This is what happens when you call us…
Conflicts
We conduct a conflict-check and make sure we can handle your case in accordance with your expectations. Being highly specialised in the Life Sciences sector, this is not always easy and we often have to make difficult decisions; but we do it with special care, in good faith, with full transparency, and subject to all applicable rules on professional conduct. We are proud to say that after more than 20 years of practice we have rarely run into a problem because of conflicts.
Expertise
We also consider whether or not what you expect from us is really within our area of expertise. We aim to deliver value. If we are unable to do so, we can provide you with recommendations of other firms who may take care of your case.
Capabilities
We strive to meet your expected timelines and accommodate your needs whenever possible. However, as professionals, we also value work-life balance and cherish time with our families, friends, and leisure activities. Rest assured, we are dedicated to being available 24/7 when urgent matters arise. Nevertheless, if we anticipate challenges in meeting your expectations, we will communicate this transparently upfront.
Who does what
At our firm, the partners are very actively involved in the matters we work on. At our firm, a partner will remain primarily responsible for the work and will also have a good knowledge of your file.
Quality, efficiency and excellence
We are obsessed with quality, efficiency and excellence. We think there is no other way for a small boutique law firm like ours to compete in the legal services market and be able to work for companies as great as yours. So, we are fully committed to quality, efficiency and excellence, to give the best of our professional expertise and to exercise the due care reasonably expected from us.
Straight and clear
We know you are busy and that you expect us to provide clear and straight advice. We put ourselves in your shoes, and we do our best to deliver true value and avoid loose ends.
Communication
We strongly believe that frequent and open communication with our clients is essential, and that it has to be handled carefully. We follow any reasonable instructions we may receive in this respect. We also make sure that any work we do for you and any communications we have with you remain protected by privilege under applicable rules on professional conduct.
Fee arrangements
Traditionally, professional fees have been calculated on the basis of hourly billing rates. On the other hand, our approach to fees is that they are appropriate if they reflect the value that we contribute through our work. We are happy to present fee proposals including alternative models.
Time-basis: In projects where billing on a time basis is the optimal solution, our hourly rates may go from 200 to 600 Eur/H. In all cases we ensure that the hours that we will invoice will be both reasonable and necessary for the proper provision of our services and that we shall ensure that our fees reflect the value that we can bring.
Efficiency: We know the sector, its rules and its environment. We can get to the point easily. We rarely have to spend hours to become familiar with the subject matter for which you come to see us
One + One = One: We do not invoice the time of lawyers who attend meetings together with another lawyer of our firm solely or primarily for the purposes of obtaining information to enable them to work on the matter at a later stage.
Expenses: Our invoices do not include charges for our ordinary operating expenses. If appropriate, any extraordinary expenses that have been duly justified and agreed with each client (services provided by experts or travel expenses) will be invoiced separately.
Duration of our engagement
We understand that the relationship between our firm and our clients is based on mutual trust. Therefore, we understand that any client may terminate the engagement at any time for any reason through written notice. We may also decide to terminate the engagement. In any event, we shall always respect all applicable rules of professional conduct and take any steps reasonably practicable to protect your interests. On the other hand, we expect our fees for the work performed to be paid until the termination of the engagement or otherwise, as this may be specifically agreed in any individual assignment.
…and this is what we do while you don’t call
We evaluate ourselves
We like to go through a file after we have completed our work. We look back over what we have done and try to evaluate, in a candid and open manner, what we could have done better. There is always room for improvement, so we take note and try to keep this in mind for future assignments. We are also happy to receive any input you may wish to share with us.
We keep studying
Life moves fast, and the law and jurisprudence is no exception. Each of our lawyers is expected to spend at least 4 hours a week on studying legislative initiatives, administrative decisions and judgements, or policy and social issues that might have an impact on pharmaceutical and life science companies.
We follow you
We believe the more we know about you, the better we can serve your interests, so we follow you. We regularly check your press releases, your communications to the stock market, your profile in social networks, and other sources of public information.
We share
We write articles and books and participate at conferences because we are happy to share our views. This also enables members of our team to gain visibility in front of relevant stakeholders, so we push them to make an effort in this area, and we are proud to say they seem to enjoy doing so.
We keep looking to the future
We take care of our team and keep an eye on potential newcomers, so we offer internships to young lawyers and students who show an interest in our practice and who may be the ones handling your matters in the future. Our selection process is 100% inclusive. We simply don´t care about gender, race, or about any personal choices people may make in their private lives. Within reason, and to the extent of our abilities, everyone showing interest and talent deserves an opportunity at our firm.
We try to help others
We cooperate on a pro-bono basis with some patient associations that help people who are denied access to some treatments. We also support various NGOs in their efforts to make life better for those in a rather difficult situation.