The determination of attorney fees in Colombia is a highly relevant topic for both nationals and foreigners who require legal services in the country.
In Colombia, attorney fees are regulated by a series of recommendations, among others, from the National Council of Bar Associations (CONALBOS), which suggests reference rates for different types of legal services. For 2024, these suggestions have been updated, helping both lawyers and clients have a clear guide on the costs of legal advice in Colombia.
For the year 2024, the National Bar Association of Colombia (Conalbos) has set the guidelines for determining a new fee table, adjusted according to the monthly minimum wage, which for this year has been set at COP$ 1,300,000.
This article provides a detailed guide on the fees that legal service users in Colombia can expect to pay.
How much are attorney fees in Colombia?
Attorney fees in Colombia vary depending on the nature of the required legal service.
For 2024, rates have been adjusted based on the monthly minimum wage, aiming to ensure fair compensation for legal professionals while keeping services accessible for clients.
What is CONALBOS and how does it set attorney fees?
Conalbos, the National Council of Bar Associations, is responsible for proposing a fee table for attorneys in Colombia. Although these fees are only suggested and final fees may be negotiated between the lawyer and the client, this table is an important reference in the Colombian legal market.
Attorney Fees by Service Type (2024)
Below is a table with suggested fees for the most common legal services in Colombia:
What percentage of fees do lawyers charge?
In some cases, lawyers may agree on a percentage based on the value of the case in dispute or the benefit obtained for the client.
This percentage can range between 10% and 30%, depending on the complexity and risk of the case.
Judicial Processes
- Executive processes: From COP$ 1,300,000.
- Family processes (including divorces): From COP$ 1,950,000.
- Conciliations: From COP$ 650,000.
What should attorney fees be like?
Attorney fees should be clear and established from the beginning of the professional relationship.
It is recommended that fees be agreed upon in writing and the payment conditions detailed, including deadlines and payment methods.
This ensures transparency and avoids future conflicts.
Fees for Legal Representation
- Representation in criminal proceedings: From COP$ 2,600,000.
- Representation in labor proceedings: From COP$ 1,950,000.
- Representation in civil proceedings: From COP$ 1,300,000.
How much does a lawyer charge for an executive process in Colombia?
For 2024, the minimum established fees for an executive process are COP$ 1,300,000.
This value can increase depending on the complexity of the case and the amount in dispute.
How much is charged for a divorce according to Conalbos?
Divorce fees vary depending on whether it is by mutual agreement or contentious.
For 2024, the minimum fees would be:
- Mutual agreement divorce: From COP$ 1,950,000.
- Contentious divorce: From COP$ 2,600,000.
Factors that could modify attorney fees
- Specialization: Lawyers specializing in complex areas like corporate law, immigration, or intellectual property tend to charge higher fees due to the complexity of the cases.
- Experience: Lawyers with more years of experience and a track record of successful cases may justify higher fees.
- Geographic location: Lawyer fees in Colombia can vary depending on the city. In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, rates tend to be higher due to the demand for legal advice.
Most Demanded Legal Services and Their Costs
At Servicio Legal, we offer a variety of services that cover the most common needs for both Colombians and foreigners. Below are some of the most requested services, along with their respective legal advisory costs in Colombia.
Trademark Registration in Colombia
Trademark registration is essential to protect intellectual property rights in Colombia. Our specialized lawyers will accompany you throughout the process, from the application to obtaining the registration. Fees for this service range from COP$ 1,200,000 to COP$ 3,000,000, making it an accessible option for those looking to protect their brand in the country. If you are looking for information on trademark registration prices in Colombia, contact us for a personalized quote.
Visa Processing for Foreigners
Our specialized team in immigration law offers complete advice on visa processing for foreigners in Colombia. This service includes residence, work, or investment visas. Fees range from COP$ 1,500,000 to COP$ 5,000,000, depending on the complexity of the process. If you need a visa lawyer in Colombia, our team is ready to assist you.
Company Formation for Foreigners in Colombia
If you are a foreigner and want to start a business in Colombia, we help you throughout the legal incorporation process. Fees for this service range from COP$ 1,500,000 to COP$ 4,000,000, depending on the type of company and legal requirements. We are experts in legal advice for companies in Colombia, providing comprehensive support from creation to compliance with local regulations.
Real Estate Purchase Advisory
Our real estate purchase lawyer service in Colombia includes a complete legal analysis of the property, ensuring that the acquisition process complies with all regulations. This service is especially useful for foreigners looking to invest in properties in Colombia. Fees depend on the value of the property and the complexity of the case.
Internal Labor Regulation
We assist companies in the creation of their internal labor regulations, ensuring compliance with Colombian labor laws. This service is essential to avoid sanctions and ensure a proper working relationship with your employees. Fees vary depending on the size of the company and the number of employees.
Mutual Agreement Divorce
One of the most common legal processes is mutual agreement divorce. At Servicio Legal, we offer fast and efficient representation for this type of process, with fees ranging from COP$ 1,200,000 to COP$ 3,500,000. If you are looking for mutual agreement divorce prices in Colombia, we can help you resolve your case simply and without complications.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer?
Choosing the right lawyer is crucial to ensuring a good outcome in your case. We recommend choosing a professional with experience in the specific area of your need. At Servicio Legal, we have specialized lawyers in immigration law, corporate law, civil law, and more, providing personalized attention tailored to your needs. If you need legal consultation, we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case.
Additional Services at Servicio Legal
In addition to the services mentioned, Servicio Legal offers advice and representation in other areas, such as:
- Pre-legal and legal collection: Services for companies and individuals in debt recovery.
- Recognition of foreign degrees in Colombia: If you need to practice your profession in Colombia, we assist you with the recognition of professional degrees obtained abroad.
Conclusion
Hiring a lawyer in Colombia involves analyzing whether the agreed fees fall within the ranges recommended by Conalbos for each year. It is important to note that each legal management, advice, support, and representation may differ depending on the specialty and complexity of the process. Attorney fee tables are updated each year based on the monthly minimum wage.
At Servicio Legal, we ensure that our clients have access to the best legal advice, with professionals specializing in the most demanded areas of law.
Cybergraphy
- Lawyers’ Fees Table 2023 according to Conalbos
- Conalbos Rates
- The limit that lawyers can charge for services in legal proceedings
- Lawyers Fees
- How much does a lawyer’s services cost?
- Lawyers’ Professional Fees
- Attorney’s Professional Fee Schedule
- Lawyers set criteria for charging fees
- 2023 rates for lawyers in Colombia
- News about attorneys’ fees
- Fees according to the Colombian National Bar Association
- Conalbos Tariff 2019-2020
- What you should know when retaining the services of an attorney
- Lawyer rates for the year 2000
With these resources, interested parties can obtain a complete and updated view of the legal fees in Colombia for the year 2024.
For more information, or if you require the services of an experienced attorney, contact us!