Clear, agreed-in-advance fees

How fees are calculated

The fees payable for a matter depend on a number of factors, including:

• the complexity and value of the matter;
• the urgency of the work and any deadlines involved;
• the number and length of documents to be reviewed or produced;
• the volume of correspondence and third parties involved; and
• the level of work reasonably required to progress or resolve the matter.

Fixed fees

Where the scope of work can be defined at the outset, Jack Michaels may be able to offer a fixed fee. The fixed fee, what it does and does not include, and any conditions on which it depends, will be confirmed in the client-care letter.

Placeholder — specific fixed-fee services and prices to be confirmed.

Hourly rates

Where a fixed fee is not appropriate, work is charged on a time-recorded basis at an agreed hourly rate. Time is typically recorded in short units and includes advising, drafting, correspondence, meetings and telephone calls in relation to the matter.

Placeholder — applicable hourly rate(s) to be confirmed in the client-care letter.

VAT

Fees are quoted exclusive of VAT unless expressly stated otherwise. Where VAT applies, it will be charged at the prevailing rate.

Placeholder — VAT registration status to be confirmed.

Disbursements

Disbursements are third-party costs incurred on your behalf in connection with a matter, for example court fees, search fees, expert or counsel's fees, and identity verification fees. Any anticipated disbursements will be identified in the client-care letter, and you will be told before any material disbursement is incurred.

Estimated timescales

Timescales vary depending on the nature of the matter, the co-operation of other parties, and any court or third-party timetables. An indicative timescale will be set out in the client-care letter where possible, and updated as the matter progresses.

Confirmation before work begins

Before any substantive work is undertaken, Jack Michaels will send a written client-care letter confirming the scope of work, the basis of charging, any anticipated disbursements, any conditions and the applicable terms of business. Work only begins once you have confirmed your instructions.

If circumstances change materially and this is likely to affect the estimated costs, you will be told as soon as reasonably practicable and, wherever possible, before further costs are incurred.