DEUTSCHE VERSION

Costs

The services of an attorney, including counselling, are subject to fees.

Consideration of the potential costs is important for all clients. During the first consultation, we will provide an overview of likely fees based upon the information that you provide. These fees are determined in accordance with the law governing the remuneration of attorneys (Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz) - an overview of which can be found in German on the website of the Bar of Berlin.

Usually, fees are determined in accordance with the value, the scope, and the difficulty of the case. For a first consultation and in criminal law, fees are established within a specific frame. Specific fees may be agreed upon as long as they do not undercut the fees set out by law.

As our client, you are, in principle, our debitor. If your case is won and the opponent has to pay for the costs of the procedure, you will still be liable for our fees. In these cases, we will assist you in obtaining the necessary decisions and titles to claim reimbursement from the opponent, including through foreclosure proceedings.


First consultation

The Law governing the remuneration of attorneys states that the fee for a first consultation may be up to 190 Euro, excluding sales tax. We usually ask for fees between 100 and 150 euros, including sales tax, for a first consultation. This fee will be considered as an advance payment in case you mandate us for legal representation in the same case within the following two years. We will agree upon the exact amount of this fee with you, depending on the scope and difficulty of the case.


Legal protection insurance

Please let us know when making an appointment if you have legal protection insurance. As the details of such insurance contracts and their coverage vary widely, please get in touch with your insurance beforehand in order to obtain its commitment to cover the costs of the case. Although we can do this for you, you will have to pay for any expenses that have already been incurred in case the coverage is not granted. Either way, we will need the name of your insurance company and the policy number.


Legal Aid

If you have limited resources, you may be eligible for legal aid which covers all legal representation outside court (only consultation in criminal cases). Please apply for legal aid at the Rechtsantragsstelle of the Amtsgericht of your place of residence. With the legal aid certificate, you will only have to pay a fee of 15 euros (RVG VV 2500). We recommend doing this before your first appointment as you will have to pay for any costs incurred if an application submitted subsequently is not successful.

Additionally, it is possible to apply for legal aid for court proceedings. The competent court or tribunal decides on the application, depending on your income, and the prospect of success of the case. If your income is higher than the threshold established by law, legal aid may be granted in installments. Installments are established by law and the duration for which they are to be paid cannot exceed 48 months.

If legal aid is granted, our fees and court fees will be covered by the state, except if you agree to pay part of the court fees in a settlement with the opponent. If you win the case, the opponent must usually reimburse the fees incurred throughout the procedure. Should you lose the case, you will have to pay for the legal representation of the opponent. Your own expenses will nevertheless be borne by the state.

In case your economic situation improves within four years of the completion of the procedure, the state may claim reimbursement of the fees incurred.

There are specific provisions concerning criminal law, both in defence and in civil action. We will advise you on the details during the first consultation.


Legal Aid outside court proceedings:

For further information,
please refer to:

→ Information
→ Form (PDF)


Legal Aid for court proceedings:

For further information,
please refer to:

→ Information
→ Form (PDF)