An hourly arrangement can suit work whose scope develops during a procurement. The agreed rate, billing basis, responsibilities and any budget arrangements should be clear from the outset.
Transparent agreement
Clarify the services covered, applicable rates, billing units and treatment of expenses and taxes. Where several disciplines are involved, the agreement should make the relevant roles and rates understandable. Binding terms follow from the individual engagement.
Budgets and later steps
A budget estimate and a fixed cap are different arrangements. Agree the intended effect expressly and discuss material changes to scope. Judicial proceedings may raise additional statutory requirements and third-party costs that are not answered by the original hourly arrangement.
Four practical examples
The following scenarios are illustrative, not reports of actual client matters. The outcome depends on the documents and circumstances of the individual procurement.
Example 1: Developing dispute
New issues arise during a tender. An hourly arrangement can reflect actual work within the agreed scope.
Example 2: Limited first review
A bidder agrees an initial review and an expenditure limit. That does not automatically include every later challenge.
Example 3: Several specialists
Procurement and IT issues require coordinated work. The client should understand the relevant responsibilities and fee rates.
Example 4: Court appeal
An advisory matter becomes litigation. Fees, procedural expenses and statutory requirements are reviewed before the new step.
Related topics
Legal fees and procedural costs · Fixed-fee procurement advice · Request a tailored fee proposal
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Updated 13 November 2026. Illustrative guidance on German and EU procurement law.