CHARGES

Corbett & Co charge by 3 principal means: hourly rates, lump sums or by means of a retainer.

Hourly rates
The basic hourly rates (to 1 May 2009) are as follows:-

• Directors (Edward Corbett, Steve Mangan, Andrew Tweeddale) - £350 to £420
• Consultants (George Rosenberg, Nigel Cornwell) - £350 to £410
• Other Solicitors and Barristers - £210 to £320

These rates are competitive internationally and are significantly less than current City of London rates for construction law specialists. This reflects the lower overheads of the firm whose office is near Heathrow Airport in West London.

Invoicing is on a monthly basis, with payment requested within 14 days.

Lump Sum
We are happy to quote lump sum or not-to-be-exceeded figures for work capable of a reasonable degree of definition. It is sometimes possible to quote a lump sum for specific stages in arbitration or litigation, for example. Non-contentious work is generally more predictable, however.

Retainers
Early advice can often prevent major problems developing. A low-cost retainer can be a sound investment, whether project-specific or more general. For a settled figure per month or quarter, those at the front line are encouraged to phone, fax or email whenever they have a query or a problem and we respond by return.

The retainer avoids the common attitude that lawyers should only be called in when matters are serious, ie too late for timely advice to avoid or mitigate the problem. Given that the cost is fixed and the service paid for, project managers or engineers will make good use of the service.

Naturally, there are limits to the retainer service. Each package is tailored to the client's needs but typically where meetings are needed or large volumes of documents need to be examined or an issue has turned into a formal dispute or requires a heavy involvement of time, then additional arrangements are necessary.

Flexibility is the key
We will tailor a package to suit the need of the client. At Corbett & Co, the emphasis is on a personal service for each client.