Fee

Fee

We charge our fees according to time spent. The amount of the fee depends on the person handling the case and is shown in the following table:

Lawyers: CHF 280 per hour

Legal employees: CHF 240 per hour

Fabian Spühler: CHF 320 per hour

The fee rates are exclusive of VAT and expenses.

Each work step is listed in the invoice and described in terms of content and recorded in steps of 0.1 hours. All time spent in connection with a case is invoiced (e.g. for letters, legal documents, telephone calls, e-mails, travel to external appointments, court hearings, etc.). The client can request information about the costs incurred at any time.

Secretarial work and expenses in connection with invoicing are not charged.

Expenses

In addition to the fee, expenses plus VAT are due. A flat rate of 3% of the fee (excl. VAT) is charged for small expenses (paper, postage, copies, telephone). Other expenses such as travel costs will be charged in addition to the small expenses.

Cost advances

Due to their professional and ethical obligations, lawyers are generally required to demand an advance on their fees from their clients. The law firm Spühler Attorneys at Law therefore regularly requests advances on costs.

We require an advance payment of CHF 350.00 for the first meeting.
At the first meeting, the person handling the case can explain the further costs of handling the case and the financing options.

If it is determined after the first meeting that free legal representation or official defense is possible, no further advances on costs will be requested.

In the case of a cost approval by a legal expenses insurance or a victim counseling center, we waive an advance on costs for the first meeting.

Free legal representation / official defense

The law firm Spühler Attorneys at Law also takes on mandates in the context of free legal representation or official defense (“public defense”). These are mandates in which the attorney’s fees and, if applicable, the costs of the proceedings are borne by the state. The prerequisite is that the person seeking legal assistance cannot afford official or court proceedings and the case is of a certain complexity.
The costs paid by the state can be reclaimed if the client’s financial situation improves.

During your first consultation with Spühler Rechtsanwälte AG, we will be happy to check whether you are entitled to free legal assistance.

Legal expenses insurance

The law firm Spühler Rechtsanwälte also works together with legal expenses insurance companies.
After you have clarified whether we can take on the case by requesting an appointment, you should register your case immediately and personally with the legal expenses insurance company and clarify whether insurance cover exists.
Let the insurance company know which person from Spühler Attorneys at Law you would like to be represented by.
The legal expenses insurance company will then approve the costs for individual (procedural) steps.
You do not run any cost risk within the scope of the cost approval.
Services that go beyond the cost approval or are not covered by the insurance policy are subject to a charge for the client.

Please refer to the information sheet of the Swiss Bar Association.

Further costs

Proceedings before courts and authorities can result in further costs such as procedural costs and party compensation. Read more about this under FAQ (frequently asked questions).