Tariffs: performance codes

The actual degree of difficulty of a dossier is being determined and justified in accordance with the performances carried out and by means of a performance coefficient.

These coefficients are the mathematical result of the assembled statistic data of the office. The rule of thumb is the question whether the lawyer is working exclusively and intensely for the client when rendering his performance, or whether he is still available for other interventions. (answering telephone calls, follow-up of incoming fax and e-mail, available for other colleagues at the office etc.) Of course, this does not mean that any interruptions of the work are not taken into account when indicating the time schedule.

The time spent is indicated and expressed in units of 10 minutes (6 units are 1 hour.). The content of the performance will be indicated in short. (For example: BT expert = letter to expert. PL Kph 10 k = pleadings before the Court of Commerce, 10^th Chamber).

Then the hourly wages thus calculated will be multiplied by:

• Code AP  Administrative duties: 0,7

The necessary but mere administrative duties for the dossier concerned, fixing the agenda, administration for the court registry, composition of dossiers for pleading, deposition of documents. Although these activities are done by the lawyers themselves, administrative employees are also capable of doing them.

• Code BT  Correspondence: 0,9

Any normal correspondence with parties and third parties.

• Code CS  Case research and study: 0,8

Any studies for a case, regarding legal doctrine and jurisdiction, which may be considered as general knowledge for the lawyer and which are not completely charged to the customer.

• Code IC  Internal office consultation: 0,5

Any internal consultation between the office lawyers concerning the file. The (both) lawyers concerned reduce  their hourly fee to 50 %

• Code TC   Team Consult: 0,9

Consultation with external counsellors ( Company auditor, notary, company lawyer, other lawyers of the client, …)

• Code VT  Transport time: 0,7

Any transportations to the Court of Justice in Antwerp (Bolivarplaats) or the Court of Appeal in Antwerp (Waalse Kaai) will be charged at 30 minutes return.

• Code WT  Waiting time: 0,5

Waiting times at the Courts in Antwerp are not charged, because lawyers can always carry out other tasks while waiting.

• Code  MB  Discussion counterparty – third parties: 1,2

Any discussions or negotiations with the counterparty (counterparties), appointed experts or with third parties where the interests of the clients must be served.

• Code  XX   Procedures and process deeds: 1,3

Drawing up of writs, requests, conclusions, written defences

• Code  SK   Written advice and contracts: 1,2

Documents on the basis of which the client is committing himself.

• Code PL   Appearance before the judge– pleadings: 1,5

Also called robe duties, because these activities require that a robe is being worn.

• Code 00 of OO  Performances not charged: 0,0

We also mention performances in the time schedule for which the lawyer does not want to charge his client.

• Codes CC  Consultation client / EP Expertise on the site / SD  Study of dossiers and evidence material / TA Contacts by telephone: 1,0

By using these codes in the time schedules, the activities can be assessed in detail. They are further used for internal statistic data.

• Code Y  Urgent ASAP  1,5  and Code Z  Very urgent – Immediately: 2,0

These may be indicated separately next to any other performances, and meaning that the other planned activities must be shifted to allow for the performance required (Y) , or that other activities should be interrupted to give immediate priority to this duty (Z). The urgent character should be justified in an objective way and may not be caused by the lawyer.

• Code V  Attendance: 0,2

Is indicated separately next to the performance concerned, and concerns duties which are considered to be carried out at the office, but in reality these are carried out elsewhere. (consultation of dossiers, documents with the registrar of mortgages or the land registry, libraries and the like.)