We distinguish between fees in the narrow sense (to pay for the lawyer's services), administrative costs and disbursements (secretarial expenses, journeys, translations, etc) and legal (court usher's charges, petitions, etc).
Lawyers set their fees freely within the bounds of reasonable moderation. In so doing, they take particular account of the seriousness and complexity of the dispute, the duties performed, the amount at stake in the dispute, the degree of specialisation involved, the outcome and the degree of urgency of the matter.
Depending on the type of work, the lawyer and his client may opt for either a time-based method of remuneration or for a fixed rate, or resort to a formula involving a periodic legal subscription.
The client is entitled to be informed directly of the way in which charges for the lawyer's services will be calculated as well as expenses attendant on the handling of the case.
Furthermore, the lawyer is required to ask for payment of deposits on account for their final statement as the case proceeds.
Should a problem arise between lawyer and client in respect of fees, the client is advised to turn to the ombudsman as a matter of priority: he will be able to explain the position to the client clearly and authoritatively.
If the ombudsman is unable to resolve the dispute or misunderstanding, a conciliation procedure is possible between the two sides.
Lastly, the President of the Bar and the Bar Council of lawyers are competent to evaluate and resolve disputes over fees between lawyer and client. They can be caIled upon by sending a letter to any person concerned. Specimen forms are available from the Bar's secretary.