A lawyer engagement letter helps you understand the work you are commissioning, who will handle it and how its cost will be calculated. Before starting a property, tenancy or debt matter in Spain, ask for these points in writing. This guide offers practical questions for the professional, without assessing the outcome of an individual case.
Ask for clear written information
Article 15 of Spain’s Organic Law on the Right of Defence allows a request for a written engagement or equivalent document. It covers understandable information about rights, essential steps, main legal consequences and a budget for fees and costs. It also addresses personal data information.
Meanwhile, Articles 27 and 28 of the General Statute of the Spanish Legal Profession cover information before professional work begins, preferably through engagement letters, and a detailed invoice. Use this framework to ask questions specific to your matter.
Define the scope of your lawyer engagement letter
An initial consultation, a written report and representation in proceedings are different services. Ask which one you are commissioning now and what you will receive. For example, reviewing a contract and explaining its risks does not, by itself, describe later negotiations or court representation.
Also ask which further stages would need another quotation. You might discuss appeals, enforcement, additional meetings or new documents. The aim is for both sides to understand the accepted stage and how any extension will be authorised.
Identify the professional and communication channel
Keep the lawyer’s or professional firm’s details, contact information and bar registration information. If a team is involved, ask who is responsible for the matter and where to send updates. Agree on the working language when documents or participants are based in another country.
Then clarify how you will receive progress reports, document requests and decisions. One agreed channel helps prevent information being scattered across conversations. Ask when to expect the first response and how to report an urgent new notice. Do not assume the contact channel provides continuous availability.
Fees and expenses in your lawyer engagement letter
Request a quotation that explains the price calculation, whether by stage, by time or another agreed method. If part of the charge is variable, ask for a numerical example. Confirm which taxes apply and whether the quoted amount includes them.
Also ask about separate expenses. Depending on the matter, a court representative, expert, translator or travel may need its own budget. Not every service will be necessary in every case. If an advance payment is requested, clarify what it covers and how it will be accounted for.
Possible court costs need an explanation separate from the lawyer’s price. Ask the professional to explain that risk for your circumstances. Do not assume a favourable outcome removes every expense or that an initial estimate covers every later development.
Confirm when the work starts
Before treating the appointment as active, confirm that the professional has accepted the work and received the necessary documents. Highlight any approaching date and provide the complete notice. Sending a message or completing a contact form does not by itself establish that a lawyer is acting or that a deadline has stopped.
Keep the accepted lawyer engagement letter, attachments and payment receipts. Ask for clarification before accepting anything you do not understand. To organise papers for a first meeting, use our debt consultation document checklist.
Contact and coordination through Renova
Renova can help you contact and coordinate with legal professionals. Assessment and strategy belong to the lawyer who accepts the engagement. Briefly explain the support you need, where the property or matter is located and whether you have received a notice with an approaching date.
This publication provides general information to prepare for appointing a professional. It does not determine the right legal action for your case or replace individual advice.
Sources and links checked on 30 October 2026.
