Finding a Rechtsanwalt — Costs, Beratungshilfe, and Tips

When do I need a Rechtsanwalt?

In many situations, legal help is useful or even necessary:

• Residence law — visa rejected, deportation threatened, family reunification
• Employment law — termination, unpaid wages, warning letter
• Tenancy law — notice to vacate, rent increase, utility bill settlement
• Social law — Bürgergeld, child benefit, housing allowance rejected
• Criminal law — police summons, criminal charges
• Family law — divorce, custody, alimony
• Asylum law — asylum application, lawsuit against rejection

Important deadline: For a termination in employment law, the lawsuit must be filed with the labor court within 3 weeks — otherwise the termination is valid, even if it is illegal!

Where do I find a lawyer?

Online search

• Anwaltauskunft (anwaltauskunft.de) — official search by the German Bar Association (DAV)
• Anwalt.de — large portal with ratings and specializations
• Rechtsanwaltskammer (brak.de) — lawyer search by postal code and legal field
• Google Maps — search "Rechtsanwalt [specialization] [city]", read reviews

Specialized lawyers

• Fachanwalt für Migrationsrecht — for residence, visas, asylum
• Fachanwalt für Arbeitsrecht — for termination, wages, warnings
• Fachanwalt für Mietrecht — for rental contracts, utility disputes
• Fachanwalt für Familienrecht — for divorce, alimony, custody

Tip: "Fachanwalt" is a protected title — only lawyers with special qualifications and experience may use it.

Lawyers who speak your language

• Many law firms employ multilingual lawyers (Turkish, Arabic, Polish, Russian, etc.)
• On anwalt.de and anwaltauskunft.de you can filter by languages
• Alternatively: bring your own interpreter (clarify costs beforehand!)

How much does a Rechtsanwalt cost?

Initial consultation

• Since 2006, the initial consultation for consumers is limited to a maximum of 190 € net (226.10 € gross) (§ 34 RVG)
• Many lawyers offer a free preliminary assessment by phone or email
• Important: Ask about costs beforehand!

Attorney fees

Fees are governed by the Attorneys' Remuneration Act (RVG) and depend on the value in dispute:

Alternatively, a fee agreement (hourly rate) can be made — typically: 150–350 €/hour.

Beratungshilfe — Lawyer for 15 €

If you have low income, you are entitled to Beratungshilfe:

Requirements

• Low income — e.g. Bürgergeld, housing allowance, minimum wage
• No legal protection insurance for the relevant legal field
• No other reasonable help (e.g. tenants' association, union)

How to apply?

1. Visit your local Amtsgericht (no appointment needed, in person)
2. Apply for a Beratungshilfeschein — bring ID and income statements
3. Go to the Rechtsanwalt of your choice with the certificate
4. You only pay a fee of 15 €

What does Beratungshilfe cover?

• Legal advice
• Out-of-court representation (e.g. letters to landlord)
• Not: representation in court (that's what Prozesskostenhilfe is for)

Prozesskostenhilfe (PKH)

If it comes to court proceedings and you cannot afford a lawyer:

Requirements

• Low income
• The lawsuit has prospect of success (court will review)
• The legal claim is not frivolous

What does PKH cover?

• Court costs (in whole or in part)
• Attorney costs (in whole or in part)
• For installment payments: maximum 48 monthly installments

How to apply?

• File an application with the competent court (forms available online or at court)
• Documents: income statements, bank statements, rental contract, official notices

Important in employment law: At the first instance, each party pays their own lawyer — even the winner. Legal aid is particularly important here!

Rechtsschutzversicherung

A Rechtsschutzversicherung (legal protection insurance) covers attorney and court costs:

• Cost: approx. 20–40 €/month (depending on coverage)
• Waiting period: usually 3 months after contract conclusion
• Typical areas: traffic law, employment law, tenancy law, private law
• Not covered: intentional crimes, already ongoing disputes

Tip for employees: Union members often receive free legal protection in employment law.

Tips for working with your Rechtsanwalt

• Bring all documents — contracts, letters, notices, emails
• Organize chronologically — helps the lawyer and saves time (= money)
• Mention deadlines — many legal steps have strict deadlines
• Be honest — the lawyer is bound by professional secrecy
• Grant written power of attorney — the lawyer can then act on your behalf
• Put fee agreement in writing — before work begins

Status: March 2026. All information without guarantee.