Contract Terms
The terms on which instructions are accepted are agreed on a case-by-case basis.
All legal services are provided by independent Associate Members, who contract directly with clients. Owusu & Partners Global is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.
Instructions are typically accepted on the standard engagement terms of the relevant Associate Member, including the Owusu & Partners Global Client Care Letter, Engagement Terms and General Terms (where applicable).
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, contracts governing the provision of legal services will be subject to the law and jurisdiction applicable to the relevant Associate Member.
Pricing
Fees vary depending on the nature of the work and the individual Associate Member instructed.
Most advisory and drafting work is charged on an hourly basis. However, where appropriate, fixed fees, capped fees or fee estimates can be agreed in advance.
Fees are determined by a number of factors, including:
• the seniority, expertise and standing of the Associate Member;
• the complexity, scale and value of the matter;
• the urgency of the work required; and
• the volume of documentation or material to be considered.
For advocacy work, fees are commonly structured as a brief fee (covering preparation and the first day of hearing) together with refresher fees for each subsequent day. In some cases, alternative fee structures may be agreed.
All fees are exclusive of VAT (or any equivalent tax) where applicable.
Pricing Models
Associate Members typically work on one of the following fee structures:
- Fixed Fee: A fixed fee may be agreed for a defined piece of work. This provides cost certainty and will not vary unless the scope of the work materially changes and this is agreed in advance.
- Hourly Rate: Where work is charged on an hourly basis, fees are calculated by reference to the time reasonably spent on the matter.
Bespoke fee arrangements can be discussed depending on the nature of the instruction.
Timescales
Timescales for the completion of work are agreed on a case-by-case basis.
These will depend on a range of factors, including:
• the Associate Member’s existing professional commitments;
• the complexity and urgency of the matter;
• the volume of material requiring review;
• the need for further instructions, information or expert input; and
• court or tribunal timetables where applicable.
Associate Members are experienced in dealing with urgent matters and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate tight deadlines where required.
Additional Costs
In some cases, additional expenses may be incurred in the course of providing legal services. These may include:
• travel expenses;
• accommodation costs;
• expert fees; or
• court or administrative fees.
Such costs will usually be discussed and agreed with the client in advance wherever possible.