Published by the government of Zimbabwe
3 October 2008
Harare — THE Law Society of Zimbabwe has increased the general fees for legal services by 50 percent with effect from last month.
The charges vary according to experience with lawyers who have been in practice for 20 years charging US$354 per hour or the lawful equivalent in local currency while those with 15-19 years charge US$306 per hour.
Those with 10-14 years experience now ask for US$259 per hour, 5-9 years charge US$219 per hour, 2-4 years charge US$168 per hour and 0-1 year charges US$130 per hour.
Unregistered law graduates with names recorded by the LSZ are allowed to charge US$50 per hour.
An agreement of sale for residential or farm will now attract a fee of US$720, while those who want to transfer business or shares are required to pay US$1 417.
Lease agreements for residential properties or farms now cost US$660 while business and farm lease agreements cost US$1 333.
For uncontested divorce with or without consent papers, with minimal negotiations and including appearance in court where necessary, the plaintiff has to pay US$2 417 while the defendant parts with US$1 333.
Drafting a will to reflect a spouse and one or two beneficiaries now cost US$750.
Company formation with share certificates and initial companies act forms with full set of Articles where Articles substantially incorporate Table A, whether or not with modifications now cost US$1 000.
Fees for Notarial work have been pegged at US$450 while acquiring a liquor licence now requires US$660 and drafting a general power of attorney now costs US$180.
Commenting on the new tariffs Mr Godfrey Mamvura of Scanlene and Holderness yesterday said the charges were fair and in accordance with the prevailing economic situation in the country.
"This is fair for as long as people keep within the parameters of the law and use the lawful equivalent of US dollar rate," said Mr Mamvura.
Meanwhile, the society has asked its members to pay their subscription fees in fuel warning those who fail to comply the risk of having their practicing certificates withdrawn.
The lawyers are now required to part with 25 litres of petrol for a practicing certificate, 15 litres for subscription, 15 litres for registration fee and another 25 litres.
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