Understanding professional fees

Start with the work and the basis of charging

Ask which work is included and how the charge will be calculated. The legal work may involve considering evidence, advising on options, preparing documents, correspondence or dealing with proceedings. The scope of an instruction matters: an explanation covering one stage should not be read as covering every possible later stage.

Irish costs rules require clear written information. If a reliable figure cannot reasonably be given at the outset, the basis of calculation must still be explained. A written costs agreement can address the amount and manner of payment; its actual terms determine what has been agreed.

Conditional fees and percentage fees are different

The expression “no win no fee” is commonly used for an arrangement in which the treatment of professional fees depends on the outcome. It does not establish that such an arrangement applies to you. Read the conditions rather than relying on the label.

For a personal injury matter, the professional fee must not be calculated as a specified percentage or proportion of compensation. Separately, a solicitor needs the client’s prior written agreement before deducting legal costs from money payable to that client.

Your bill and recovered costs

What you owe your solicitor and what another party pays towards your costs are separate questions. A successful outcome does not necessarily mean that another party meets the whole bill. Ask how any recovery will be accounted for and whether you could face a shortfall.

Read the figures together

Check the professional fee alongside VAT, third-party charges and the payment terms. Keep the written explanation and any updates so that the eventual bill can be understood in context. This guide does not set Lalloo Solicitors’ fees or confirm any conditional arrangement.

Page prepared: 27 October 2026.