A professional fee policy based on trust
Our Fee policy is built on trust, the foundation of the relationship we build with our clients. Our policy is founded on clear and transparent communication.
We adapt our billing methods to the nature of the matter in question. Wherever possible, we draw up provisional budgets on the basis of an estimate of the time our teams will spend on the matter. In some cases, we can propose flat-fee, subscription or contingency fee arrangements.
A fee agreement established at the outset of the relationship sets the terms and conditions applying to payment for our legal services. We also send a listing of the hourly rates applied by all the individuals participating in the matter. In the framework of a long-term collaboration, our rates are liable to be revised each year depending on the skills and experience of each team member. Naturally, changes to fee arrangements are communicated if amended.
Billing
By default, billing is based on time spent. Nevertheless, billing terms may be tailored, depending on the nature of the file and the client’s wishes.
Our tools and organisation allow us to strictly monitor our billing and itemise the time spent on each matter and the work undertaken so that billing is based on the actual time we spend on a matter.
A summary statement is attached to each invoice, listing the nature of the services carried out during the invoice period. This summary is used to prepare the invoice. It is the client’s responsibility to safeguard the confidentiality of the data contained in the summary statement.
Expenses
Administrative expenses, fixed at a flat rate of 2% of fees, are billed as an additional cost to the client. These include communication and document reproduction expenses and other administrative costs borne by Racine in the framework of the performance of the services. No other internal expenses are invoiced.
When advanced by Racine, third-party expenses, such as travel, translation, judicial officer and local counsel expenses, are re-invoiced to the client; supporting documents are made available by the firm.
These expenses represent the expenses paid by Racine in connection with performing its engagement and to disbursements made on the client’s behalf (train tickets, etc.).
Unless direct payment is requested, such expenses are borne by the firm and re-invoiced without a mark-up.