Lawyer fees in the Netherlands
Our hourly rates, what is charged on top of them, and the difference between a free introductory conversation and a paid consultation.
Our hourly rate
What you pay per hour depends on who handles your case and what kind of case it is:
- lawyer: 250 to 350 euro per hour
- partner: 300 to 400 euro per hour
All rates are exclusive of 21 percent VAT. For a private client, a rate of 300 euro per hour therefore comes to 363 euro including VAT. Across the full range that is 302.50 to 484 euro per hour. Businesses can usually reclaim the VAT, private clients cannot.
We bill on the basis of the hours worked and invoice periodically. In some cases a fixed price can be agreed. We are willing to give an estimate of the expected costs in advance, and afterwards you receive a specification of the hours spent and the work carried out.
What is charged on top of the hourly rate
Alongside the hourly rate and VAT you pay the disbursements: third-party costs that your case requires, such as court registry fees, bailiff costs and extracts from registers. We charge these separately.
The introductory conversation is free
An introductory conversation costs you nothing. In it you get to know us, we look at which lawyer suits your case best, and you hear what your case is expected to cost. It is not the conversation in which you receive a substantive answer to your legal question; that is the consultation. You can request an introductory conversation through contact.
A consultation costs 300 euro including VAT
If you want to discuss your case with a lawyer and get an answer to it, that is a consultation. A consultation costs 300 euro including VAT. It is available for certain standard matters; whether your case qualifies is something you hear before you pay anything. You can book a consultation here.
We do not take on cases under the legal aid scheme
We do not take on cases on the basis of a toevoeging, the Dutch subsidised legal aid scheme.
If you do qualify for subsidised legal aid, you can turn to Het Juridisch Loket or to a firm that works under the scheme.
Frequently asked questions about costs
A lawyer charges 250 to 350 euro per hour and a partner 300 to 400 euro per hour, both exclusive of 21 percent VAT. Including VAT that comes to 302.50 to 484 euro per hour.
Nothing. An introductory conversation is free. You get to know us, we look at which lawyer suits your case and you hear what your case is expected to cost. A substantive answer to your legal question comes in a consultation.
A consultation costs 300 euro including VAT. In a consultation you put your case to a lawyer and get an answer to it. This is available for certain standard matters; whether your case qualifies is something you hear before you pay anything.
Alongside the hourly rate and VAT you pay the disbursements: third-party costs your case requires, such as court registry fees, bailiff costs and extracts from registers. We charge these separately.
A legal adviser often charges a lower rate but may not represent you in every proceeding. In criminal cases and in most proceedings before the district court other than subdistrict cases, only a lawyer may act on your behalf. If your case goes to court, that difference weighs more heavily than the rate.
No. We do not take on cases on the basis of a toevoeging, the Dutch subsidised legal aid scheme. If you qualify for it, you can turn to Het Juridisch Loket or to a firm that works under the scheme.
