Dundas Lawyers prides itself on our fee transparency. We only issue itemised invoices so that clients can ascertain exactly what was done and how long it took for our lawyers to do. We believe in being accountable and transparent in everything we do with each invoice entry, rather than issuing lump sum invoices that are not open to scrutiny.
What don’t we charge for
Unlike a lot of firms, we don’t charge for items such as the cost of a telephone call, postage, time spent by our paralegals or printing (unless it is voluminous), in which case we outsource it and charge it to the client at cost. We never add any margins to disbursements paid on the client’s behalf.
Types of Fees
We offer fixed fees, stage-based pricing, estimate based pricing and retainers, depending on the anticipated scope of work to be completed.
Fixed fees generally apply where the scope of work can be particularised in detail including for example a certain number or rounds of amendments to a particular document.
Stage based pricing can be applied when the scope of work to be completed in order for the client’s matter to progress to a certain known point or “stage” can be predicted with reasonable certainty. If stage-based pricing applies, then this is usually a derivative of a fixed fee.
Estimate based pricing applies where the work to be performed cannot be accurately predicted with any certainty. In this case we provide clients with a ‘realistic estimate’ based on our experience in similar matters in the form of a low and high estimate. These estimates are based on the scope of work which we anticipate will have to be done, which we detail in an Engagement Letter.
For more complex litigious matters we also provide a detailed plan that includes fee estimates for Barristers and Independent Experts that will need to be engaged and update this as circumstances change throughout the evolution of the proceedings. We aim to be realistic, transparent, and accountable when providing range-based estimates.
Retainers apply to businesses that have an ongoing and reasonably predictable amount of work needing to be done on a monthly basis. Each retainer is unique and specific to the client’s business needs.
We always provide clients with an Engagement Letter and Master Costs Agreement before recording any billable time on a matter. The Engagement Letter always includes the anticipated scope of work and the Fixed Fee, the Stage Based Fee, the Fee Estimate or the Retainer, as the case requires. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your proposed fee structure, or if you require further information.
Minimising legal costs and maximising value
We welcome discussions about legal fees as we pride ourselves on our passion for ‘a better way’. To assist clients to minimise legal fees we publish our Client Guide to reducing Legal Costs which we hope will assist.
