there are legal ways to limit the lawyer's fees or if I have to agree to the charges as calculated.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice on this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Jonas Werner
Dear Mr. Werner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding attorney fees. I understand your concern about the cost and would like to help clarify this matter for you.
First and foremost, it is important to know that attorney fees in Germany are regulated by law. The amount of fees is determined by the Lawyers' Compensation Act (RVG), which provides clear guidelines for calculating the costs of legal services. The RVG specifies how fees for various activities of the attorney are to be calculated and what amount is appropriate.
Therefore, it is not true that there is no upper limit for attorney fees. The costs must comply with the legal requirements and cannot be arbitrarily set. There is indeed a limit for attorney fees based on legal foundations.
If you feel that the amount of attorney fees is unreasonable, as a client, you have the opportunity to review the bill and raise objections if necessary. You can ask your attorney for a detailed breakdown of the costs and verify if all services have been correctly billed. If you have doubts about the bill, you can also contact the Bar Association for assistance in clarifying the cost issue.
It is important that you, as a client, have a say in the cost issue and do not have to simply accept what is stated on the bill. You have the right to review and, if necessary, limit the attorney fees if you find them unreasonably high.
I recommend that you contact your attorney and discuss your concerns about attorney fees. Together, you can find a solution that is acceptable to both parties and provides you with the necessary legal support without facing insurmountable costs.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Ralf Schröter
