Fixed fee
Appropriate where the work can be clearly described in advance.
- Written scope
- Clear assumptions
- Additional work agreed separately
Estimate or range
Used where the route is known but volume, correspondence or complexity may change.
- Initial range
- Budget checkpoints
- Updated if scope changes
Hourly rate
Used where the amount of time required cannot be predicted reliably at the outset.
- Rate confirmed
- Time recorded
- Regular cost updates
What can change the cost?
Complexity, urgency, document volume, the number of parties, whether positions are agreed, and how much negotiation or litigation is required can all change the level of work. A well-scoped matter should make those variables visible early.
Disbursements and third-party costs
Some matters also involve payments to third parties, such as search providers, courts, experts or Land Registry services. Those should be identified separately from the firm's own legal fees where applicable.
Before work starts
You should receive a written explanation of the work being undertaken, the fee basis and any assumptions that materially affect the quote or estimate.