Seeking justice through litigation in the court is not a cheap exercise. Proper legal services can be quite expensive, ranging from tens of thousands, hundreds and even millions of rands.
This article seeks to explore in part, how legal expenses can at least be mitigated and managed, especially in time of need.
HOW IS LITIGATION FUNDED?
Legal services rendered through litigation are funded through various means such as insurance legal covers, champerty agreements, retainer agreements amongst other, but mostly and essentially, the person who procures the services remains liable, even if that means funding such litigation from pocket.
Each method of litigation funding has its advantages and disadvantages, but as the famous aphorism goes: all animals are equal but some are more equal than others, the latter would apply to retainer agreements.
WHAT ARE RETAINER AGREEMENTS?
It is an agreement between a client and an attorney for the procurement of legal services and, upon taking into account the client’s risk and demands, the two agree on a fee payable monthly and on a continuous basis or as and when such services are required.
To that end, the benefit of retainer agreements is that they assure legal services on an ongoing basis or as and when they are most required, they also reduce legal fees and eliminate surprising legal fees invoices at the end of litigation and in turn limit legal expenditure, so fees remain predictable and manageable.
WHAT TYPE OF LEGAL SERVICES ARE COVERED BY RETAINER AGREEMENTS?
Virtually, any legal service can be rendered pursuant to a retainer. It all depends on the clients needs for legal services– it is all about the client.
Such services may include labour matters in the CCMA, bargaining councils, labour courts or disciplinary hearings; civil litigation such as maintenance matters, protection orders for harassment or domestic violences, suing or being sued for damages; criminal defence representation when a client is likely to require such services in the criminal courts; contract drafting, reviewing of company policies and general legal advice to mention a few.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER HAVING AN ATTORNEY ON A RETAINER?
Legal services, besides being steep in the pocket, are mostly based on relationships and trust– having your personal attorney on retainer on a continuous basis nurture that trust, and there is nothing important than having an attorney you trust to represent you in the face of legal storms.
As a client, you can expect to receive personalized services to you as an individual or for your business from your personal attorney.
You are assured accurate and reliable legal advice right on time of need, giving you and advantage upper hand against your foes.
Such services are also ever ready: waiting for you to call in your attorney as and when necessary. You are guaranteed to never face legal problems alone.
CONCLUSION:
It is important to always be prepared to secure adequate and competent legal services as and when you need them. Consequently, it is advisable that you contact us, legal service providers for a personalized retainer agreement that will best suit your personal, family or business needs.