Pricing

We know that as soon as our clients have identified the legal specialist to help with their legal needs, their next priority is to understand the charges that the adviser will need to make to provide the required service. It is only when our clients fully understand the advice offered and likely costs that will be incurred, that they can make an informed decision about whether to engage one of our lawyers.

Most of our clients prefer to be regularly billed for the work we do on their behalf and your legal specialist will explain the frequency of billing and payment terms when they first meet you. Please note all our fees are subject to VAT. If you have specific request regarding the frequency or timing of bills please make us aware of this as soon as you are able.

The extent to which our advice and support is needed will be different for each client and so our legal specialists will listen carefully to understand the level of service you need and will advise you on the different service and price options available. It can often be useful to consider our Price Information set out below before you meet one of the team so that you can discuss any concerns you have about pricing.

Generally our fees are based on the amount of time we spend dealing with a matter but where possible we try to offer a fixed fee option, as many clients tell us they prefer the certainty this offers. If a fixed fee is appropriate our lawyers will advise what service is included in that fee, whether there are any extra costs that we may incur on your behalf that you will need to pay for, such as court fees or expert reports and will also explain any relevant separate charges that may be appropriate to your matter.

Often a fixed fee is not appropriate as every client's matter plays out differently and we provide a bespoke service to you as an individual. We will give a bespoke estimate of the fees likely on your matter at the outset and warn you if that is likely to change. A fixed fee is rarely appropriate when we are asked to represent our clients in court proceedings, for example upon divorce in agreeing a financial settlement or other legal dispute, to act as an executor, trustee or attorney or a general agreement to deal with your personal legal affairs.

In these situations, it can be difficult to accurately anticipate how easily a legal dispute or transaction will progress or how complex the work required is at the outset which is why a fixed fee will not be available. Where this is the case our lawyers will charge for the work they do by way of an hourly rate. They will provide you with details of their hourly rate, and that of any other assistants that may work on your file and will also give you their estimate of the time they anticipate the matter will take so that you have an estimate of the possible total charge that may be incurred in dealing with your legal issue.

On occasions the time involved in representing our clients will exceed the estimate provided at the outset and where that occurs our lawyers will advise you as soon as they become aware that an increase in the estimated charges is necessary. The complexity of the legal situation, the speed and approach adopted by another party are common factors that prompt the need to increase estimated charges.

At any time if you wish to receive an update as to the costs you have incurred in your matter, any outstanding bills or the estimated future charges, please simply contact your adviser and they will be happy to provide this information.