Transparency
What representation costs
German legal fees are largely fixed by statute, which makes them calculable. Before you instruct me, we discuss what costs will arise and who is likely to bear them.
Initial consultation
For consumers, the fee for an initial consultation is capped by statute at 190 euros plus 19 % VAT, that is a total of 226.10 euros (section 34 RVG). For that, I review your documents and tell you how I assess the matter and what steps are available.
A short call beforehand, to establish whether your matter falls within my areas of practice at all, is free of charge.
Representation
Fees follow the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz, RVG). The amount depends on the value in dispute and on the stage of the proceedings; out-of-court work, objection proceedings and court action are charged differently. Before you instruct me, I tell you the order of magnitude to expect.
A separate fee agreement is possible and must be made in text form (section 3a RVG). In court proceedings it may not fall below the statutory fee (section 49b BRAO).
Who bears the cost
Legal expenses insurance
I make the enquiry for you. You learn before instructing me whether and to what extent your insurer will cover the matter.
The other side
The losing party normally bears the costs. After an accident you did not cause, legal fees form part of the recoverable loss.
State assistance
Advice assistance for out-of-court work, legal aid for court proceedings (sections 114 ff. ZPO).
One particularity in social security law
Proceedings before the social courts are free of court fees for insured persons, benefit recipients and disabled people (section 183 SGG). No court fees arise at all – a significant difference from other German jurisdictions, and one that lowers the threshold considerably.
Frequently asked questions
What does the first consultation cost?
For consumers the fee for an initial consultation is capped by statute at 190 euros plus 19 % VAT, that is 226.10 euros in total (section 34 RVG). A brief phone call to establish whether the matter falls within my areas of practice is of course free of charge.
Are legal fees in Germany fixed by law?
Largely, yes. The Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) ties the fee to the value in dispute and the stage of proceedings, which makes costs calculable in advance. A separate fee agreement is possible and must be in text form (section 3a RVG); in court proceedings it may not fall below the statutory fee.
Who pays if I win?
As a rule the losing party bears the costs of the proceedings. After a road accident you did not cause, the necessary legal fees generally form part of the recoverable loss and are paid by the other side's liability insurer according to the split of liability.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
Germany provides advice assistance for out-of-court work and legal aid for court proceedings (sections 114 ff. ZPO). Both depend on income and assets. I check the requirements and file the applications.
A short call, before a deadline runs out
Ten minutes on the phone are usually enough to establish whether a case is worth pursuing and what it will cost.