Fees are now set by mutual agreement. A fee agreement is drawn up between the lawyer and the client. (Law no. 2015-990 of 6 August 2015).
In the case of partial legal aid and result-based fees, the requirement for a fee agreement is strictly defined by law.
THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF CALCULATING FEES
Time-based fees
Lawyers tell their clients the hourly rate they propose to apply if they choose the time-based method. They tell theirs clients how much time is likely to be spent studying and handling the case. This rate may vary within the same firm, depending on the cases handled. In justified cases, a higher hourly rate may be agreed.Fixed fees
Lawyers and their clients agree on a fixed and definitive fee. The services covered by these fees must be precisely specified.Success fee
Lawyers may agree with their clients to set additional fees based on results, which must be expressly stipulated in a prior agreement between the lawyers and their clients, which must also stipulate the main fees for diligence.In the case of partial legal aid and result-based fees, the requirement for a fee agreement is strictly defined by law.
NATIONAL CONSUMER MEDIATOR FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION
In accordance with the provisions of articles L. 612-1 et seq. of the French Consumer Code, in the event of a dispute with a lawyer, you may have free recourse to the Consumer Mediator, who will be the national mediator for the Conseil National des Barreaux (CNB) and whose contact details are as follows:Carole Pascarel, Consumer Mediator for the legal profession
Postal address: CNB, 180 boulevard Haussmann – 75008 Paris
Email address: mediateur-conso@mediateur-consommation-avocat.fr
Website: https://mediateur-consommation-avocat.fr
