Billing Methods used at BrusCCC
A client has an option to select any one of the billing methods before the commencement of work.
-Hourly Billing Rates
(Our Billing Code- 01HBR)
Hourly rates are defined by qualifications, the experience of the partner or lawyer working in the file this also depends on complexity, urgency, budget, and requirements in the matter. While computing the hourly rate of each partner or lawyer we have also considered the competitive market, efficiency of each lawyer, and the discount that could be made available to make the hourly rate reasonable. Each personnel's hourly rates are defined above.
Generally, the firm's time is billed at hourly rates which vary consistent with the experience of the various lawyers and staff who work on the case. The practice is also to employ non-lawyers within the firm (e.g. paralegals) wherever possible to assist the lawyers in the matter. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, the client is invoiced regularly for the time spent by the firm on a client's matter and for costs and expenses incurred on behalf of the client.
The hourly rate is often used where the scope or type of service to be provided is not routine or evolves or will be determined by factors outside the control of the client (e.g., an opposing litigant, a corporate acquisition, or a similar type of custom engagement). When entering into an hourly fee arrangement, the client is encouraged to seek estimates for the work. Litigation budgets often form a part of the communication process. While the ongoing detailed reporting sometimes in itself increases the level of work, with email and fax deliveries, short and informal updates become a more effective tool to solidify and bolster the attorney-client relationship.
It is the firms' practice to notify the client at the time the firm is engaged as to the number of lawyers including non-lawyers (paralegal) that will work in the file and should there be a requirement to increase the number of lawyers or non-lawyers the lead partner simply informs the client and if there is no such notification from the beginning then it is assumed that only the lead partner along with a paralegal will work in the given file.
All Disbursements incurred are computed on actual. Third-party costs would include the following (where applicable): travel and transport; photocopying; phones and faxes; experts and counsels; airfare, hotels and meals, videoconferencing; correspondent fees and expenses; court or institutional fees' stamping and registration; government, quasi-government or other fees; court and other departmental; other actual expenses.
Each client has a dedicated partner (the lead partner) who will lead, co-ordinate, and will be directly responsible to meet the client requirements effectively.
Our Billing rates are subject to a minimum fee of USD 999 + Disbursements on actual.
Timesheet is maintained concerning usage of hours/ man-hour computation, the total usage of time is reflected in our Bill of Cost when forwarded.
-Blended Hourly Rates
(Our Billing Code- 02BHR)
Blended hourly rates are usually based on the average rate of two or more lawyers (non-lawyer including paralegals rates are not blended with lawyers rates) who will work on a file. All-time is billed at this blended hourly rate, regardless of which lawyer is doing the work. In our blended billing rates, each client has a dedicated partner (the lead partner) who will lead, co-ordinate, and will be directly responsible to meet the client requirements effectively. This blended hourly rate for the given file is agreed with the client at the time the firm is being engaged.
It is the firm's practice to notify the client at the time the firm is engaged as to the number of lawyers including non-lawyers (paralegal) that will work in the file and should there be a requirement to increase the number of lawyers or non-lawyers the lead partner simply informs the client.
Many clients are opting for this method as this method for small-size to mid-size to large-size work is economical and easy to compute and understand.
All Disbursements incurred are computed on actual. Third-party costs would include the following (where applicable): travel and transport; photocopying; phones and faxes; experts and counsels; airfare, hotels and meals, videoconferencing; correspondent fees and expenses; court or institutional fees' stamping and registration; government, quasi-government or other fees; other actual expenses.
Each client has a dedicated partner (the lead partner) who will lead, co-ordinate, and will be directly responsible to meet the client requirements effectively.
Our Blended Billing rates are subject to a minimum fee of USD 999 + Disbursements on actual and shall be USD 140 per hour.
Timesheet is maintained concerning usage of blended billing hours, the total usage of time is reflected in our Bill of Cost when forwarded.
-Fixed fee for various stages of work
(Our Billing Code- 03FVS)
Fixed fees are fees that the client agrees to pay a decided definite amount for a particular work unto a certain stage as assigned to the law firm, By defining the set fee client are aware of the cost upfront, this method helps the client to budget their legal expenses. We estimate the fees and expenses unto a certain stage and set the professional fee unto that stage and once that stage is about to be completed we estimate the next stage. All third-party expenses are actual but are estimated for the convenience of the client and added to the fixed fee, if it is apprehended that the third-party expenses are likely to escalate or de-escalate then the client is informed accordingly.
Certain types of matters under fixed fee arrangements include
1. due diligence,
2. company incorporation,
3. small sized acquisition,
4. simple contract drafting,
5. trademark filing,
6. opinion
7. litigation filing
8. or similar types of work.
-Annual Retainer
with Discounted blended hourly rates
(Our Billing Code- 05ARD)
The firm is retained by the client for twelve months, the retainer fees are a set fee payable by the client for being retained, our firm annual retainer fee is set at USD 3000/INR 2,30,000 (onwards) payable quarterly, and during this period the blended hourly rates as defined above will apply at 35 percent of the applicable rates and this rate will apply unto 65 man hour whether used or unused by the client, and on completion of 65 man hour thereafter our standard blended hourly rates will apply.
It is the firm's practice to notify the client at the time the firm is engaged as to the number of lawyers including non-lawyers (paralegal) that will work in the file and should there be a requirement to increase the number of lawyers or non-lawyers the lead partner simply informs the client.
All Disbursements incurred are computed on actual. Third-party costs would include the following (where applicable): travel and transport; photocopying; phones and faxes; experts and counsels; airfare, hotels and meals, videoconferencing; correspondent fees and expenses; court or institutional fees' stamping and registration; government, quasi-government or other fees; other actual expenses.
Timesheet is maintained concerning usage of blended billing hours, the total usage of time is reflected in our Bill of Cost when forwarded.
-Discounted Billing rates
(Our Billing Code- 06DBR)
Our firm considers offering a discounted rate if the firm receives a certain level of work from the client, the level of discount increases as the volume of work to the firm gets higher. The discount offer is discussed with the partner concerned. We actively encourage MSME and startups with discounted billings or billing structure for them to have quality legal support.
-Contingency Fee
(Our Billing Code- 07COF)
Contingency fees are not allowed under the Indian law therefore all disbursements or third-party expenses estimated should be paid in advance, while our Professional fees (estimated man-hour) of at least fifty percent should be paid in advance and the balance fee should be discussed with the partner concerned. We do not recommend contingency fees for the client as our partner's rates are twenty percent more than regular rates.
-PAYMENT MODE
Accountable advance, as agreed should be deposited with Brus Chambers prior to commencement of any work, either by Bankers Cheque in favour of "Brus Chambers" or by irrevocable telegraphic transfer to our bankers at, "CITI BANK", unless advised differently from the main office.
