How much is reasonable to pay for a civil lawsuit in Bucharest? A practical guide to lawyers’ fees and choosing between a “cheap” and a high-quality lawyer

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Concrete situations must always be assessed individually, based on the documents and discussions with a qualified lawyer. Legal references and amounts mentioned may change over time; always check the latest version of the law.

1. Why the question “How much should I pay for a civil case in Bucharest?” is legitimate

Anyone who faces a civil case (for example, partition of assets, real estate dispute, contract claim, debt recovery, commercial litigation) runs into the same dilemma: what is a “normal” fee to pay a lawyer?

Some fear that they will overpay. Others are afraid of “cheap lawyers” who may not dedicate enough time or expertise to the case and end up putting the whole claim at risk. The real question is not simply “cheap vs. expensive”, but what is a fair fee for the level of work and responsibility involved in your specific case.

In Romania, lawyers’ fees are freely negotiated between lawyer and client, within the limits set by the law and the Statute of the legal profession. Law no. 51/1995 on the organisation and practice of the legal profession expressly states that the legal assistance contract is an enforceable title, meaning that the amounts agreed become due and can be recovered even by enforcement if the client does not pay.
You can verify this, for example, in Law no. 51/1995 (official Romanian version).

At the same time, the Civil Procedure Code gives the court the power to order the losing party to pay the winning party’s legal costs (including lawyers’ fees), but also allows the judge to reduce the amount of lawyers’ fees claimed as costs if they are clearly disproportionate to the value or complexity of the case or to the work actually done (Article 451 of the Code of Civil Procedure).
The rule can be seen, for example, in Law no. 134/2010 – Code of Civil Procedure (official Romanian version), Article 451.

So the question “how much is reasonable to pay for a civil case in Bucharest?” has no single universal answer, but it does have a legal and professional framework:

• there are clear rules on how lawyers’ fees are set;
• there is a non-binding “Guideline of minimum recommended fees” adopted by the National Union of Romanian Bar Associations (UNBR), updated in 2023 and 2025, which offers indicative fee levels (but not mandatory tariffs);
• there are rules on how fees are recovered as costs from the other party if you win;
• the real difference between a “cheap” lawyer and a “high-quality” lawyer is not just about numbers, but about time, attention and expertise invested in your case.

2. Legal framework: how lawyers’ fees are set in Romania

2.1. Law no. 51/1995 and the legal assistance contract

Law no. 51/1995 is the main statute governing the legal profession in Romania. Among other things, it states that:

• the legal profession is free and independent, subject only to the law, the Statute and ethical rules;
• the relationship with the client is formalised through a legal assistance contract, usually in written form, signed before the lawyer actually begins work;
• the legal assistance contract, lawfully concluded, is an enforceable title; after a simplified procedure, it can be enforced if the client does not pay the agreed fees.

For an overview, see Law no. 51/1995 (official text, in Romanian). The enforceable title nature of legal assistance contracts has been confirmed in the case-law of the High Court of Cassation and Justice (for example, Decision no. 31/2009).

2.2. The Statute of the legal profession: types of fees and prohibitions

The Statute of the legal profession (Statutul profesiei de avocat), adopted by the UNBR in 2011 and amended several times, provides more detailed rules on fees. The updated text can be consulted, for example, on the Official Legislative Portal (Statutul profesiei de avocat).

Key points relevant for a client:

• the lawyer is entitled to a fee and to reimbursement of expenses incurred in the client’s interest (Article 127);
• fees are set taking into account, among others: difficulty, magnitude and duration of the case, novelty of the legal issues, importance of the interests involved, time spent, constraints, experience and reputation of the lawyer (Article 127);
• main fee types (Article 129):
  • hourly fees;
  • fixed (flat) fees;
  • success fees;
  • combined fee structures (for example, a fixed fee plus a success fee);
• a success fee is allowed only as a complement to an hourly or fixed fee (not as the only fee); in criminal cases, success fees are allowed only in relation to the civil aspect (civil damages), not for the criminal outcome itself (Articles 129(6)–(7));
• a quota litis pact (agreement where all fees are fixed exclusively as a share of the amount recovered or as a function of the court’s decision) is prohibited (Article 130).

