Terms and conditions
Engagement letter
When accepting a new assignment we draft an engagement letter to the client. The letter determines our understanding of the assignment, how to carry out the work and which partner and employees will be included in the process. In the letter we will give the client an estimate of the fee, if the nature at the services requested allows it. If it is not possible from the outset to quote an estimate we will inform the client how we calculate the fee including hourly rates.
In situations where the client unambiguously has described the assignment, in urgent cases or in an ongoing client relationship we will not normally draft an engagement letter. However, we will as frequently as possible estimate the price of our counseling before it is being carried out. This applies to both private and business clients.
Client funds
All client funds paid to SIRIUS advokater will be managed in accordance with the rules of the Danish Bar and Law Society and will be deposited in client accounts. Interest accrued will be credited to the client in accordance with the rules of the Danish Bar and Law Society. The client must pay any interest debited to a separate client account as a consequence of such account being subject to a negative rate of interest as well as any fees which the account-holding bank may debit in connection with establishing, maintaining or closing down a separate client account. Client account deposits will be covered up to a general limit of EUR 100,000 laid down by the Danish Guarantee Fund for Depositors and Investors Act in the event of the financial collapse of the account-holding bank. The cover limit is calculated for each individual bank per client and includes the client’s deposits in own accounts, in separate client accounts and in joint client accounts. SIRIUS advokater assumes no liability for any loss incurred by clients as a consequence of the financial collapse of the account-holding bank.
The client account is in Danske Bank, reg.no. 4183, account no. 3345 632 743, iban no. DK09 3000 3345 632 743, swift/bic DABADKKK.
Deposit
In some cases we ask for a deposit to cover the whole or part of our estimated fee. In general, a deposit for first-time clients will be charged. The deposit is a client fund and will be treated accordingly.
Expenses
Usually we ask for prepayment of our expenses to third parties on behalf of the client necessary for the execution of the work at hand. The advance payment is a client fund and will be treated accordingly.
Fees
When calculating the fees we consider first of all the number of hours required. But we also take into consideration the character of the matter, the involved economic interests, the result obtain for the client and finally which degree of specialist knowledge we have invested in our assistance.
Hourly rates
The fact that we are specialists in the areas where we provide assistance is reflected in the fees. We emphasize transparency in our billing and the relationship between our fee and the added value of the service rendered.
We settle with regular and short term intervals, which are being agreed with the client – the starting point are monthly payments.
The hourly rates of the partners amount to DKK 3,150-3,700 depending on the circumstances. The hourly rates for attorneys are DKK 2,000-2,850 depending on seniority and the circumstances and assistant attorneys rates are DKK 1,400-1,700 per hour depending on seniority and the circumstances. The mentioned rates are not including 25 % VAT.
Conflict of interests
We do not accept assignments, which imply an actual or potential conflict of interest with other clients. Before we accept an assignment, we seek to clarify potential conflicts of interests.
If a conflict of interest appears from the start or later we refer the client or clients to another capable law firm.
SIRIUS advokater I/S is in office community with PEDERSTED advokatvirksomhed, Dampfærgevej 10, 2. sal, 2100 Kbh. Ø.
Liability and insurance coverage
SIRIUS advokater is covered by professional indemnity insurance with HDI-Gerling Forsikring. The insurance covers all legal services irrespective of where they are provided.
The insurance covers up to a maximum of DKK 15 Mio. per attorney per year subject always to a limit of DKK 150 Mio. per year in total for SIRIUS advokater. Our liability is limited to these amounts. We also have the option to increase the coverage in case you want us to undertake a higher responsibility.
SIRIUS Advokater cannot be held responsible for indirect losses such as but not limited to operating loss, loss of profit, loss of business and goodwill.
Storage
All papers and documents will as a rule be kept for five years dated from the termination of the case. However, original documents will be handed over to the client at the termination of the case.
Copyright
The client can freely use the written material produced by us in relation to the case. However, SIRIUS advokater has and maintains any copyright and other immaterial rights to the material.
Marketing
When a matter on which SIRUS advokater has rendered advice is completed and disclosed to the public or consent has been given, SIRIUS advokater is entitled to refer to the matter for marketing purposes.
Admitted to the Bar
All our attorneys are appointed to the ordinary courts by the Danish Ministry of Justice. Some are admitted to the High courts and Supreme court of Denmark.
SIRIUS advokater is a member of the Danish Bar and Law Society.
Applicable law and jurisdiction
Any disputes arising out or in connection with the advice rendered by SIRIUS advokater and these Terms of Business are subject to Danish law.
Any dispute is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Copenhagen City Court. Clients may, however, also submit complaints to the Disciplinary Board (Advokatnævnet), Kronprinsessegade 28, 1306 Copenhagen K, Denmark, or by email at klagesagsafdelingen@advokatsamfundet.dk. Such complaints may concern a lawyer’s conduct or fee.
