General conditions

Article 1 – Scope

1.1 Present general conditions apply to each performance of WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW to a client, except where agreed otherwise in writing between WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW and the client, in which event present general conditions only apply to the extent they do not differ from what has been stipulated in such agreement.

1.2. Present general conditions have force of law in the relation between WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW and the client and are deemed to be accepted by the client if he has made no objections within a reasonable term upon their receipt. Acceptance of present general conditions may be inferred from amongst other things, however not exclusively, a normal continuation of performances by WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW without opposition of the client within a reasonable term.

Article 2  – Payment of fee notes

2.1. Our services are, unless explicitly agreed otherwise with the client, charged on an hourly basis of which the rate varies according to the experience of our partner or associate, the complexity of the matter at hand, the degree of urgency of the case and the achieved results. The first consultation will be charged ac-cording to the same criteria.

2.2. The hourly rates do not include VAT nor secretarial services and small office costs made by our firm. An additional 10% on the fees will be charged to cover those services. Special costs and expenses (such as for court registry fees, translations, notarial charges, travel costs and other disbursements) will be invoiced separately.

2.3. Our fees are subject to 21% VAT.

2.4. Unless explicitly agreed otherwise with the client, fees and costs due by the client for performances shall be paid no later than thirty (30) days following the date mentioned on the WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW statement of fees related to the performances. Advance fee notes shall be paid no later than seven (7) days following the date mentioned on the statement of fees.

Article 3 – Late Payment

3.1. In the event of a late payment, an annual default interest of 5% shall be due by the client, after WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW has formally served a notice of default payment of the statement of fees from the client whereby the latter is informed that a default interest shall be charged. Furthermore, in such event a fixed compensation amounting to 10% of the outstanding fees must be paid by the client to compensate the costs caused by the late payment.

Article 4 – Professional liability

4.1. WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW has subscribed a professional liability insurance to cover its possible professional liability, as well as that of its partners, each lawyer, associate or trainee, acting in the framework of a cooperation agreement with WAETERINCKX VANSTEENKISTE ATTORNEYS.

4.2. The liability of WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW vis-à-vis the client, as well as that of its partners, each lawyer, associate or trainee, in connection with performances in the framework of the cooperation with WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW shall always be limited to an amount covered by WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW professional liability insurance.

Article 5 – Applicable law and jurisdiction

5.1. These general conditions and the relation between WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW and the client are governed by Belgian law and, to the extent applicable, by and taking into account the professional rules of conduct issued by the Antwerp Bar.

5.2. Any possible dispute arising out of or in connection with the relation between WAETERINCKX ATTORNEYS BUSINESS CRIMINAL LAW and the client or these general conditions shall be exclusively settled before the courts of the judicial district Antwerp and, to the extent applicable, before the competent bodies of the Members of the Antwerp Bar.