What fees are incurred for engaging a lawyer?
February 9, 2024 | 70,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Hausdorf
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I require assistance in a legal matter and am unsure about the costs involved. My name is Otto Schulze and I am currently involved in a legal dispute with my former employer. It concerns a wrongful termination lawsuit, as I believe I was dismissed unlawfully.
I have not yet sought the help of a lawyer, as I am concerned that the costs of hiring an attorney may be too high. I am afraid that I cannot afford legal advice and therefore will be left alone in this complex process.
Therefore, my question to you is: What fees are involved in hiring a lawyer in my case? What costs can I expect if I decide to seek legal assistance? Are there ways to reduce costs or receive assistance with financing?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with detailed information so that I can make an informed decision on how best to proceed in this legal matter. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Otto Schulze
Dear Mr. Schulze,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the costs of hiring a lawyer for your case of unfair dismissal against your former employer. It is understandable that you are concerned about potential legal fees and are wondering how you can afford legal assistance. I am happy to provide you with detailed information on the fees involved and possible financing options.
In Germany, lawyers' fees are usually governed by the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG). The amount of lawyer fees depends, among other things, on the value of the dispute in the proceedings. In a case of unfair dismissal, the value of the dispute is usually calculated based on the gross salary for a period of three months. The exact amount of lawyer fees may therefore vary depending on the individual case.
For out-of-court advice or representation, initial consultation or business fees may apply, which are also calculated according to the RVG. In court representation in an unfair dismissal case, additional fees such as procedural and court appearance fees may arise. The exact costs here also depend on various factors, such as the amount of work involved and the complexity of the case.
It is important to mention that lawyers also have the option to enter into alternative fee agreements with their clients. This could be an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a contingency fee agreement. With a contingency fee agreement, the client only pays in case of success, meaning in the event of a positive outcome of the case.
In addition, there are various options for financing legal costs. Some legal expenses insurance policies cover the costs of legal disputes if the case falls within the scope of the insurance coverage. Legal aid or legal aid for court costs are also options for individuals with low income to receive financial support for seeking legal assistance.
It is advisable to contact a lawyer early on and discuss the cost issue together. A lawyer can inform you comprehensively about the fees involved, discuss alternative fee models, and assist you with financing options.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can make an informed decision on how best to proceed in your legal case. If you have any further questions or require a personal consultation, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Ralf Hausdorf, Lawyer
