Directory
Hiring a Czech advocate when you do not speak Czech
Everyone who calls themselves a lawyer in Czechia and represents clients before courts must be a registered advocate (advokat) with the Czech Bar Association (Ceska advokatni komora, CAK). The Bar's public directory atadvokatikomora.czlets you filter by city, specialisation and languages spoken. That is the safest starting point.
What to check before you hire
- The advocate's registration number and current status (active, suspended, struck off).
- Professional liability insurance and its coverage limit.
- Written engagement letter setting out the scope and the fee arrangement.
- Data box (datova schranka) for exchanging official documents.
- Whether they will personally handle your matter or delegate to a concipient (trainee).
Fee structures
Fees are either contractual, agreed in the engagement letter, or set by the advocate tariff (Decree No. 177/1996). If nothing is agreed, the tariff applies. Hourly rates for English-speaking advocates in Prague typically fall between 2,500 and 5,000 CZK plus VAT. Flat-fee engagements for standard matters (a simple contract review, a labour dismissal letter, a rental deposit dispute) usually run 5,000 to 20,000 CZK plus VAT.
When you need a specialist
Most advocates are generalists. For immigration, cross-border tax disputes, criminal defence, complex real estate, or intellectual property, look for a firm that lists the area as a declared specialisation on the Bar site. For litigation over 500,000 CZK or anything involving the Regional Court, do not settle for a generalist.
Free legal aid
Low-income residents can apply through the Bar for a court-appointed advocate at no cost, or reduced cost. NGOs like the Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman) and Iuridicum Remedium provide free consultations in narrow areas. For criminal proceedings, a court will appoint counsel automatically if you cannot afford one.