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On June 1, 2025, Germany will implement a significant update to the Law on Lawyers’ Remuneration (Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz – RVG). As part of the broader KostBRÄG 2025 reform, the new rules affect how attorney fees are calculated and how legal costs are structured in various types of proceedings.
While seemingly technical, this reform has practical implications for legal professionals, clients, and anyone involved in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings in Germany.
A key goal of the reform is to adjust lawyer remuneration rates in line with inflation and operational costs. Law firms have been experiencing rising expenses for office space, staffing, and administration, and the RVG update reflects these pressures.
The reform includes a general increase in fees under § 13 RVG, with higher adjustments in specific areas like criminal law, administrative offenses, and family law. This is a recognition of the complexity and social importance of these cases, as well as the workload placed on legal professionals.
Another important improvement concerns the clarity of billing rules, especially for the so-called Terminsgebühr — the fee for court hearings and discussions. Previously, there were legal ambiguities about whether informal or preliminary proceedings triggered this fee.
As of June 2025, the law explicitly includes non-formal court discussions (e.g., Erörterungstermine) as compensable events. This change better reflects the modern reality of legal practice, where many disputes are resolved out of court or via negotiated settlements.
Significant updates also affect legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe – PKH) and court-appointed representation. The reform increases the percentage of fees that appointed lawyers can claim — bringing them closer to the compensation of privately hired attorneys.
This adjustment aims to enhance equal access to justice and to incentivize experienced lawyers to take on legally aided clients, especially in complex or sensitive matters.
To ensure a smooth transition, the updated RVG includes precise transitional rules:
For mandates issued before June 1, 2025, the old fee schedule applies — provided the appointment was unconditional.
For mandates issued or activated on or after June 1, the new rates apply.
Conditional contracts take effect based on the actual date the condition is fulfilled.
In cases of amended claims or counterclaims, the law ensures consistent application — avoiding a split in fee regimes within the same case.
For law firms and practitioners, the reform requires updating internal templates, contracts, fee tables, and communication practices. It also means proactively informing clients about possible cost increases — particularly for ongoing or upcoming cases around the June 1 cutoff date.
For clients, this reform may lead to moderate increases in legal costs, depending on the complexity and value of their case. Clear explanation of fee structures will be key to maintaining trust and transparency.
In summary, the 2025 RVG reform represents a move toward greater fairness, predictability, and modernization in the way legal services are compensated in Germany. It strengthens the legal profession and offers a clearer framework for both lawyers and clients.