These rules are thoroughly discussed in legal scholarship, including analyses of the boundary between lawful success fees and prohibited quota litis arrangements (see, for example, articles in Universul Juridic and other specialist journals).

2.3. UNBR “Guideline of minimum recommended fees” (Ghidul orientativ)

Although the Statute does not allow the professional bodies to set mandatory minimum tariffs, the National Union of Romanian Bar Associations (UNBR) adopted a Guideline of minimum recommended fees, in order to discourage ruinous fees and unfair competition in the profession.

This guideline is non-binding, but provides indicative minimum amounts for typical services (consultations, drafting of documents, representation in first instance, appeal etc.). In 2023, the UNBR adopted a decision approving the guideline, and in 2025 it adopted Decision no. 230/12 June 2025, updating the guideline’s values according to inflation.

For the client, the guideline is useful as a rough benchmark. It makes it easier to understand why it is unrealistic to expect a complex civil lawsuit in Bucharest to be handled properly, from start to finish, for an all-inclusive fee that is only a few hundred lei.

2.4. Code of Civil Procedure: costs and reduction of lawyers’ fees

Articles 451–455 of the Code of Civil Procedure regulate litigation costs. Two aspects are especially relevant:

• the party who wins may request that the losing party be ordered to pay its litigation costs (including lawyers’ fees, court taxes, expert fees, translation costs etc.);
• however, the court may, even ex officio, reduce the lawyers’ fees claimed as costs if they are clearly disproportionate to the value or complexity of the case or to the work actually done by the lawyer (Article 451(2) of the Code).

This mechanism has been the subject of controversy and legislative proposals. A bill (PL-x no. 788/2023) sought to restrict the court’s power to reduce lawyers’ fees, but key parts of that bill were declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. As a result, at the time of writing, the rule in Article 451(2) remains in force in its current form.
For reference, see Article 451 in the official text of the Code of Civil Procedure, as well as analyses by UNBR on the topic of reducing lawyers’ fees as costs.

3. Types of lawyers’ fees in a civil case (in plain language)

3.1. Hourly fee – paying “for time actually worked”

Many serious law firms and solo practitioners in Bucharest use an hourly fee for activities where it is hard to estimate in advance the exact volume of work. Typical examples:

• in-depth case analysis and strategy;
• legal research (doctrine and case-law);
• extended drafting of pleadings and submissions;
• various procedural steps not initially foreseeable (additional hearings, complex evidence etc.).

Advantages for the client:

• you pay in proportion to the real time the lawyer spends on your matter;
• you can track more easily the time–result ratio, especially if you receive timesheets or itemised invoices;
• it is a flexible form when neither you nor the lawyer know how “big” the litigation will become.

Limitations:

• you do not have, from the very beginning, a fixed cap on the total cost of the case;
• in complex cases with many hearings and a lot of drafting, the final cost may be higher than a flat fee would have been, if the volume could have been correctly anticipated.

3.2. Fixed (flat) fee – when you want predictability

A fixed or flat fee is a lump sum agreed at the outset for a certain phase of the case (for example, drafting the statement of claim and representation in first instance until the judgment) or for a given service package (consultation + document review + written opinion).

Advantages:

• you have a clear picture of the cost for the agreed phase;
• it is easier to budget for individuals and companies with strict budgets;
• it encourages the lawyer to work efficiently, without billing every minute.

Limitations:

• if the case becomes significantly more complex than initially expected (for example, new expert reports, many witnesses, additional claims), an addendum or additional fees may be needed;
• a flat fee does not always reflect the actual working time (sometimes the lawyer works much more than planned; sometimes less).

3.3. Success fee – only as a complement and with clear limits

A success fee is a fee payable if a pre-agreed result is achieved (for example, the claim is admitted, a certain amount is awarded by the court, an asset is preserved or recovered). Under the Statute, success fees:

• may be fixed (a predetermined amount payable upon success);
• or variable (for example, a percentage of the amount actually recovered);
• must always be complementary to a base fee (hourly or fixed), not the only fee.

It is important to distinguish a lawful success fee from a prohibited quota litis pact. A quota litis pact is an agreement where all the lawyer’s remuneration depends solely on the outcome or on the amount gained, with no base fee at all. This type of agreement is expressly banned by Article 130 of the Statute.

