Deutsche Version: umweltklimaenergie.de/anwaltshonorar/
Lawyers‘ fees in Germany are governed by the Lawyers‘ Remuneration Act (Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz – RVG). The Act provides statutory fees but also allows fee agreements. Our fees depend on the type and scope of the work, the complexity of the matter and the agreement made with you. All amounts on this page are net amounts plus statutory VAT (currently 19 %). For business clients established outside Germany, the VAT treatment may differ; we clarify this in the engagement.
Statutory fees
For out-of-court and court representation, the statutory fees depend on the value of the matter (Gegenstandswert) and on the fee items in the schedule of fees annexed to the RVG (Vergütungsverzeichnis). The fee table in Section 13 RVG was increased with effect from 1 June 2025 by the 2025 Act amending the law on court costs and remuneration (Kosten- und Betreuervergütungsrechtsänderungsgesetz 2025 – KostBRÄG 2025).
Example: for a value of EUR 10,000, a full (1.0) fee under Section 13 RVG amounts to EUR 652.00. For court proceedings at first instance with a procedural fee (1.3) and a hearing fee (1.2), this results in EUR 1,630.00 plus a flat rate for expenses and VAT.
Advice
For advice and opinions, the RVG provides that the lawyer should aim for a fee agreement (Section 34 (1) RVG). Without an agreement, the customary remuneration under civil law applies. Only for consumers is this capped at EUR 250, or EUR 190 for an initial consultation (each plus expenses and VAT). The cap does not apply to companies or public bodies.
Fee agreements and hourly rates
In environmental, climate and energy law we usually work on the basis of a fee agreement under Section 3a RVG, for example on the basis of hourly rates or a fixed fee, in particular for permitting procedures, contract drafting and compliance advice. The agreement must be made in text form. In court proceedings, the statutory fees may not be undercut (Section 49b (1) of the Federal Lawyers‘ Act – BRAO, Section 4 RVG).
Guide values from our German fee page:
- Hourly rates: between EUR 250 and EUR 350 per hour, depending on experience and specialisation
- Fixed fees for clearly defined services, for example the review of a contract: EUR 500 to EUR 2,000 depending on scope
- Retainer agreements for regular advice: often between EUR 500 and EUR 2,000 per month, depending on the scope of services
These hourly rates and fixed fees are guide values; the agreement made in the individual case is decisive. We are happy to provide a cost estimate in advance.
Court costs and cost reimbursement
In court proceedings, court fees are payable in addition to lawyers‘ fees. As a rule, the unsuccessful party bears the costs of the proceedings (Section 154 (1) of the Code of Administrative Court Procedure – VwGO, Section 91 of the Code of Civil Procedure – ZPO). Only the statutory fees are generally reimbursable, not any higher agreed fee.
Cross-border matters
In cross-border cases, for example international energy projects or arbitration proceedings, additional costs may arise for cooperation with foreign law firms or for translations. For companies, legal fees are generally deductible as business expenses under German tax law.
Questions about our fees? Our lawyers advise clients nationwide and internationally. Request a consultation