Fees
How we charge, in plain terms.
Legal fees should not be a mystery. Here is how billing works, what our rates are, and what else you may pay, before you ever pick up the phone. All amounts exclude VAT.
Initial consultation
R1 500
excl. VAT, 45 minutes
A fixed fee to understand your matter, tell you where you stand and set out the options. If you go ahead, you leave with a written estimate.
Fixed fee
Quoted upfront
for defined work
Contracts, company changes, uncontested divorces and similar work with a clear scope get one agreed price, in writing, before we start.
Hourly
From R1 200
per hour excl. VAT
For disputes and open-ended work. Rates are set per attorney, recorded in six-minute units and itemised on a monthly statement.
Hourly rates
Set per attorney, reviewed once a year.
Time is recorded in six-minute units. Where a junior attorney can do part of the work properly, we use them, and you pay their rate for it.
| Directors | R2 400per hour |
|---|---|
| Senior associates | R1 800per hour |
| Associates | R1 200per hour |
Excluding VAT. Current until 28 February 2027.
Conveyancing
Property costs, quoted in full.
Transfer and bond registration fees are calculated on the guideline tariff, which is based on the purchase price or the bond amount.
Before transfer starts, you receive a written breakdown showing our fee, Deeds Office fees, transfer duty payable to SARS and any other costs, so there is nothing new on the final statement.
Our commitments
Agreed before we start
You sign a fee agreement setting out how you will be charged before any chargeable work is done.
Scope changes in writing
If the work grows beyond the estimate, you hear from us in writing before the extra work is done.
Itemised monthly accounts
Every account lists who did what, when, and for how long, in six-minute units.
Disbursements shown separately
Court fees, sheriff's fees, Deeds Office fees and counsel's fees are listed apart from our own fees.
Questions
About fees.
What are disbursements?
Disbursements are amounts we pay to third parties on your behalf, such as court and sheriff's fees, Deeds Office fees, search fees and counsel's fees. They are passed on at cost and shown separately on your account.
Do you ask for a deposit?
For litigation and other open-ended matters we usually ask for a deposit in trust, which is applied to disbursements and fees as the matter progresses. Unused amounts are refunded.
Are your rates the same for every client?
Yes. Hourly rates are set per attorney, not per client, and are reviewed once a year. You are told in writing before any change applies to your matter.
What if the other side is ordered to pay my costs?
A costs order usually covers only part of what you pay your own attorney, because it is calculated on a court tariff. We explain the likely difference at the start of any litigation.
Book a consultation
Start with 45 minutes and a clear answer.
Choose a time online in four short steps. We confirm within one working day, at our Sandton office or by video call.
Office
6th Floor, 21 Fredman Drive, Sandton, 2196
Telephone
011 568 2140
info@kestrelattorneys.co.za
Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00