ECJ: Purely time-based fees may be unlawful

On 12 January 2023 (C-395/21), the ECJ ruled that time-based fee clauses in lawyers' contracts with consumers may be contrary to the principle of transparency if the client is unable to estimate the total cost of the lawyer's services.

It is therefore advisable to provide consumers with an estimate of the number of hours involved when the fee agreement is signed, and to update this if necessary.