What options do I have if I do not agree with the lawyer's fees?
November 30, 2023 | 75,00 EUR | answered by Alice Schulz
Dear lawyer,
I recently received the invoice for my legal advice from my lawyer and I am not satisfied with the lawyer's fees. The lawyer has billed me a high amount which, in my opinion, is not appropriate. I feel that the services provided do not justify the fees charged.
For background information: I consulted the lawyer to represent me in a legal dispute. We had several meetings, drafted pleadings, and attended court hearings. Now that I have received the invoice, I am shocked at the amount of the lawyer's fees. I am unsure if these fees are indeed justified and if I should pay the amount in this form.
My concerns are that I do not want to be overly financially burdened and at the same time, I want to ensure that I receive adequate legal representation. Therefore, I would like to know from you what options I have if I am not satisfied with the lawyer's fees. Is there a way to review or negotiate the fees? Can I object to the invoice and insist on a reevaluation of the fees?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with your assessment on this matter and show me possible solutions. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Wolfgang Zimmermann
Dear Mr. Zimmermann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the legal fees that have been invoiced to you. It is understandable that you are concerned about the amount of the fees and want to ensure that they are fair. As a lawyer specializing in fee law, I can understand your concerns and will be happy to assist you.
First and foremost, it is important to know that legal fees in Germany are regulated by law. The fees are determined by the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) and are calculated based on a predetermined fee scale. This scale depends, among other things, on the value of the dispute, the complexity of the matter, and the extent of the legal services provided.
If you have doubts about the amount of the legal fees, there are various ways to verify this. You could first discuss the matter with your lawyer and request a detailed breakdown of the services invoiced. Often, uncertainties can be clarified in this way and potential misunderstandings can be resolved.
If you still believe that the fees are unreasonably high, you have the option to challenge the invoice. You could ask your lawyer to review the fees again and, if necessary, recalculate them. Alternatively, you could have the invoice reviewed by an independent lawyer to obtain an objective assessment.
It is important to note that legal fees are generally negotiable. If you feel that the costs are not proportionate to the services provided, you can try to reach an agreement with your lawyer on a fair fee amount. Open and transparent communication is crucial in this process.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that it is in your best interest to pay appropriately for high-quality legal representation. If you are still unsure, I am available for a personal consultation to discuss your individual situation and find a solution together.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Kind regards,
Alice Schulz, Lawyer
