Agreements
During the intake meeting we will discuss fees, rates and costs as well. If desired, we can give you a prognosis about the expected costs. This prognosis will be confirmed in writing. All agreements will be drawn up in a contract.
Different rates may be considered in clear-cut cases -a fixed sum may be agreed on e.g. for a pro forma dissolution of a labour contract.
Special rates may also be agreed on in case of an exceptional financial situation of a client who does not qualify for assignment (see below, for instance a fee (or commission) which is partly (in addition to a reduced base rate) dependent on the result. We may consider this if we are convinced that we have a real chance of success based on the available documentation. Result-related remuneration is not permitted in Dutch legal practice, with the exception of debt collection activities. If required, debt collection may be taken on against 15 percent of the results to be achieved. It depends on the legal risks, recoupment possibilities and the extent of the financial interests. For more information, please visit our dedicated website www.debt-collection-netherlands.com.
Reimbursement of costs
In cases of arranged dissolution of labour contracts employers are sometimes prepared to reimburse the legal costs of the employee (usually up to a specific fixed sum). This may be in the interests of the employer's self-interest. It may give him more say about which lawyer will be his opponent.
If, as an employee, you have been involved in a work accident for which you may hold your employer liable, your employer (or his insurance company) shall have to reimburse the full costs for your legal assistance. In such cases, too, arrangements can be made that are profitable for you as an employee.
Ask us what the options are. When you have legal insurance or when you are a union member, your insurance company or union is sometimes prepared to take your explicit preference for a specific lawyer into account. In such cases the lawyer may send his bills directly to your insurance company or union. Click the "2nd opinion" button for more information.
When proceedings are necessary, the District Court judge will usually rule that the other party will have to pay your legal costs. When you file a claim, you may also want to add extrajudicial costs and interest to the claim. This is one way to retrieve at least part of the legal costs.
Assignment / legal aid counsel
Private persons with a low income and of little means may qualify for a state-subsidised legal aid (known as: "assignment", "legal counsel" or "legal aid lawyer"). Such assignment needs to be applied for by us at the Dutch Legal Aid Board, Raad voor Rechtsbijstand.
If you want to know whether your income or means are within the legal limits to qualify for subsidized legal aid, please click on Tabel Inkomens- en Vermogensgrenzen (Income and Assets Limits Table). This table will be displayed in a separate web page.
Extensive information on state-subsidized legal aid can be found on the website of the Dutch Legal Aid Board, Raad voor Rechtsbijstand. This Board is in charge of and decides about such assignments.
- Brochure on subsidized legal aid
- Form to apply for changing the base year
- Form to apply for statement of income
