How lawyers' fees work in Quebec in 2023!

For the average person, the legal profession is shrouded in mystery.

It is not always easy to understand how lawyers' fees work when you have never dealt with such professionals before.

How much will the services cost? How will the lawyer charge me? These are excellent questions you need to get answers to before you hire a lawyer.

JuriGo understands these concerns and that's why we're explaining in detail how legal fees will work in Quebec in 2023!

Learn everything you need to know about legal fees in Quebec and contact us to get in touch with a lawyer in your area.

Our referral service is free and does not commit you to anything! Just fill out the form on this page and we will do the rest.

What you need to know about legal fees in Quebec!

In Quebec, lawyers are free to charge their own fees and choose their fee structure!

In fact, there is no mandatory fee structure imposed by law or by the Quebec Bar. This means that you are likely to meet lawyers offering different types of fees, and it is important to be aware of them.

Here are the ways lawyers in Quebec charge for their services:

• Hourly rate

• Flat rate

• Percentage rate

• Hybrid rate

  However, lawyers have ethical obligations regarding their fees!

Lawyers are free to choose their method of remuneration but their fees must be proportionate to the complexity of the case, the time spent on the case, the importance of the case, and the outcome. In other words, the fees must be fair and reasonable in light of the circumstances!

The Professional fee Agreement: An essential contract!

What is a professional fee agreement?

The retainer agreement is the service contract you sign with your lawyer. It sets out the cost of the lawyer's services, the scope of the lawyer's mandate, the method of compensation and the various terms and conditions of your lawyer-client relationship.

Here's what your fee agreement should contain when you hire a lawyer!

• The identity of the client and the lawyer

• A description of the mandate given

• The stages of the case

• All legal fees are to be paid by the client

• The terms of payment

• An estimate of the cost of the fees

• Mention of disbursements and advances (if applicable)

• Clause indicating the method of pricing

• All extrajudicial costs are to be paid by the client

• The duration of the agreement (start and end date)

  Additional clauses may be added depending on the nature and complexity of the case!

It is generally mentioned in the fee agreement that the estimated cost of services and the number of hours are approximate and subject to revision.

For a percentage or flat fee, a clause for the revision of fees will also be inserted in the contract in the event that a client abandons or settles the case before the anticipated time.

Why is the fee agreement essential?

Because this contract will be the point of reference of the client and the lawyer, and in case of a disagreement on the amount of the fees, or on any other aspect of the service, it is to this contract that any one of them can turn to for guidance.

Hourly rates: A very common practice among lawyers!

The hourly rate is the most common system adopted by lawyers in Quebec.

The client pays the lawyer according to the number of hours the latter has spent on the case, which is fair on both sides. Lawyers' hourly rates may vary depending on their experience, area of practice, and reputation.

Here is an overview of the average hourly rate for lawyers in Quebec!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hourly pricing for lawyers?

The main disadvantage of hourly pricing is that it is difficult for the client to predict the total cost of the lawyer's services. Although the lawyer must provide the client with an estimate of costs and keep the client informed of changes in fees, hourly pricing can be difficult to predict.

For what type of cases is hourly pricing the most advantageous?

Hourly billing applies to virtually all types of cases. However, complex and unpredictable cases will be the most appropriate for this billing method.

Since the lawyer does not know in advance the number of hours required to complete the case, it will be difficult to establish a fixed or flat fee in advance.

For what types of cases will a flat rate be possible?

The flat rate is a fixed price charged to complete the entire case.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the flat fee system?

Cost predictability is the main advantage of the flat fee, regardless of the nature of the case. Since it the price is already set, there are no surprises when you receive the bill. On the other hand, you won't have the opportunity to save money if the case takes less time to complete than expected. The price is set in both scenarios!

NOTE: An amendment clause can be included in the fee agreement. This clause will stipulate that in case of unforeseen circumstances requiring more hours to be spent on the case, an increase in the flat fee will be necessary.

What is a percentage-based fee for a lawyer?

The percentage-based fee means that the lawyer receives a portion of the client's winnings as compensation.

The percentage-based fee is the ideal system for liability cases because the client is looking to collect a sum of money as damages.

With a percentage fee, the legal fee agreement will generally contain a price review clause. In the event that the client loses the case, the lawyer will generally provide for an alternative form of compensation.

However, this alternative remuneration must be provided for in the fee agreement between the lawyer and the client.

Is hybrid compensation for lawyers a good pricing strategy?

Lawyers generally choose among the above-mentioned fee structures. However, sometimes they opt for a "hybrid" remuneration instead!

What does hybrid or blended lawyer pricing look like?

A hybrid fee structure is simply a combination of two methods of compensation. For example, a lawyer paid on a percentage basis might also charge a reduced hourly rate to their client.

Another example would be a lawyer combining a flat fee and hourly rates. In short, because each case is unique, lawyers are free to be creative with their fee structure.

The important thing is that the type of fee is clearly stated in your fee agreement!

EVERYTHING your lawyer's bill must have

It is mandatory to submit an account of the fees at the end of the case. This account is actually your "itemized bill" for all services rendered by your lawyer.

What items should be included in a lawyer's bill?

• Costs (legal fees)
• The hourly rate and the number of hours billed
• A description of the mandate performed
• Bailiff, stenographer and expert fees
• Other administrative costs (e.g. photocopies)

What should you do if you disagree with your lawyer's bill?

You should try to discuss the matter directly with your lawyer in order to obtain his or her explanations and try to find a common ground. In the absence of such an agreement, the Quebec Bar offers free mediation services when a conflict regarding professional fees arises.

How to prevent billing problems with your lawyer?

By setting things straight from the start, that's how! To do this, you will need a detailed fee agreement which your lawyer will explain in detail. Make sure you understand the agreement before you sign it.

Legal fees and legal aid!

Access to justice is an important aspect of Quebec society.

And since lawyer fees come with a price, this access can be restricted for low-income people. This is why the governmental legal aid program was put in place!

Since lawyers’ services come at a price, this access can become difficult for low-income individuals. For this reason, the governmental legal aid program was put in place!

What exactly is government legal aid?

It is a program that allows low-income individuals to be represented by a lawyer free of charge. However, you must be eligible for legal aid to receive free legal services and the case submitted must be covered by the legal aid program.

There is also a second component to legal aid that allows individuals with modest incomes to receive the services of a lawyer at lower prices.

Compare lawyers with the help of JuriGo

Now that you have a better idea of the fees charged by lawyers, you are ready to compare the services of these professionals.

That's good news because JuriGo can refer you to lawyers in your area to meet your needs.

We have a network of lawyers across the province so no matter where you are, we have the right lawyer for you.

Fill out our form and we'll connect you to a lawyer in your area quickly and free of charge!