Professional Fees and Estimates​

Decree-Law No. 1 of January 24, 2012, as converted with amendments by Law No. 27 of March 24, 2012, abolished standard legal tariffs and introduced free negotiation of professional services between lawyer and client. Article 13 of the new professional law (Law No. 247 of December 31, 2012) specifies that the lawyer’s fee is normally agreed in writing at the time of assignment. Pursuant to Article 25 of the Code of Legal Ethics, fees may be agreed on a time basis, as a lump sum, by convention covering one or more matters, based on completion and timing of the service, for individual phases or services or for the entire activity, as a percentage of the value of the matter or of the expected benefit, not only of a strictly financial nature, to the recipient of the service. However, agreements whereby the lawyer receives, in whole or in part, a share of the asset subject to the service or of the disputed matter are prohibited. In the absence of agreement, the parameters set out in the decree issued by the Minister of Justice will apply. Law No. 124 of August 4, 2017 requires the lawyer to inform the client of the complexity of the assignment, providing all useful information regarding foreseeable costs from the time of assignment to its conclusion, and always in writing “the predictable measure of the cost of the service, distinguishing between charges, expenses (including lump sum), and professional fees.”

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Financial Agreement and Payment

In light of the new regulations, the professional fee will normally be agreed between lawyer and client at the time of assignment, taking into account the needs of the parties, the type of service, and the specific features of the case. The agreement will also set out the methods of payment of advances, balance of fees, and expenses. The agreed fee may be subject to changes in case of unforeseen issues or events not communicated to the lawyer. Specific contractual agreements are provided for debt recovery for companies and individuals, tailored to the respective needs of the parties. In the absence of prior agreement on fees, for example in the case of court-appointed defense, the forensic parameters established by the decree of March 10, 2014 of the Ministry of Justice, as updated in 2022, will apply. Payment may be made by bank transfer, check, credit or debit card, SumUp, PayPal, or cash within legal limits.

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Legal Aid and Pro Bono

Attorney Gabriele Lanzi is registered on the lists for State-funded legal aid in civil and criminal matters. At the first consultation, the possibility of applying for this benefit may be assessed for clients who meet the legal requirements.

The benefit may be requested in civil, administrative, and labor matters:

• by Italian or EU citizens, legally resident foreigners or stateless persons, non-profit entities or associations not engaged in economic activity;

• by foreigners, even irregular, involved in judicial proceedings concerning expulsion from national territory, applications for political asylum or refugee status;

• who have an annual gross family or entity income not exceeding €13,659.64 (updated by the Ministry of Justice decree of April 22, 2025);

• who have claims that are not manifestly unfounded.

In criminal matters, the benefit may be requested:

• by suspects and defendants at every stage of proceedings, by victims only during trial;

• by Italian citizens, stateless persons, or foreigners, even irregular;

• who have an annual gross family income not exceeding €13,659.64, increased by €1,032.91 for each cohabiting family member.

Only personal income is considered when the case concerns personality rights or when the applicant’s interests conflict with those of other cohabiting family members. Foreign citizens must also attach certification from their consular authority regarding income in their country of origin.

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Mediation and Conciliation Procedure

The payment of mediator’s fees, administrative costs, and lawyers’ fees in mediation and conciliation procedures is borne by the respective parties. Legislative Decree 28/2010, as amended by the Cartabia Reform, provides that when mediation is a condition of admissibility of the claim under Article 5, paragraph 1-bis, or is ordered by the judge under Article 5, paragraph 2, no fee is due to the conciliation body by parties eligible for State-funded legal aid. Under certain conditions, the lawyer’s fee is also covered by State-funded legal aid.

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Court-Appointed Defense in Criminal Proceedings

Article 24 of the Italian Constitution establishes that defense is an inviolable right at every stage and level of proceedings. For this reason, technical defense in criminal trials is mandatory. Defendants without their own lawyer of choice are assigned a court-appointed lawyer. This figure is often confused with the idea of a lawyer paid by the State. In reality, State-funded legal aid and court-appointed defense are two distinct institutions, although they sometimes overlap. As explained above, any client of a lawyer, whether chosen or court-appointed, may apply for State-funded legal aid if they meet the legal requirements. Conversely, even the court-appointed lawyer must be paid by the client if State-funded legal aid is not granted. Therefore, the fee of the court-appointed lawyer may also be contractually agreed; otherwise, the ministerial forensic parameters will apply.

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Online Legal Consultation

It is possible to request an online consultation from Lanzi Law Firm by sending a legal query with a detailed description of the facts via email. Attorney Lanzi will reply as soon as possible, providing a cost estimate and requesting any clarifications. Following payment by bank transfer or PayPal, the legal opinion will be sent via email. The cost of an online consultation is particularly advantageous but does not include assistance in resolving the dispute. It is also possible to request a cost estimate for legal assistance in court or for negotiating a settlement with the opposing party.