Romanian courts, including the High Court of Cassation and Justice, have invalidated fee clauses that, in reality, disguised a quota litis (for example, very high success percentages with no realistic base fee). Specialist commentary on this topic can be found in professional journals (for instance, articles on success fees and quota litis).

3.4. Combined fee structures – the most common solution in civil litigation

In practice, many civil mandates in Bucharest use combined structures, such as:

• a starting fee for case analysis and initial documents (statement of claim, defence, preliminary documents);
• a flat fee for first instance (often covering a certain number of hearings);
• a success fee if a defined objective is achieved (for example, the claim is fully admitted, a particular sum is recovered, enforcement is successful).

The advantage is that this approach aligns the interests of both client and lawyer: the lawyer’s essential work is covered by base fees, while the client rewards an exceptional outcome through the success fee.

4. What actually influences the level of a lawyer’s fee in a civil case

Article 127 of the Statute lists the criteria to be taken into account when setting fees. Translated into practical questions, those criteria mean you should look at:

4.1. Legal complexity of the matter

• Is it a relatively simple claim (for example, a straightforward debt recovery with clear documents), or a case involving complex property, corporate, banking, tax or urban planning issues?
• Is the case governed by well-established case-law, or does it involve novel or controversial legal questions?

4.2. Economic and personal stakes

• What is the value of the claim (apartment, plot of land, business, substantial damages)?
• Are there indirect consequences (reputational risk, impact on your business, blocking of an investment)?

4.3. Expected duration of the proceedings

• Does the lawyer realistically anticipate many hearings, expert reports, extensive evidence?
• Is the court known to impose tight schedules, requiring quick reactions and a lot of preparatory work between hearings?

4.4. Volume of documents and evidence

Cases involving large volumes of contracts, invoices, business correspondence, technical documentation or complex expert reports require significant time just for review and organisation. Expecting such work to be done thoroughly for a very low fee is unrealistic.

4.5. Experience and specialisation of the lawyer

The Statute explicitly mentions the lawyer’s experience, reputation and specialisation as factors to consider when setting fees. A lawyer who regularly handles a particular type of case (for example, high-value real estate disputes, administrative or tax litigation, complex commercial matters) will usually charge more than a generalist, but is also more likely to anticipate procedural pitfalls and design an effective strategy.

5. “Cheap lawyer” vs. “high-quality lawyer”: how to avoid the traps

5.1. Why the “cheapest” option is often not the best

Very low fees for complex cases should raise serious questions. UNBR has repeatedly emphasised, including in the preamble to the Guideline of minimum recommended fees, that ruinous fees (significantly below the real cost of the service) can harm both clients and the profession, as they can compromise the quality of service and encourage unfair competition.

In practice, an extremely low fee may mean that:

• the lawyer will drastically limit the time allocated to your file;
• there is less time and incentive for thorough research, careful drafting and strategic thinking;
• the risk of unpleasant surprises (late filings, poorly prepared hearings, failure to react to the opponent’s arguments) increases.

5.2. Why “expensive” is not a goal in itself

On the other hand, a very high fee that cannot be logically explained by reference to the legal criteria (complexity, value, workload, experience) may not be justified. If a lawyer cannot explain in a clear, structured way how the proposed fee was built, it is reasonable to ask further questions and, if necessary, to seek another opinion.

5.3. How to weigh “cheap” vs. “quality” in a concrete way

Instead of focusing solely on the number, look at:

• Clarity of the offer: is the fee structure broken down by services (analysis, drafting, representation, appeal)? Are any success fees explained clearly?
• Transparency: does the lawyer explain what is and is not included in the fee? Are separate expenses (court fees, experts, translations, travel) clearly identified?
• Relevant experience: does the lawyer have a proven track record in your type of case (for example, property disputes, corporate litigation, claims against authorities)?
• Availability: does the lawyer realistically explain how communication and case management will work (email, phone, meetings, response times)?
• Personal “fit”: do you feel listened to and taken seriously? Are the explanations clear and to the point?

