Fees
FEES
The relationship between a client and his or her lawyer is based on trust. Within this relationship of trust, transparency regarding the costs of the lawyer’s services plays an important role.
The following information provides the client with insight into the manner in which Athos-Advocaten charges for its services. As in all other cases, the client may contact Athos-Advocaten with any questions regarding his or her specific situation.
Lawyers’ fees cover:
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remuneration for the lawyer’s actual services (review of documents, consultations, meetings, drafting of correspondence, legal advice, procedural acts, hearing time, pleadings, telephone calls, etc.)
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part of the fixed infrastructure costs (premises, equipment, library, administrative staff, etc.)
In Belgium, lawyers’ fees are not fixed by law or by Bar regulations.
The lawyer determines his or her fees within reasonable limits, taking into account factors such as the importance of the dispute, the level of complexity, urgency and the client’s situation.
Fees also reflect the lawyer’s specialization and experience.
Athos-Advocaten uses different methods to calculate lawyers’ fees. The appropriate method is determined in consultation at the opening of the file.
1. HOURLY RATE
By default, unless otherwise agreed, an hourly rate is applied. The time spent by the lawyer on a matter is carefully recorded and subsequently invoiced based on the agreed hourly rate.
This basic hourly rate may be increased by mutual agreement for exceptional services, such as:
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services performed with urgency
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services requiring specialised expertise
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highly complex cases
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situations involving significant responsibility for the lawyer
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the achievement of an exceptional result
The basic rate may also be reduced when the lawyer responsible for the matter considers that specific criteria apply and this is confirmed in writing between the lawyer and the client.
2. FIXED FEE
For less complex matters, Athos-Advocaten may agree with the client on a fixed fee.
3. PROPORTIONAL FEE
In matters where the financial value can be estimated, fees may be calculated by applying a decreasing percentage to the amounts recovered or saved, according to an agreed scale.
The law prohibits linking a lawyer’s fees solely to the achievement of a positive result. Fees must therefore be determined independently of the outcome. In practice, the fees are calculated according to the above scale, with a minimum corresponding to the amount calculated on the basis of the hourly rate formula at the agreed rate.
4. SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Where the client regularly entrusts a significant volume of matters to Athos-Advocaten, specific arrangements may be agreed for the calculation of fees based on a guaranteed number of hours or matters.
5. "SUCCESS FEE"
It may be agreed to increase the fees calculated according to one of the above methods by an additional fixed premium, depending on the result achieved and the importance of that result for the client.
The principle of the success fee, the method of calculating the premium and the conditions for granting it are agreed with the client at the opening of the file or at a later stage.
All services and costs are recorded carefully and in detail. The client always receives, as an annex to the invoice, a detailed overview of the services performed and the costs incurred.
Lawyers’ services are subject to VAT at a rate of 21%.
