Fees & Refund Policy

1. Complimentary first call

The first call to understand a matter is offered without charge. It allows the chambers to form a preliminary view and gives the prospective client the opportunity to decide whether to proceed. The complimentary first call is informational only; it does not, by itself, constitute legal advice or create an advocate-client relationship.

2. Written engagement letter

Where a matter proceeds beyond the first call, the engagement is recorded in a written engagement letter signed by both parties before any substantive work begins. The engagement letter sets out:

• the scope of work to be performed;
• the fee structure (flat, milestone, or retainer — see section 3);
• the quantum of fees;
• any court fees, filing fees, travel and other disbursements for which the client is separately responsible;
• the payment schedule; and
• the basis for termination and refund (see sections 5 and 6).

Work begins only after the engagement letter is signed and the initial professional fee, where required, is received.

3. Fee structures

Depending on the nature of the matter, fees are agreed on one of the following bases:

• Flat fee. A single agreed fee for a defined piece of work — for example, drafting and filing an SLP, an anticipatory bail application, or a writ petition.
• Milestone fees. Fees split across defined stages of a matter — for example, drafting / filing / leave stage / final hearing in an SLP, or pleadings / interim relief / trial / final arguments in a commercial suit.
• Retainer. A periodic fee for ongoing advisory or litigation support, typically with hearing-day or appearance fees agreed separately.
• Hearing-day / appearance fees. Charged per hearing in matters where the volume of court appearances is unpredictable at the outset.

The Bar Council of India Rules do not permit contingent or success-based fees. The chambers does not quote, agree, or accept fees that are contingent on the outcome of the matter.

4. Disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses

In addition to professional fees, the client is responsible for:

• Court fees and filing fees payable to the relevant court or tribunal;
• Process serving, certified copy, and typing/printing charges;
• Travel and accommodation where appearance outside Delhi is required;
• Fees of any senior counsel briefed at the client’s request, paid directly to the senior counsel or through the chambers; and
• Any statutory taxes (for example, GST) applicable to professional fees and disbursements.

Wherever practical, an estimate of disbursements is provided in advance.

5. Payment terms

Fees are payable as set out in the engagement letter. Unless otherwise agreed:

• Flat fees are payable in full before work begins.
• Milestone fees are payable at the start of each milestone.
• Retainer fees are payable in advance, monthly or quarterly as agreed.
• Hearing-day fees are payable on or before the date of appearance.
• Court fees and disbursements are payable in advance to enable filing.

Payments may be made by bank transfer, UPI, or other modes specified in the engagement letter. Receipt or invoice (as applicable) is issued for every payment.

6. Refund policy

Refunds are addressed in the engagement letter signed for the specific matter. The general principles are:

• Work completed. Fees attributable to work already performed are not refundable.
• Work not yet commenced. If the chambers has not commenced work on a milestone or the matter is terminated before substantive work has begun, fees received against that work are refundable, net of any time already devoted to assessment, conflict-checking or initial review.
• Court fees and disbursements. Court fees, statutory filing fees and out-of-pocket disbursements actually incurred and paid to third parties are not refundable.
• Termination by the chambers. Where the chambers terminates the engagement otherwise than for client default (see section 7), unutilised fees are refunded.
• Termination by the client. Where the client terminates the engagement, unutilised fees are refunded subject to deduction of fees attributable to work already performed.

Refunds, where due, are processed within 14 working days of agreement on the amount payable.

7. Termination

Either party may terminate the engagement on reasonable written notice. The chambers may, in addition, terminate immediately in circumstances including (without limitation): client default in payment; loss of trust required for confidential representation; conflict of interest arising during the engagement; failure of the client to provide accurate instructions or required documents; or any reason that, in the chambers’ professional judgement, makes continued representation impractical or improper.

On termination, the chambers will provide a reasonable handover of the matter, subject to settlement of outstanding fees and disbursements.

8. Confidentiality of fees

Quotations, engagement letters, and fee invoices are confidential between the chambers and the client. The chambers does not disclose individual fee arrangements without consent, except where required by law or applicable professional rules.

9. No guarantee of outcome

Fees agreed under any engagement letter are payable for the work performed, irrespective of outcome. The Bar Council of India Rules prohibit advocates from guaranteeing the outcome of any matter, and the chambers does not make any such guarantee.

10. Contact

Questions about this Fees & Refund Policy or the fee structure for a specific matter can be directed to:

Adv. Naveen Arya, Chambers of Naveen Arya
UC-22 FCN, Ramesh Nagar Metro Station, New Delhi 110015, India
Email: naveenarya@gmail.com
Phone: +91 90501 11113
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM IST