Fees
We offer you high-quality services at a fair price – and want you to know in advance what costs you can expect.
Initial consultation
We generally charge EUR 180 (incl. VAT) for an initial consultation. For appointments via Zoom or telephone, please pay in advance.
Hourly rate and statutory fees
If further advice is required after the initial consultation or if you instruct us to act on your behalf vis-à-vis third parties, we charge our fees either in accordance with the statutory fees or on an hourly basis. We will discuss the anticipated work involved and the costs with you during the initial consultation.
Our hourly rates are calculated to the minute at EUR 220 to 240 (plus VAT), depending on the area of law, complexity and liability risk.
The statutory fees based on the value in dispute are set out in the German Lawyers’ Fees Act (RVG). The amount of the fee is based on the value of the matter in dispute – not on the number or length of the letters or the time spent by the lawyer. In some cases, it is therefore more advantageous for both parties to agree a fee on an hourly basis.
1. civil law / labor law
The amount of the lawyer’s fee is based on the RVG fee table. Depending on the type and scope of the work, the following fees may apply:
a) Extrajudicial activity
| Business fee | 0.5 – 2.5 times the fee according to the fee table |
| Settlement fee | 1.5 times the fee – if the dispute is settled by legal action |
b) Court proceedings (1st instance)
| Procedural fee | 1.3 times the fee according to the fee table |
| Appointment fee | 1.2 times the fee – e.g. for court hearings or settlement negotiations |
| Settlement fee | 1.0 times the fee – if a settlement is reached. Half of any business fee incurred is credited (max. 0.75). |
c) Ancillary costs
| Lump sum for expenses | usually 20,- EUR |
| Travel costs | and absence allowance for appointments away from home |
| Value added tax | 19% |
2. immigration law
As a rule, we charge an hourly rate of EUR 220 (plus VAT) for immigration law consultations. In clearly defined matters (e.g. naturalization proceedings) we charge according to the flat fees of the RVG. In court proceedings, we are obliged to charge at least the statutory fees according to the amount in dispute determined by the court.
3. reimbursement of costs if the case is won
If a lawsuit is successful, the opponent will generally have to reimburse you for the costs in the amount of the RVG fees. Exception: In labor court proceedings of the 1st instance, each party bears its own legal fees – regardless of the outcome.
4. legal expenses insurance
Legal expenses insurance can save considerable costs – especially in employment law, where the winning party also bears its own costs. Please note:
- The subject matter of the dispute must be covered by the insurance contract.
- There is often an excess that you have to pay yourself.
- The insurance must be in place and the premium paid at the time of the insured event. A waiting period may apply (usually 3 months).
- Insurance cover is only provided in the event of an alleged infringement (e.g. warning, termination). As a rule, purely preventive advice is not insured.
- In administrative law, legal protection usually only exists from the court proceedings onwards. Immigration law is often excluded.
If insurance cover is possible, we ask the insurance company to provide us with a binding confirmation of cover. If you receive a “claim number” from your insurance company, you are covered.
5. counseling assistance
For people with a very low income (based on the ALG II standard rate), there is the possibility of legal aid in extrajudicial proceedings. In court proceedings, legal aid (PKH) applies instead.
You will need a certificate of eligibility from the legal application office of your local court before the consultation. Please bring with you: Proof of income, rental agreement and documents relating to the matter. If you receive ALG II or social assistance, the relevant notification is usually sufficient.
With a certificate of eligibility, your own contribution is EUR 15. Please bring the original certificate of eligibility with you or send it to us in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot help you with the application.
6. legal aid (PKH)
Persons with a low income have the option of PKH in court proceedings. If approved, neither legal fees nor court costs are incurred.
Please note: If you lose the case and your opponent has a claim for reimbursement of costs, this is not covered by the PKH. In addition, the state treasury can claim additional costs after the end of the proceedings if your income situation improves.
Prerequisites: The court must certify that the proceedings have prospects of success and your income must be below the income limit. We will be happy to advise you on whether PKH can be considered for your case.
