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Value is what all clients
are after. We try to provide the best
legal services a client can get in Belgium, for
an attractively reasonable budget.
We consider transparency in fees and expenses
to be in the mutual benefit of both the client and our firm and that the
issue of value should be discussed as from the first meeting or exchange
of information, on the basis of which, in accordance with the subject
matter of the services, the partner(s) in charge will be determined
in agreement with the client,
and the specific hourly rates of their services (as well as a forecast
of the anticipated amount of work) discussed. We give detailed written
quotations of our fees and expenses over the phone, fax, E-mail
or by post at your request.
We offer competitive rates
on our conveyancing services. In fact, our fees ands costs are calculated
according to the recommendation of the Bar Assocatiaton by its decision
dated 1 September 1996.
Our charges are calculated
mainly by reference to the time spent by the solicitors dealing with this
matter. Although time is a major component of the charges, there are several
other factors which affect our charges, including the importance or complexity
of the matter, the values involved and the difficulty or urgency of the
work. It is often only at the end
of the matter that these factors can properly be assessed.
Our hourly charging rates
vary, depending on the importance or complexity
of the matter involved. A common hourly rate would range from 75 EUR to
150 EUR. We will let you know the applicable rate at the outset and any
variations as the matter continues. Attorneys in Belgium are not obliged
to charge VAT.
For certain services other arrangements can be agreed, such as
a flat fee, a contingency or success fee
(with, in accordance with bar regulations, a minimum based on the anticipated
amount of work), or an hourly rate applied adapted to the urgency, straightforwardness
or result of the case.
We normally ask clients to pay our fees and expenses
at the end of each matter. If the matter is protracted
or costs are building up, we may deliver interim
bills to you at regular intervals as the matter
proceeds. The Bar Association recommends this practice as it enables clients
to budget for costs. We are sure you will understand that if payment is
not made we reserve the right to decline to act further. In that event,
the full amount of work done to that date will be charged.
Our pro bono practice
We believe it is important that quality
legal advice and assistance should be available
for those who need it but have limited resources.
As a result, the firm assists individuals unable to afford legal fees,
at no or at a reduced charge, if those people fulfil the conditions under
Belgian Law, where we have the capacity and expertise to do so and where
the work will help to protect or establish a legal or moral right, correct
an injustice or be in the public or community interest.
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