Costs & fees
Clear information about legal costs
Legal costs should never be a surprise. Before we start work we explain what the matter is likely to cost, how it will be billed and what could change it.
Costs disclosure
Solicitors in New South Wales are required to give clients information about legal costs before or as soon as practicable after starting work, subject to the requirements that apply to the matter. In practice this means you receive a written costs disclosure and costs agreement setting out the basis of our fees, an estimate of total costs where possible, and your rights in relation to costs.
We will also tell you when something happens that materially changes the estimate — for example if a matter becomes contested, additional evidence is required, or a hearing is needed where none was expected.
How we bill
The right fee structure depends on the type of matter. Many everyday matters can be quoted as a fixed fee; others are better suited to stages or hourly billing. We will recommend the structure that gives you the most certainty for the work involved.
Questions worth asking any lawyer
- What is included in the quoted fee, and what is not?
- What disbursements should I expect, and when are they payable?
- What could cause the estimate to change?
- Who will be handling my matter day to day?
- How and when will I be billed?
Fee structures
How legal fees are commonly structured
Fixed fees
Suitable where the scope of work can be defined in advance, such as many conveyancing matters, wills and straightforward court appearances. You know the cost of that stage before work begins.
Stage-based fees
Longer matters can be quoted stage by stage — for example advice and preparation, then a court appearance — so costs remain predictable as the matter develops.
Hourly rates
Used where the work required cannot be predicted at the outset, such as contested litigation or complex estate disputes. Time is recorded and itemised.
Disbursements
Third-party costs paid on your behalf, such as court filing fees, searches, certificates and, where required, barristers' or experts' fees. These are separate from professional fees.
Ask us for a costs estimate
Every matter is different. Tell us briefly what has happened and we will explain your options in plain English.