Save on legal documents: template or lawyer?

Legal help does not have to cost a fortune

Danish legal assistance is expensive. A commercial lawyer typically costs between DKK 1,500 and 3,500 an hour excluding VAT. For many private individuals and small businesses, this means they either fail to create the necessary documents or spend money they cannot really afford.

It does not have to be that way. For a wide range of standard documents, a well-crafted template can cover the need at a fraction of the price. Here is an overview of what a document typically costs at a lawyer, and when a template is sufficient.

Typical lawyer prices for standard documents

The prices below are indicative and reflect the market level for Danish commercial lawyers. They vary with the complexity of the task and the lawyer's hourly rate.

Employment contract

• Lawyer: DKK 3,000-8,000 (typically 2-4 hours)
• Template: a small fraction of the amount

An employment contract must comply with the Act on employment certificates, which sets specific requirements for content and deadlines. A well-crafted template ensures the mandatory elements are included.

Lease (private)

• Lawyer: DKK 2,000-5,000
• Template: a small fraction of the amount

A private lease is governed by the Rent Act, and the authorised standard lease (type form A) ensures that any departures from the Rent Act to the tenant's detriment are validly agreed and clearly highlighted. This is especially important for landlords.

Cooperation agreement

• Lawyer: DKK 5,000-15,000
• Template: a small fraction of the amount

A cooperation agreement protects both parties in a business cooperation with clear payment terms, termination rules and allocation of responsibility.

Owners' agreement (ApS with 2 owners)

• Lawyer: DKK 10,000-30,000
• Template: a small fraction of the amount, if the structure is simple

An owners' agreement governs the owners' mutual relationship: the right of pre-emption, decision-making and exit. Many start-ups fail to create one because of the price, and it can become a costly mistake at the first disagreement.

Data processing agreement (GDPR)

• Lawyer: DKK 3,000-8,000
• Template: a small fraction of the amount

A data processing agreement is mandatory (GDPR Article 28) if you entrust the processing of personal data to a third party. As GDPR fines can be large, it is cheap to secure the basis.

Is a template as good as a lawyer?

It is a fair question, and the answer is that it depends on the situation.

For standard situations, a well-crafted template is often fully sufficient, provided that it:

• Is designed by someone with insight into Danish law
• Is kept up to date on changes in the law (for example when the rules on employment certificates were tightened in 2023)
• Is adapted to your specific situation, and not just used uncritically

A lawyer, on the other hand, is worth the money when the agreement is complex, atypical or of high value. This applies, for example, to acquisitions, disputes, international agreements, unusual ownership structures and situations where a lot is at stake. Here, an error in a standard document can cost far more than the lawyer would have cost.

A sensible rule of thumb: use a template for the recurring standard documents, and involve a lawyer when something stands out from the norm.

Getting started

You do not need to wait until your business can afford a lawyer for every task. For most standard documents, you can get a long way with a well-crafted template that you adapt to your situation. Save the lawyer's hours for what really requires them.

A digital document platform such as LegalDock offers templates adapted to Danish law that you can fill in and adapt yourself. Be sure to read the document through and adapt it to your circumstances, and seek advice if your situation is complex.

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The content of this article is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Prices are indicative and vary. Consult a lawyer if your situation is complex or atypical.