Price is important, but it should not be the only criterion. In many serious cases, the difference between winning and losing has more to do with preparation and strategy than with a difference of a few hundred lei in the fee.

6. Indicative ranges: what a civil case in Bucharest can realistically cost

There are no official mandatory tariffs for civil litigation in Romania. However, based on the UNBR guideline and the market practice, one can outline very rough ranges (always subject to the specifics of each case):

• for a simple matter (basic legal consultation or a straightforward letter of formal notice), the guideline’s recommended minimums are in the range of a few hundred lei per act;
• for a standard civil lawsuit with moderate value and complexity, total fees (analysis, drafting, representation in first instance and appeal) can reach the equivalent of several thousand lei, depending on the structure and the number of hearings;
• for high-value or highly complex cases (disputes over valuable real estate, business disputes, complex administrative or tax cases), fees charged by highly specialised lawyers or teams may be significantly higher, reflecting the workload, responsibility and risk.

UNBR’s guideline of minimum recommended fees is available through bar associations and UNBR channels, and many law offices (including ours) offer dedicated pages describing their general fee philosophy and structures for typical services.

Important: these are only indicative ranges. The only correct way to find out “how much your case costs” is to present your specific situation to a lawyer, discuss the strategy and receive a personalised offer.

7. Can you recover your lawyer’s fees from the other party if you win?

In principle, yes. The general rule of the Code of Civil Procedure is that the party who loses the case can be ordered, upon request, to pay the winning party’s litigation costs (including lawyers’ fees). However:

• you must expressly request costs before the end of the oral submissions (Article 452 CPC);
• you must prove your costs with documents (legal assistance contract, invoices, receipts, payment orders, timesheets for hourly fees, where relevant);
• the court may reduce the amount of lawyers’ fees claimed as costs if it finds them clearly disproportionate compared to the value or complexity of the case or the work done (Article 451(2) CPC).

The Constitutional Court has repeatedly held that this possibility of reduction is constitutional, provided that it is reasoned and exercised with respect for the principles governing the legal profession. Courts are expected to take into account the same criteria as the Statute (complexity, workload, stakes, experience) when assessing whether a fee is disproportionate.

To maximise your chances of recovering a significant part of your fees as costs if you win:

• discuss with your lawyer the structure and level of fees at the outset;
• keep all supporting documents (contract, invoices, receipts, payment documents);
• ensure that the lawyer can explain and, if necessary, document the actual work done (number of hearings, volume of documents, expert evidence, research).

8. VAT and lawyers’ fees: why it matters in the final calculation

Depending on the lawyer’s turnover and tax status, fees may or may not be subject to VAT (Value Added Tax):

• if the lawyer or law firm is registered for VAT, fees are normally subject to the standard VAT rate applicable in Romania at the time of billing;
• lawyers whose annual turnover is below the statutory exemption threshold can apply the special exemption regime and do not charge VAT;
• the exemption threshold and VAT rates are periodically adjusted by legislation and can be checked on the official websites of the Romanian tax authorities (ANAF) and in the relevant VAT laws in force.

For you as a client, the practical question is: “Does this fee include VAT or not?” The offer and the contract should clearly state whether the amount is:

• “+ VAT, if applicable” (if the lawyer is or may become a VAT payer); or
• “VAT included” / “VAT not applicable (exempt)”.

9. How to discuss fees concretely with your lawyer for a civil case

Instead of searching only for “the cheapest lawyer in Bucharest”, it is more effective to have a structured discussion with the lawyer you are considering. In practice, a useful conversation about fees should cover at least the following:

1. Your concrete situation – what exactly is at stake? What documents do you have? Are there time limits or parallel procedures (execution proceedings, complaints, other litigations)?
2. Initial assessment – the lawyer should explain how they see the case: what is at stake, what the main risks are, what realistic scenarios exist (without promising a particular outcome).
3. Proposed strategy – what steps will likely be necessary: claim, defence, counterclaim, evidence (documents, witnesses, experts), appeal, enforcement.
4. Fee structure – is the fee hourly, fixed per phase, or combined? Is there a success fee component? When are instalments due (retainer, interim payments, final payment)? Is VAT included or added on top?
5. Additional costs – which expenses are not part of the lawyer’s fee (court taxes, expert fees, translations, travel, other professionals such as accountants or technical experts)?
6. Prospects of recovering costs – in the event of success, what are the chances that the court will award you costs, and to what extent might the court reduce lawyers’ fees?

