"How much will my case cost?" is one of the first questions anyone asks before hiring a lawyer, and the honest answer is: it depends on the case. But there are clear rules governing lawyer fees (أتعاب المحاماة) in Saudi Arabia, well-known ways of setting them, and practical steps that protect you from disputes later. We explain them here.
The legal rule: a written agreement
Lawyers' fees are governed by the Law of Legal Practice (نظام المحاماة), and the general rule is that they are set in a written contract between the lawyer and the client. If there is no agreement, or there is a dispute about it, the court assesses the fees according to the effort made and the nature of the case. So don't start with any lawyer without a clear fee agreement.
Ways of setting fees
| Method | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | A fixed amount for the case or for one stage of it | Cases with a clear scope |
| By stage | An amount for each stage: review, first-instance claim, appeal, enforcement | Long or unpredictable cases |
| Percentage of the amount awarded or collected | An agreed percentage, sometimes with an upfront payment | Financial claims |
| Monthly or annual retainer | Periodic fees for consultations, contract review and ongoing follow-up | Companies and businesses |
| Hourly | Actual hours worked at an agreed rate | Consultations and advisory work |
What makes fees higher or lower?
- The type and complexity of the case and the expected number of hearings.
- The value of the claim and the volume of documents.
- The stage at which you start: before filing, after the first-instance judgment, or at enforcement.
- The need for experts, translation or travel to another city.
What should a fee agreement include?
- A precise description of the work: what is included and what is not (such as appeal and enforcement).
- The amount or percentage, and how and when it is paid.
- Additional expenses: court fees, translation and expert fees, and who pays them.
- What happens on settlement, or if the power of attorney is ended before the case is over.
Claims over lawyer fees
If a client refuses to pay the agreed fees, the lawyer may claim them before the competent court. If the client believes the fees claimed are excessive or that the work was not done, they may object. A clear written contract settles most of these disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first consultation free?
At Usus Law Firm the initial enquiry is free, and you can send your question through the enquiries centre. Once we know the details of the case, we set out our fees in writing before any commitment.
Does the other side pay my lawyer's fees if I win?
This can be claimed in some cases, and whether it is awarded depends on the court's discretion and the type of case. Discuss it with your lawyer when drafting your requests.
Can the fee be a percentage only, with no upfront payment?
This can be agreed. The parties set it in the contract according to the nature of the case.
Want to know the fees for your case?
Send the details of your case through the fee quote request, and the Usus Law Firm team will send you a clear written quote, from Riyadh or Tabuk. You can write to us in English.
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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