Lawyers’ fees: a guide to the cost of legal services
The lawyer's fee represents the value of the legal services provided by the lawyer and is established in a transparent manner, depending on the complexity of the case, the workload and the interests of the client. The correct establishment of a lawyer fee aims to ensure fair cooperation between the lawyer and the client, while respecting the law and rules of the profession of lawyer.
What is a lawyer’s fee and how is it agreed?
The fee is agreed with the client before legal services begin and expressly set out in the legal services agreement. A lawyer's fee may vary depending on the difficulty of the case, the duration of the proceedings and the professional responsibility assumed by the lawyer.
Types of legal fees
Fixed fee
A fixed fee is a total amount agreed for completion of the work covered by the legal services agreement. This type of lawyer fee provides predictability and clarity on the total costs of legal services.
Success fee
A success fee is agreed in addition to the fixed fee and may be a specified sum or a percentage. Payment of the success fee is conditional on achieving the outcome specified in the legal services agreement.
Monthly retainer
A monthly retainer is a fixed sum paid at regular intervals for ongoing legal services. This type of lawyer fee is frequently used in long-term contractual relationships.
Hourly fee
An hourly fee is calculated using the time actually spent by the lawyer on the matter. An hourly rate is applied, with time accurately recorded to the minute.
Fees for divorce proceedings
The fee for divorce proceedings depends on the type of procedure, complexity, number of hearings and estimated duration of the case.
Indicatively, the lawyer's fee for a divorce is between 1,500 and 2,000 lei, which may vary depending on the particularities of each case.
Factors affecting the lawyer's fee
The establishment of a lawyer fee shall take into account the following main factors:
• the time and volume of work necessary to resolve the case;
• the nature and complexity of the case;
• the importance of the legal interests concerned;
• the need for cooperation with experts or other specialists;
• the results obtained for the benefit of the client;
• time constraints imposed by the circumstances of the case;
• the financial situation of the client.
Legal fees and the legal services agreement
A lawyer's fee shall be set freely, in agreement with the client, within the limits of the law and the statute of the profession of lawyer. The fee must be expressly stated in a written legal services agreement concluded before any legal assistance or representation begins.