How much does a lawyer cost? The question comes up at almost every first meeting, and it is a fair one. There is no public scale: fees are agreed between the lawyer and the client, case by case. Here is how they are built, what they cover and what to ask before you commit.
The principle: an agreement between lawyer and client
Fees are freely agreed between the lawyer and the client. They reflect the nature and difficulty of the case, the work and time it requires, its urgency, what is at stake and any travel.
A written fee agreement is the best safeguard for both sides: it describes the engagement, how fees are calculated, the retainer and the payment terms.
Fees and costs are two different things
Besides the lawyer's fees, the budget for a case includes costs that do not go to the lawyer:
- Court fees payable when certain claims are filed.
- Judicial officer costs for serving documents and enforcing decisions.
- Expert costs, when the judge orders an expert report.
- Translation of documents, copies and deeds, and travel.
Common arrangements
- A fixed fee for a defined task: a written opinion, drafting a contract, proceedings up to judgment.
- A fixed fee per stage: first instance, appeal, enforcement, each priced separately.
- An hourly fee, mainly for ongoing advice to companies.
- A retainer paid when the file is opened and credited against the total.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What exactly does the engagement cover, and what does it not cover?
- Is the amount set for the whole case or per stage?
- Which costs come on top of the fees, and who advances them?
- How much is the retainer, and how are payments spread?
- How will you be kept informed of progress?
If you disagree
A dispute over fees can be referred to the Bâtonnier (head of the Bar), who has authority to decide it; the decision can be appealed to the first president of the court of appeal. A clear agreement usually avoids getting there.
If your means are limited
Legal aid (assistance judiciaire) allows people with limited means to have a lawyer appointed and to be exempted from some court fees. The application is made to the competent court.
The firm's practice
The firm does not publish prices: two cases with the same name can require very different work. Fees are proposed in writing after the file has been reviewed, before any commitment, with a list of the foreseeable costs.
Maître Malak Elimani sees clients by appointment in Hay Riad, Rabat. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the firm not publish its prices?
Because the work depends on the file: documents, opposing party, court, urgency. A figure shown without reviewing the case would be either misleading or useless. The firm proposes a written amount after studying your situation.
Are court costs included in the fees?
No. Court fees and the costs of judicial officers, experts or translators come on top of the fees. They are stated in advance when they can be foreseen.
Can I pay in instalments?
Payment terms are discussed and set out in the fee agreement, for example a retainer followed by payments at each stage.
The information on this website is general and does not replace legal advice. Every situation requires an analysis of its own facts and documents.