Billing 

As a small firm, we are careful to invoice clients with two principles in mind:

	FIRST - the client has the right to receive value for money; and
	SECOND - our time is valuable.

For specifics regarding the billing of particular products or services, please see Billing, Fees & Costs.

The following parameters apply:

1. With the exception of certain "products" (for example incorporations), billing for legal services is done on an hourly basis.  Usually, each hour is divided into 10 units (of 6-minute intervals) and time is billed accordingly.  If you've ever wondered why they say that talking to a lawyer is like talking to a taxi-meter, this will be why.  Depending on the matter in question, this may apply to phone calls, meetings, or time spent in the review or preparation of documents. 
2. Often the initial consultation is not charged for, especially since we are not able to accept all clients (for example, if we have a pre-existing conflict of interest which makes representation in a given case impossible).  Therefore, the initial meeting is not only for the client to decide whether they are interested in our representation, but it also allows us to decide whether or not we are able to represent the client.  See also the Checklist of Questions for new clients. 
3. The hourly rate may vary according to the complexity of the work and the person who is actually assigned to working on the task.  Obviously, a legal clerk's time is not billed at the same rate as a lawyer.  In the case of any doubt on our part as to what should be billed for a particular matter, we will refer to the guidelines provided by the Panamanian Law Society.  A Translation of the Panama Law Society Rates of Minimum Professional Fees for Lawyers is available on our site. 
4. Usually, we do provide quotes and estimates of fees.  As much as possible, we do try to keep within the parameters of what was quoted or estimated.  If the time spent on a matter begins to exceed the estimate, then you will be contacted and this will be discussed, as well as the reasons for the additional time spent on the matter.  Ask us for a Letter of Engagement, outlining what the probably fees and costs will be. 
5. Clients will be requested to provide a retainer up-front.  In some cases, this retainer will simply be to cover out-of-pocket expenses.  In other cases, the retainer will be for the purpose of covering out-of-pocket expenses as well as a minimum number of hours of work.  Where the client is overseas, we will request an initial deposit to cover the work undertaken, since collection is obviously more difficult where the client is not a local resident.   
6. Payment is due upon presentation of the invoice.  Where the process will be long-term (such as a concession application), bills will be presented every month.  Otherwise, you will be presented with the bill at stages of the process or upon completion.  We appreciate your prompt payment of this invoice.