Hourly Rate and Approach
At D-Legal, we use a fair and transparent hourly rate of €121 including VAT. This is considerably lower than at many law firms, where hourly rates of €250 to €350 excluding VAT are common. For this rate, you receive dedicated and knowledgeable legal support, with clear explanations of what we do, why we do it, and what it means for your case. No unnecessary work, no hidden costs.
Hourly Rate and Approach
At D-Legal, we use a fair and transparent hourly rate of €121 including VAT. This is considerably lower than at many law firms, where hourly rates of €250 to €350 excluding VAT are common. For this rate, you receive dedicated and knowledgeable legal support, with clear explanations of what we do, why we do it, and what it means for your case. No unnecessary work, no hidden costs.
Cases against the government: start-up fee only
In cases against a government authority, such as objection or appeal proceedings against a decision of a municipality or another administrative body, you only pay the initial start-up fee at the beginning of the case. These consist of:
- Analysis of your file
- Drafting a notice of objection or appeal
- If necessary: initial correspondence with the authority
The amount of work depends on the complexity of the case:
- Simple objection: approximately 2 hours of work
- Average objection or short appeal: approximately 4 hours of work
- Complex appeal before the administrative court: up to 8 hours of work
Good to know
If we bring the case to a successful conclusion, in many cases our additional costs are recovered from the government through a reimbursement of legal costs. This means you will not pay more than the agreed advance.
Cases against the government: start-up fee only
In cases against a government authority, such as objection or appeal proceedings against a decision of a municipality or another administrative body, you only pay the initial start-up fee at the beginning of the case.
These consist of:
- Analysis of your file
- Drafting a notice of objection or appeal
- If necessary: initial correspondence with the authority
The amount of work depends on the complexity of the case:
- Simple objection: approximately 2 hours of work
- Average objection or short appeal: approximately 4 hours of work
- Complex appeal before the administrative court: up to 8 hours of work
Good to know
If we bring the case to a successful conclusion, in many cases our additional costs are recovered from the government through a reimbursement of legal costs. This means you will not pay more than the agreed advance.
Disputes with individuals or companies
If the dispute concerns a private individual or a company, for example a customer who refuses to pay or a supplier who fails to fulfil an agreement, our full hourly rate of €121 (including VAT) will be charged.
In civil proceedings, additional costs apply for:
- Summons via bailiff: on average €90 – €130
- Court registry fee (court costs):
- €93 to €265 for claims ranging from €500 to €12,500.
- €753 for claims ranging from €12,500 to €25,000.
We always provide a clear estimate of the number of hours in advance and work with an advance payment, so you are never faced with unexpected costs.
Disputes with individuals or companies
If the case involves a dispute with a private individual or a company, such as a client who refuses to pay or a supplier who fails to comply with an agreement, we charge our standard hourly rate of €121 including VAT.
In civil proceedings, additional costs apply for:
- Summons via bailiff: on average €90 – €130
- Court registry fee (court costs):
- €93 to €265 for claims ranging from €500 to €12,500.
- €753 for claims ranging from €12,500 to €25,000.
We always provide a clear estimate of the number of hours in advance and work with an advance payment, so you are never faced with unexpected costs.
Average cost of a subdistrict court case
Example: you have a claim of €4,000 and the other party refuses to pay. You ask us to start legal proceedings on your behalf. The costs would then look approximately as follows:
- Legal work (10 hours × €121): €1,210
- Summons via bailiff: €130
- Court fee (district court): €265
- Total amount: €1,597 including VAT
Advice: litigation is generally not recommended for claims below €1,000
Even if the claim is successful, the court will usually not award full compensation for legal costs. Dutch courts apply a fixed scale of cost awards (the so-called liquidation tariff), which is typically lower than the actual costs incurred. For that reason, we generally advise against commencing legal proceedings for claims below €1,000, unless the matter involves a question of principle or other special circumstances. This will always be discussed with you in advance in a clear and transparent manner.
Average cost of a subdistrict court case
Example: you have a claim of €4,000 and the other party refuses to pay. You ask us to start legal proceedings on your behalf.
The costs would then look approximately as follows:
- Legal work (10 hours × €121): €1,210
- Summons via bailiff: €130
- Court fee (district court): €265
- Total amount: €1,597 including VAT
Advice: avoid legal proceedings for claims under €1,000
Even if you win, you will usually not recover all legal costs. The court applies a fixed compensation scale (the liquidated costs tariff), which is often lower than the actual expenses. For this reason, in practice we usually advise against starting legal proceedings for claims under €1,000, unless the matter is principled or there are other relevant circumstances. We always discuss this with you honestly and in advance.
Working on an Advance Payment
Before we get started, we make a realistic estimate of the number of hours required. Based on this, you will receive an advance invoice. Once it has been paid, we will start work immediately.
If the case requires more work than initially anticipated, we will discuss this with you in good time. This way, you remain in control of the costs and know exactly where you stand.
Intake and Start-up
The advance includes the intake and case preparation. During the intake, we discuss your case, review the relevant documents, and create a plan of action. This forms the foundation of our legal work.
No unexpected costs
The advance includes the intake and case preparation. During the intake, we discuss your case, review the relevant documents, and create a plan of action. This forms the foundation of our legal work.
Working on an Advance Payment
Before we get started, we make a realistic estimate of the number of hours required. Based on this, you will receive an advance invoice. Once it has been paid, we will start work immediately.
If the case requires more work than initially anticipated, we will discuss this with you in good time. This way, you remain in control of the costs and know exactly where you stand.
Intake and Start-up
The advance includes the intake and case preparation. During the intake, we discuss your case, review the relevant documents, and create a plan of action. This forms the foundation of our legal work.
No unexpected costs
The advance includes the intake and case preparation. During the intake, we discuss your case, review the relevant documents, and create a plan of action. This forms the foundation of our legal work.
We fight for your rights!
