In 30 seconds
In Italy the lawyer’s fee is agreed with the client. You have the right to a written estimate and to be told the likely total cost. The fee is usually calculated by phases, plus expenses, the lawyer’s pension fund contribution and VAT where applicable. If you lose a case, the court normally orders you to also pay the other side’s legal costs.
“How much will it cost?” is the first question we hear from clients abroad. There is no single answer, but there are rules that help you compare and decide. This guide explains how fees work in Italy. It is general information, not an offer: the firm’s own estimates are always prepared for the specific matter. For how a case is run, see our guide on suing in Italy.
How the fee is agreed
Under the Italian professional law (Law 247/2012), the amount of the fee is freely agreed with the client, preferably in writing, and the lawyer must give the client, on request, a written estimate, with information on the likely complexity and the foreseeable costs. At the start of the engagement, the lawyer must also tell the client about the possible ways of solving the dispute out of court. For foreign clients, we recommend asking for the estimate in writing before you send documents or pay anything.
How it can be calculated
- By phase. For a court case: study, introduction, investigation and decision phases, each with its own amount.
- Fixed fee. For a defined task, such as a contract review, a formal demand or the preparation of a power of attorney.
- By time. Less usual in Italian litigation, but possible for advice and negotiations.
- Linked to the result. A part of the fee may be linked to the result within the limits of the law; the lawyer cannot take a share of the property in dispute.
For judges, the Ministry of Justice has published fee parameters (Ministerial Decree 55/2014 and its updates), which are used to decide how much the losing party owes. They are a reference, not a price list: the amount agreed with the client can be different.
Frequent case
A problem that happens often. Frequent case described in general terms: names, places and details do not refer to real people or cases.
A buyer from the UK asks two Italian lawyers about a dispute over a deposit. One sends a short reply with a single figure; the other sends a written estimate splitting the work into demand, mediation and, if needed, the court case, with a note on expenses and VAT. The buyer chooses the second because he can see what each step will cost and can stop after the first.
The best path for you
Usually the best path is: (1) ask for a written estimate that shows the steps and the extras; (2) start with the cheapest useful step, such as a formal demand; (3) decide on the court case only after the first answer, knowing the exposure to the other side’s costs.
Facing a similar situation? You can send your documents to the firm for an assessment, from anywhere in the world.
Costs on top of the fee
- Court fees and stamp duties (for example the contributo unificato).
- Expenses: notifications, travel, certified translations, apostilles, experts.
- Pension fund contribution of the lawyer (usually 4%) and VAT, where applicable. Their treatment can differ for a business with a VAT number abroad and a private person: ask the lawyer.
- Bank charges for international payments.
If you lose: the other side’s costs
In a civil case, the judge usually orders the losing party to pay the other side’s legal costs, liquidated according to the parameters. The judge can reduce or offset the amount, for example if the case was uncertain or both parties were partly right. This is a risk to consider before starting or continuing a case.
How to compare estimates
- Ask what is included: advice, drafting, hearings, appeals.
- Ask how many phases are expected and when you would pay each.
- Ask what happens if the case is settled early.
- Ask for the estimate by email so that you can keep it.
- Ask whether the lawyer speaks to you in English on the follow-up.
How attorney Fiorentino can follow you
- Tell you in writing how the fee is built for your matter and what the extras would be.
- Propose the least costly sequence of steps to reach your goal.
- Update you on costs as the matter develops, so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Do Italian lawyers charge by the hour?
Hourly rates exist, but fees by phase or fixed fees are more usual in litigation.
Do I pay if I lose?
You pay your own lawyer and, as a rule, the other side’s costs, unless the judge decides otherwise.
Can I pay from abroad?
Yes, by bank transfer. Ask for the details in writing.
Is there help for those with a low income?
Italy has a system of State-funded legal aid with income limits and conditions. Ask a lawyer whether you qualify.
Related guides
Learn more: Legal guides from Studio Legale Fiorentino.
Want to know what your matter would involve?
Every situation must be assessed on the documents of the specific case. You can consult the firm from anywhere in the world: by video call, phone, WhatsApp or email. Appointments in person in Naples (Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22 and Via Monte di Dio 14), Rome and Bari.
Official sources
Information updated on October 13, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The firm does not advise on United States or United Kingdom law or taxes.
Do you have a similar issue?
Every situation depends on the documents of the specific case. You can contact the firm from anywhere, remotely.