Fees and billing methods

Fee agreement

Every file is reviewed and a written fee agreement (convention d'honoraires) is systematically signed before the start of our work. This document sets the scope of the assignment, the billing method adopted, and the payment terms.

The fee agreement is a client right: article 10 of the Law of 31 December 1971 and the decree of 27 November 1991 make it a mandatory obligation for the lawyer. No change to the billing can take place without the prior written consent of the client.

Elements of the fee

A lawyer's remuneration depends, in accordance with established usage, on each of the following elements:

• the time spent on the matter,
• the research work,
• the nature and difficulty of the case,
• the importance of the interests at stake,
• the impact of the firm's running costs,
• the lawyer's reputation, qualifications, seniority and experience,
• the benefits and outcome obtained for the client,
• the client's financial situation.

Hourly rate, our billing principle

We typically bill our services at an hourly rate between EUR 200 and EUR 500, excluding VAT. Banking law, commercial law and enforcement are technical areas where the workload depends on the file, the strategy chosen and the resistance of the opposing party.

A retainer is requested when the file is opened. Every invoice details the time spent per item — research, drafting, hearings, correspondence — with time sheets attached. Estimates of the time required for each step are communicated to clients who request them, to make the cost of our work predictable.

Our hourly rates reflect the level of expertise we bring to each file. They are stated in the fee agreement and do not change during the assignment without prior written consent.

Flat fee

For certain clearly defined assignments — creation of securities, drafting a stand-alone deed, one-off legal opinion — a flat fee may be agreed. The dates and terms of payment then depend on events set out in the fee agreement.

Success fee

Nearly all our fee agreements provide for a success fee, calculated as a percentage of the sums obtained or savings achieved, at a rate negotiated with the client. This fee always adds to a base fee (hourly or flat) and can never be the sole remuneration of the lawyer.

Legal expenses insurance

We often act for clients covered by a legal expenses insurance contract. When this applies, we determine whether our fees can be limited to the amount covered by the insurer.

Court duty stamps

Since 1 March 2026, every civil court procedure in France is subject to a EUR 50 contribution per party, in the form of a digital duty stamp. On appeal, the stamp is EUR 225. This contribution is borne by the litigant and is not included in the lawyer's fees.

Payment is made online at timbre.justice.gouv.fr.

Professional training

The firm offers training in banking law, commercial law and enforcement, delivered by our lawyers and Qualiopi-certified.

See our course catalogue to discover the available programmes.

Institutional clients

Credit institutions, investment funds and debt recovery companies that entrust the firm with a regular volume of files benefit from tailored pricing. The terms are defined in a framework agreement.

Legal aid

We accept, exceptionally, to work on legal aid (aide juridictionnelle), provided that the client is able to meet our requirements regarding file preparation and submission of supporting documents.

Pro bono

We occasionally act pro bono. Our niche practice has led us to take up specific causes and fights. We are prepared to take you under our wing, if we believe your case calls for it.