This is the usual way we are paid for our work. Clients agree to pay us themselves for the work which we do for them. We agree to do the work either for a fixed fee, or alternatively a variable fee dependant on the amount of time spent by us on the matter, the importance of the matter and the urgency of the instructions.
 
A fixed fee might be agreed for a specific project or to perform a particular task, such as advising on a specific matter.  The alternative is a variable fee where we calculate our fees on the basis of the time it takes to do a job, or for performing a task.  This is by reference to an individual's hourly chargeable rate broken down into 6-minute "units".

In each case you will be responsible for payment of our account.

In certain circumstances, we can represent clients under different forms of Conditional Fee Agreements ("CFAs") otherwise known as a "No Win No Fee" agreements. We may discuss with you whether this is the most appropriate way to conduct a case.

 

Under this type of agreement, we will ordinarily only be paid if your case is successful. If successful we will be entitled to a basic payment and a success fee.  Both the basic fee and the success fee are paid in whole or in part by the losing party.  The losing party may also pay for the disbursements, such as court fees and fees for expert witnesses.  You will be liable to pay us any costs that the losing party is not ordered to pay.

 

If you are unsuccessful, ordinarily, you do not pay us anything, except disbursements.

A contingency fee agreement is where we agree to accept a percentage of the damages recovered for pursuing a claim on your behalf.  We will inform you as to the exact percentage at the very outset of your case.  This type of agreement can only be entered into where court proceedings have not been issued.

Individuals and businesses often have insurance policies that provide for cover in respect of legal disputes.  For example, you may have "ticked the box" for legal expenses on a commercial insurance policy and this can fund payment of your legal fees in certain circumstances.  Often insurance providers have their own legal departments or panel firms that provide the advice where cover is provided.  In other cases, you are able to appoint your own solicitor and fees are paid by the insurer to your nominated adviser (subject to rates and limits).  In some cases you need to follow specific steps to ensure that your claim is covered. You should always investigate this option to see if you are covered and advise us of the position as soon as possible following you instructing us.  In all cases you will be primarily responsible for our fees. Accordingly should for any reason the insurer fail to pay our fees we will seek to recover any outstanding balance from you.

We do accept payments made by third parties on your behalf, in certain circumstances.  Should payments cease however, we will seek to recover any outstanding balance from you.

The different types of payment options available can be complex and the above notes are just a summary. If you are uncertain about any of these issues or feel that you case could be funded in a different way please speak to the lawyer who is dealing with your case at Langleys for further advice.