THE FIRM

Founded in 1995 by Me Joanna BÜRGISSER, BÜRGISSER AVOCATS is a Swiss law firm active in labour and employment law at large.

We provide counsel, support, and assistance in all areas of the world of work, including employment contracts, work permits, social plans, expatriates issues, assistance to executives, equal opportunities legislation, redundancy, administrative litigation, social insurance law, etc.

With international backgrounds and mastery of several languages, as well as a highly recognised work experience in various administrative, business and judicial environments, we provide a personalised service to our Swiss and international clients.

While we fully master the right of procedure, we follow the adage “better a bad settlement than a good court-case” and we favour, as far as possible, negotiated solutions.

RATES

In principle, according to the law and in conformity with custom, the Firm asks for retainers, due and payable in advance, according to the development of the mandate.

Fees and expenses statements are sent regularly, with details.

A first consultation, fixed rapidly, has the objectives of a first contact, a preliminary discussion, and advice with regards to the first steps to take, or litigations to initiate. Lasting sixty minutes maximum, its price is fixed at a rate of CHF 380.- including VAT, payable in cash at the desk before the consultation.

The hourly rate situates itself between CHF 450.- and CHF 500.- excluding VAT. It can be increased or decreased depending on the urgency, the judicial difficulties, the case’s importance or gravity, the procedural result and the client’s situation.

The Firm points out that the law forbids the lawyer to convene with their client, before the end of the dispute, of any financial arrangement that entails sharing the benefits obtained during the procedure instead of the lawyer’s fees. Moreover, the lawyer cannot commit themselves to waive their fees if the law proceedings’ results turn out to be negative. However, a share in profits (pactum de palmario) is admissible as long as it is concluded at the very start of the mandate, or after the end of legal proceedings.

Finally, individuals who do not have the necessary financial resources can get help from the State to pay lawyers’ fees. In such cases, the lawyer then acts as an appointed lawyer. The Firm readily counsels and assists clients in such a process.