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Do irish lawyers ask for retainer up front

  • 06-07-2018 12:25PM
    #1
    Igotadose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 14,901 ✭✭✭✭


    Looking to hire a solicitor, one has agreed to meet and has asked for a deposit prior to meeting of ϵ1000 to be charged against going forward. Is this typical? The law firm's clerk has asked very little about what I plan to discuss, I'd have thought to write a check to the solicitor for their time after meeting with them.

    How is this typically handled?

    Thank you.


Comments

  • #2
    Claw Hammer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,982 ✭✭✭Claw Hammer


    Igotadose wrote: »
    Looking to hire a solicitor, one has agreed to meet and has asked for a deposit prior to meeting of ϵ1000 to be charged against going forward. Is this typical? The law firm's clerk has asked very little about what I plan to discuss, I'd have thought to write a check to the solicitor for their time after meeting with them.

    How is this typically handled?

    Thank you.
    it depends on the solicitor and it depends on the reason for the consultation. Some personal injury solicitors do not look for any money upfront. If you deal with the larger commercial solicitor firm they will always want money upfront. There may well be charging you €500 per hour so your €1000 will be gone very quickly.


  • #3
    randomrb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 351 ✭✭randomrb


    Wouldn't be as common with smaller firms. All solicitors are required to provide you with a s 68 letter which sets out their fees prior to charging you


  • #4
    Claw Hammer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,982 ✭✭✭Claw Hammer


    randomrb wrote: »
    Wouldn't be as common with smaller firms. All solicitors are required to provide you with a s 68 letter which sets out their fees prior to charging you

    They are entitled to charge beforehand. SECTION 68 does is make it mandatory to set out the charges in writing at the time of taking instructions or as soon as practical thereafter.

    68.—(1) On the taking of instructions to provide legal services to a client, or as soon as is practicable thereafter, a solicitor shall provide the client with particulars in writing of—

    (a) the actual charges, or

    (b) where the provision of particulars of the actual charges is not in the circumstances possible or practicable, an estimate (as near as may be) of the charges, or

    (c) where the provision of particulars of the actual charges or an estimate of such charges is not in the circumstances possible or practicable, the basis on which the charges are to be made,


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