Terms of services

These conditions apply to the professional services provided by COLBERT Lawfirm in the absence of any agreement to the contrary in writing.

Fees are calculated on the basis of the time spent by the Firm on the services provided. Current average hourly rates are available on request.

Fees can be adjusted for urgency or complexity. The time spent on travel is charged at 50% of the hourly rate.

French value added tax at the current rate of 19.6% will be charged in addition, unless the client provides its EU VAT registration number.

An estimate of the amount of fees will be provided at the outset. The estimate will be revised as the matter progresses in the light of developments.
If the estimate may be exceeded, we will inform you and will not incur further work without your agreement, unless the matter is urgent and it is necessary to accomplish such work to preserve your interests.
Where the nature of the matter allows it, we may also propose all inclusive fees or mixed fee agreements, including an additional fee based on success or the result.
A payment generally on account of fees will usually be required before work is commenced.

In all cases, we will keep you informed of the financial position of your matter and invoice you at regular intervals.

Expenses incurred for travel will be re-invoiced in their full amount.

Current expenses for office support and administration equipment and supplies such as stamps, telephone, fax, electronic communications will be subject of an all inclusive charge of 5% of the amount invoiced for fees, with a minimum of 20 € ex VAT per invoice.

Other specific expenses such as disbursements for bailiffs, official gazette announcements or certified translations will usually be invoiced directly by the supplier, but where we have advanced the amount they will be re-invoiced to you for the same amount.

Disbursements will usually be paid by cheque drawn directly for the amount to the order of the service provider. In certain cases, we may request funds on account of disbursements by separate payment, and will be the subject of specific detailed invoicing.

Our invoices are payable on receipt. Delay in payment will result in liquidated damages being payable at the rate set in accordance with Article L441-6 of the French Commercial Code.