The Principle
The applicable fee is discussed with the client at the first meeting during which the hourly rate and the amount of the retainer are agreed upon .
The fee is fixed according to the rules of Ordre des Avocats de Genève, in particular :
“Fees must be proportionate to the time spent on the affair, its importance , its difficulty , the result obtained and the situation of the client.”
(Art. 12, al.1, Us et coutumes de l’Ordre des Avocats de Genève) .
Tariff
The applicable tariff is presently between CHF 400 and 500 plus VAT (8%) .
The costs and expenses of the Law Office in the case are added to the fee statement. The tariff covers only in part the remuneration of the lawyer , the other part – up to 50% - of the fee - is related to the general costs of the Law Office.
In case of success, the lawyer is allowed to ask for a success fee on top of his usual fee, its importance depending on the result obtained. A previous convention on the success fee is concluded.
The tariff effectively applied is the result of the discussion with the client and his agreement. The economic situation of the client enters into account and , if the conditions are fulfilled , juridical assistance is recommended.
Retainer and Fee Statements
The Ordre des Avocats de Genève recommends that at the beginning of the affair the client pays a retainer in proportion of the hours expected to be spent on the affair . Retainers may be renewed. The lawyer issues regularly intermediary fee statements of which the retainers are deducted.