English overview · DE – Transparente Kosten
We advise on fees, scope and cost recovery. The following guide addresses matters under German law and relevant European rules. Cross-border cases require separate consideration of governing law, jurisdiction and local requirements.
Scope and legal approach
Fees depend on the instructions and the agreed or statutory basis. Section 34 RVG is particularly relevant to advisory work. Court fees, expert costs and an opponent’s costs may also matter. Recoverable costs do not necessarily cover the full agreed fee.
Four practical examples
These examples illustrate typical issues. They do not describe specific client matters.
Example 1
A contract needs review. Scope, draft rounds and negotiations are defined before estimating fees.
Example 2
Litigation is considered. Own fees, court fees and adverse cost exposure are assessed separately.
Example 3
A project is billed by time. Reporting intervals and scope changes need agreement.
Example 4
Legal expenses insurance is involved. Coverage, excess and excluded work require clarification.
Assessment and next steps
We first clarify the intended result, the parties involved and the relevant chronology. The documents are assessed alongside the actual course of events. Established facts, disputed assertions and matters requiring further evidence or technical expertise are distinguished. Deadlines and any need for urgent protection are considered at the outset.
Available options are compared by cost, timing, commercial value and evidential risk. Depending on the matter, the appropriate route may involve drafting or revising an agreement, negotiations, administrative proceedings or litigation. Interim measures require their own assessment. Any settlement should specify performance, deadlines, security and implementation, rather than leave the next disagreement unresolved.
Preparing an initial consultation
Please provide a short chronology, complete relevant contracts or decisions, amendments and correspondence. Record known deadlines and when important notices were received. Explain the outcome you need, such as completing a project, reducing exposure, enforcing a claim or defending a demand. We can then agree the scope of work and discuss costs.