Legal fees

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This page concerns German law and applicable EU rules. Foreign-law questions require separate assessment.

Our firm places particular emphasis on transparency and flexibility in agreeing fees for animal keepers, welfare organisations, vets and other animal-law clients. We consider the individual circumstances and scope of each matter.

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1. Fee arrangements

1.1. Initial consultations

• Initial consultation fees:
  • Private individuals: EUR 150–250 net, depending on complexity.
  • Organisations or businesses, including welfare associations and farms: EUR 250–400 net, depending on the scope.
• Initial consultation includes:
  • Initial legal assessment.
  • Discussion of prospects and potential costs.
  • Help deciding whether further action is appropriate.
• Duration:
  • Usually around 60 minutes.
• Please note:
  • The initial consultation fee is often credited against further fees when instructions are accepted.

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1.2. Time-based fees

• Hourly fees:
  • Depending on complexity and subject, our hourly rate is EUR 250–400 net.
• Typical applications:
  • Advice and contract drafting, including sales, breeding and liability.
  • Out-of-court negotiation, including veterinary bills and damages.
  • Complex matters requiring substantial research or detailed assessment.
• Records:
  • We record time in detail and provide regular cost updates.

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1.3. Fixed fees

• Fixed charges:
  • For defined standard services, fixed fees provide predictability.
• Examples:
  • Drafting an animal sale agreement: EUR 500–800 net, depending on species and scope.
  • Reviewing a veterinary invoice dispute: EUR 250–500 net.
  • Representation in administrative proceedings (such as veterinary authority conditions): EUR 1,000–2,500 net, depending on work involved.
  • Drafting a breeding service agreement: EUR 400–700 net, depending on detail.

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1.4. Fees under the German Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG)

• We use RVG billing in exceptional cases, particularly court proceedings.
• Basis of calculation:
  • The value in dispute determines statutory fees.
  • Example: with a value in dispute of EUR 10,000, the fee shown here for out-of-court representation is approximately EUR 887 net (the calculation must be checked against the applicable fee table and multiplier).
• Typical applications:
  • Court proceedings where statutory fee requirements apply.
  • Low-value cases to keep client costs proportionate.

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2. Benefits of our fee arrangements

1. transparency:
   • We explain expected costs during the initial consultation.
2. flexibility:
   • Fees can be agreed individually according to the matter and needs.
3. Predictability:
   • Fixed fees define costs for the agreed scope.
4. Fairness:
   • In extensive matters our time-based billing reflects the work performed.

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3. Examples of services and fees

Service	Fee, excluding VAT
Initial keeper consultation, e.g. liability	EUR 150–250
Contract drafting, e.g. horse purchase	EUR 500–800
Veterinary liability dispute	EUR 1,000–3,000, depending on time
Administrative proceedings, e.g. welfare conditions	EUR 1,000–2,500 fixed fee
Court representation: RVG, EUR 10,000 dispute value	Approximately EUR 1,500

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4. Urgent matters and special terms

• Urgent matters, including cruelty allegations or seizure:
  • Prompt advice and representation at individually agreed rates.
• Animal welfare organisations:
  • Reduced fees or special terms may be agreed for charitable associations and organisations.

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5. Legal fees

Our fee structure aims to provide a fair and transparent cost basis through initial consultations, time-based billing and fixed fees matched to the scope and complexity. We generally agree time-based or fixed fees; statutory fee requirements remain applicable.