Pacta sunt servanda.
The Firm
The Engagement
The engagement is not a mere pricing exercise: it defines the architecture of a strategic intervention, its scope, its terms and its economics. Fees are determined according to the nature and complexity of the matter, its strategic and international character, the interests at stake and the degree of urgency.
A relationship founded on clarity and trust, formalised in a written fee agreement before any assignment begins, save in situations of urgency or force majeure requiring immediate intervention.
What determines the engagement
Four parameters, no single model
Nature & complexity
The specific structure of the matter, its legal difficulty and the number of fronts to be held.
Strategic & international character
The fora and jurisdictions involved, and the diplomatic and institutional dimensions.
Interests at stake
The legal, economic, institutional and reputational interests exposed.
Urgency & mobilisation
The degree of responsiveness, availability and resources that the situation demands.
Terms
Terms suited to exceptional situations
The firm does not apply a single model. Depending on the matter, several structures are possible, and are often combined.
Fixed-fee assignment
A fixed amount for a defined scope. For an assignment with a clearly delimited scope: an amount known in advance, covering an identified deliverable or phase.
The preferred format for expert work and clearly framed interventions.
Availability retainer
Availability and priority handling. For continuous mobilisation or an emergency response arrangement: a fixed fee securing availability and priority handling, in particular under the Crisis Room.
Hybrid arrangements
A base and a variable component. A fixed base supplemented by a variable component, calibrated to the development and unpredictability of the situations handled.
Additional success fee
In addition to a base fee. Where the matter lends itself to it, a success fee may be agreed in addition to a base fee, in strict compliance with the rules of professional conduct.
The firm does not charge fees contingent solely on the outcome.
Time spent
Where the nature of the matter so warrants. Billing on the basis of time spent, at an agreed rate and with regular reporting, for matters whose scope cannot be fixed in advance.
Expenses & disbursements
Identified and recharged transparently. Expenses, disbursements and local counsel costs are identified and recharged separately from fees, on transparent terms set out in the agreement.
The engagement, step by step
A relationship founded on clarity
Terms are discussed in advance, documented, and revised if the assignment evolves.
- 01
Orientation discussion
Initial confidential orientation discussion, without mutual commitment. Objectives, constraints and scope are discussed before any proposal is made. In-depth strategic analysis takes place within the framework of the formalised engagement.
- 02
Written fee agreement
The engagement is formalised in a written fee agreement: precise scope, agreed terms, milestones and economics of the intervention. Save in cases of urgency or force majeure, no assignment is undertaken without this agreement.
- 03
Continuous adaptation
Where the nature or scale of the assignment evolves, the terms are revised and documented by way of an amendment, to the same standard of clarity.
Save in situations of urgency or force majeure, or other exceptional circumstances, every assignment is the subject of a prior written fee agreement, in accordance with the applicable rules. Fees are set with regard, in particular, to the complexity of the matter, the work required and the interests at stake; they in no way prejudge the outcome of the case.
Selectivity & independence
Rigorous selection, direct involvement
A selective practice
The firm does not take on high-volume or standardised matters.
The firm rigorously selects the matters it accepts, which allows the personal and sustained involvement of the founder and its associated experts. The fee structure preserves the firm's independence, its freedom of analysis and advice, and the absence of economic conflicts of interest. That is the precondition of the effectiveness and credibility of its intervention.
The engagement presupposes a shared standard: rigour, confidentiality and clarity, on both sides.
A matter to entrust? Let us talk.
Initial confidential orientation discussion, without mutual commitment. In French, English and Spanish. Fee terms are set out in writing following this discussion.