Legal
What does a lawyer cost?
A fair question — and the answer is simpler than many expect. Here are the key figures, black and white.
Initial consultation — statutorily capped
0 – 0,00 €
incl. VAT (RVG § 34(1))
Under the German Attorney Fees Act, the initial consultation of a consumer is capped at €190 net (≈ €220 incl. VAT). In many simple matters we agree on less — and if the consultation leads to a continuing mandate, we usually credit the consultation fee against the later fee.
Legal-expenses insurance
0,00 €
if coverage confirmed — deductible remains
If the insured event has occurred and your legal-expenses insurer confirms coverage, we invoice the insurer directly. At most, you pay the contractual deductible.
Tip: Call your insurer briefly before the appointment, ask for the coverage confirmation and note the claim number — that is enough.
Important — free choice of lawyer (§ 127 VVG): If the insurer refers you to a "partner lawyer", decline politely. You have a statutory right to choose your own lawyer. Insurer-contracted lawyers often work on flat rates and carry many parallel cases — rarely to your advantage.
Tip: Call your insurer briefly before the appointment, ask for the coverage confirmation and note the claim number — that is enough.
Important — free choice of lawyer (§ 127 VVG): If the insurer refers you to a "partner lawyer", decline politely. You have a statutory right to choose your own lawyer. Insurer-contracted lawyers often work on flat rates and carry many parallel cases — rarely to your advantage.
Not-at-fault accident
0,00 €
opposing insurer pays
If you are not at fault in a traffic accident, attorney fees belong to the recoverable damage — just like expert, rental-car and repair costs. RVG fees are clearly calculable; disputes with the opposing insurer are rare.
Expert fees, on the other hand, are regularly cut by opposing insurers — sometimes justifiably, sometimes not. For this reason it is strongly recommended to have a lawyer handle the claim from the outset — normally at no cost risk to you.
Expert fees, on the other hand, are regularly cut by opposing insurers — sometimes justifiably, sometimes not. For this reason it is strongly recommended to have a lawyer handle the claim from the outset — normally at no cost risk to you.
How we bill
In traffic, employment and civil matters, the statutory fee schedule (RVG) applies. Fees depend on the amount in dispute or type of proceedings — fully transparent and predictable.
In criminal matters a fee agreement is more common — particularly for extensive cases or intensive preparation. Statutory RVG fees often do not reflect the actual effort there.
If anything is unclear, we will explain at the appointment exactly which costs to expect and which billing method is fairest in your case. You receive an honest estimate up front — no surprises afterwards.
Arrange a first consultation
Call us or send a short enquiry online — we respond within one working day.