Fees are agreed in writing before work begins. This page explains how the firm approaches fees; it does not publish a fixed price list, because the work required depends on the documents, the counterparty, the timetable and the forum.
How fees are set
We discuss the scope at the first consultation and confirm it in an engagement letter. Depending on the matter, fees may be charged:
- on time, at an hourly rate agreed in writing;
- as a fixed fee for a defined piece of work, such as a contract review or a conveyancing transaction;
- as a retainer for an agreed period or a defined volume of work; or
- as a combination of these, with disbursements billed separately.
The engagement letter records the basis of charging, the scope, the assumptions, the expected timetable, the billing cycle and any estimate. If the scope changes, we discuss the effect on fees before the additional work is done.
Disbursements and VAT
Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf, such as court filing fees, registry searches, stamp duty, valuation fees and travel. They are separate from professional fees and are identified in the engagement letter or the invoice. VAT is charged where it applies.
The Advocates Remuneration Order
Some work is subject to the Advocates Remuneration Order made under the Advocates Act. Where a scale applies, the engagement letter identifies it and explains how the fee has been calculated. A contractual or fixed fee may be agreed where the law permits; the scale is not a quotation, and the final fee depends on the terms of the engagement.
What you receive
- A written engagement letter before substantive work starts.
- A clear scope, assumptions, basis of charging and billing cycle.
- An estimate or budget where the work can reasonably be estimated.
- Updates when the scope, timetable or likely cost changes.
- Invoices that identify professional fees, disbursements and VAT separately.
What we do not do
We do not guarantee an outcome, and we do not quote a fee before we understand the facts. A low headline figure that excludes disbursements, VAT or the work needed to complete the matter is not a useful comparison. We would rather give a realistic scope and budget at the start.
Discuss your matter
Tell us briefly what you need and we will explain the next step and the information needed for a fee estimate. Contact the firm for a confidential discussion.
Primary source: Advocates Act (Cap 16) and the Advocates Remuneration Order made under it. This page is general information, not legal advice.