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How we work and how our fees are set
The first thing we give a client is clarity: where they stand, what the scenarios are and which of them is realistic. No promises to "sort things out" and no forecasts nobody can honestly make. Below is how working with us looks from the first call to the agreement, and how we calculate our fee.
From the first call to the agreement
Fees: two models
A fixed fee — in most cases
In most cases we agree the fee before work begins, and payment is 100% when the agreement is signed. You know the amount in advance, and from day one we work on the case rather than on invoices.
A flexible model — in commercial cases
In commercial disputes another model is possible: a smaller fee when the agreement is signed, plus a percentage of the amount awarded — a success fee. Part of our remuneration depends on the result, and the risk is shared between the client and the lawyer.
The percentage ranges from 2 to 50. It depends on three factors: the prospects of the case, its riskiness and the amount in dispute. The specific model and percentage are agreed before the agreement is signed and are set out in it expressly.
The party that wins may claim its legal costs. But the court assesses whether they are proportionate to the complexity of the case, the amount of work and the value of the claim, and at the other side's request may reduce them. So a success fee is best seen as your agreement with the lawyer, not as a cost the opponent is guaranteed to reimburse.
What we do not do
- We do not promise results. We are responsible for the quality of our work, not for the court's decision — and we are honest about the risks before the agreement is signed.
- We do not take on everything. We work in the categories where the firm has established practice — they are listed on the Practice page.
- We do not offer to "sort things out" outside the law. Such offers are fraud or corruption, and we do not deal with them.
Who handles the cases
Advocate Mykhailo Tarasenko — criminal defence, road accident cases, high-profile proceedings. Anna Yanush — commercial and administrative disputes, complex criminal proceedings. Andrii Riabishyn — many years as President of the Poltava District Court and later President of the Poltava Court of Appeal. More on the About page, and cases covered by the media in Cases and media.
Frequently asked questions
When is the fee paid?
In most cases — in full, when the agreement is signed. In commercial cases a flexible model is possible: a smaller amount on signing plus a percentage of the amount awarded.
What is a success fee?
Part of the lawyer's remuneration that depends on the result. With us it is a percentage of the amount awarded — from 2 to 50, depending on the prospects of the case, its riskiness and the amount in dispute. It is possible in commercial cases.
Can legal costs be recovered from the other side?
In civil, commercial and administrative cases — yes: the party in whose favour the judgment is given may claim them. You need the agreement, a detailed description of the work done and proof of payment. The court assesses whether the costs are proportionate and may reduce them.
Can I find out the cost before signing the agreement?
Yes. We quote and agree the fee before the agreement is signed — which is why payment is made at signing.
Want to know the cost in your case?
Tell us what happened — we will tell you whether we will take it on, and on what terms.