(Fees)
In writing, before we start
What it costs,
before you sign.
In Spain, lawyers and clients agree fees freely. That is why we explain how we set them and put them in writing before any work starts. No surprises at the end.
(How fees are set)
3 ways
Three ways
to set a price.
(01)
Fixed price
When the work is predictable, you know the total from the start and it doesn’t change.
For example: a contract review, a will, a mutual-consent divorce, a formal letter.
(02)
By phases
Longer matters are priced phase by phase, so you decide at each step whether to go on.
For example: negotiation, then a claim, then a trial if it comes to that.
(03)
Monthly fee
For businesses that need advice regularly: an agreed number of hours for a fixed monthly amount.
For example: freelancers and small companies with day-to-day questions.
(First consultation)
45 min · €60
The first step
has a clear price.
45 minutes with the lawyer for your area, at the office or by video. We look at your papers and tell you which options you have, how long they usually take and roughly what each one would cost. If you hire us afterwards, the €60 is deducted from the fees.
Length
45 min
Price
€60
Where
Office or video
If you hire us
Deducted
If your matter isn’t one we can help with, we tell you on the first call and you pay nothing.
(In writing)
4 documents
Everything
on paper.
(01)
Engagement letter
Before we start, you receive and sign an engagement letter (in Spain, hoja de encargo). It sets out what we will do, what is not included, the fees, how they are paid and how either of us can end the engagement.
(02)
Retainer
For longer matters we may ask for a retainer (provisión de fondos): an advance on account of fees and expenses. It is deducted from the final invoice and anything left over is returned.
(03)
Other costs
Some costs are not our fees: court fees, notaries, land registry, expert reports or a court representative (procurador) when required. We list them separately and tell you about them in advance.
(04)
Invoices
Every payment comes with an invoice. If your case changes and the estimate has to change too, we tell you before, never after.
(Legal aid)
Justicia gratuita
If you qualify,
the State pays.
If your income is below certain limits, you may be entitled to free legal aid (justicia gratuita). The application is made through the Bar Association, which assigns a lawyer from its duty rota.
That means you may not be able to choose us. On the first call we tell you honestly whether it is worth applying and how to do it, even if your case then goes to another lawyer.
(What we don’t promise)
By law and by choice
What we
won’t promise.
Lawyers in Spain cannot advertise results, and we wouldn’t want to. Here is what you will never hear from us.
×
That we will win your case.
×
A success rate, or how many cases we have won.
×
That we are better or cheaper than other firms.
×
A closed price for a trial whose length nobody knows.
×
A deadline that depends on a court, not on us.