All this should then be reflected in a written legal assistance contract that clearly states:

• the precise scope of the mandate (what the lawyer will do, for which court level or procedure);
• the type of fees and the payment schedule;
• which expenses are separate from the fee and how they will be handled;
• any success fee and the conditions under which it becomes payable;
• how the contract can be terminated and how any disputes about fees can be resolved (for example, complaints to the dean of the bar association).

10. Frequently asked questions about lawyers’ fees for civil cases in Bucharest

10.1. Is there a “minimum legal fee” for a civil case?

No. There is no statutory minimum fee set by law for civil cases. Fees are freely negotiated between lawyer and client, within the framework of Law no. 51/1995 and the Statute of the profession. There is, however, a Guideline of minimum recommended fees adopted by UNBR, which is advisory only and offers reference points for typical services.

10.2. Can I sign a contract with a lawyer based only on a percentage of what I win?

No. A contract where all fees are set exclusively as a percentage of the amount recovered or as a function of the court’s decision (a quota litis pact) is prohibited by the Statute. You can, however, agree on a success fee in addition to a base (hourly or flat) fee, provided that the arrangement complies with the Statute.

10.3. If I lose the case, do I still owe the lawyer’s fee?

Yes. The lawyer’s obligation is an obligation of means (diligence), not of result. Hourly and fixed fees are payable regardless of the outcome, because they correspond to work actually done. A success fee, if agreed, is payable only if the pre-agreed result is achieved (for example, your claim is admitted or a specific sum is recovered).

10.4. Will the court order the other side to pay my lawyer’s fee in full if I win?

Not necessarily. The court may order the losing party to pay your costs, including lawyers’ fees, but it may also reduce the amount of fees if it considers them clearly disproportionate to the case’s value or complexity or to the work actually performed. The court must provide reasons for such a reduction.

10.5. How can I meaningfully compare two fee offers?

Do not look only at the total figure. You should also examine:

• what is actually included in each offer (consultations, drafting, representation in first instance, appeal, enforcement);
• the structure of the fee (hourly, flat, success, combined);
• the lawyer’s experience with your type of dispute;
• how other costs (taxes, experts, translations) are handled;
• whether the amount is subject to VAT or includes VAT;
• how the offer aligns with UNBR’s guideline and the Statute’s criteria (complexity, value, workload, experience).

10.6. What role does VAT play in the calculation of the lawyer’s fee?

Depending on whether the lawyer is registered for VAT and whether they exceed the turnover exemption threshold, fees may or may not be subject to VAT. For you as a client, this affects the final amount you pay. Always ask whether the quoted fee is “VAT included”, “VAT not applicable” (if the lawyer is exempt) or “+ VAT” (if the lawyer is a VAT payer and the fee is quoted net of VAT).

11. Conclusions: how to find the balance between cost and quality in a civil lawsuit

When you look for a lawyer for a civil case in Bucharest, the key question should not be only “who charges the least?” but rather “who offers the best combination of quality, transparency and justified cost for my case?”.

In summary:

• fees are freely agreed, but within a clear legal and professional framework (Law 51/1995, the Statute of the legal profession, the Code of Civil Procedure);
• there is an advisory guideline of minimum recommended fees published by UNBR, which helps you understand a reasonable order of magnitude for different types of services;
• the court may reduce the part of your costs representing lawyers’ fees, if it finds them clearly disproportionate;
• price must be assessed together with quality, workload, stakes and the lawyer’s experience;
• a clear, honest and structured discussion about fees at the beginning of the mandate helps avoid frustration later and allows you to budget realistically.

Ultimately, “cheap lawyer” and “high-quality lawyer” are not labels carved in stone. What matters is to find a professional who explains your options clearly, proposes a realistic strategy, and offers a fee arrangement that is coherent in light of the law, the market and your legitimate expectations.

Need legal assistance in a civil case in Bucharest?

• • See the dedicated page for civil litigation and related services (RO): Măglaș Alexandru – Legal Services