Our professional fees are charged in accordance with guidelines laid down by the New Zealand Law Society. They are usually charged on a time and attendance basis and the hourly rate for our lawyers is based on their level of seniority and experience.
In determining our fees we may also take into account other relevant factors such as:
We will usually ask that you make payments to us on account of anticipated fees. This is generally required at the time of receiving your instructions.
We will either charge you, or pass on to you for payment, any out-of-pocket expenses we incur.
Disbursements include things such as filing fees, courier charges, file retrieval fees and searches.
Office expenses include forms, faxes, photocopying, toll charges, and mobile phone costs.
It is not always possible to provide you with an exact amount of fees we will charge in advance as it will vary depending on the type of work, amount of work as well as other factors. Any estimate we do provide is only to be used as a guide of possible costs.
We will endeavor to bill you on a monthly basis. All bills are payable within 14 days of the date of invoice. Amounts outstanding after 2 months will be subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month.
If we are holding money on account of anticipated fees we may deduct any outstanding fees, office charges and disbursements from the funds held on your behalf.
If we are required to take steps to enforce payment of any outstanding fees you will be liable for all legal and debt collection costs that we may incur, including solicitor and own client costs, in enforcing or attempting to enforce our rights under these terms of engagement.
Either of us may terminate our engagement giving written notice at any time.
You will be required to pay our fees for work undertaken and for office charges and disbursements incurred up to the date of termination.