Fees and how we work

We do not publish rates here. Every matter is different, and a figure without context would mislead. What we promise is a written estimate before significant work starts, and no surprises after it.

Your right to know the cost before you commit

Queensland solicitors must disclose their costs in writing under Part 3.4 of the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld). Section 308 sets out the detailed disclosure a client must receive. It must be in plain language and given before, or as soon as practicable after, we are retained.

That disclosure covers how costs are calculated, an estimate or range, billing intervals and your rights to query a bill. If the estimate changes materially, we must tell you in writing.

The costs agreement is the contract between us. It records the scope of work, the fee basis and the assumptions behind the estimate. Read it and ask questions before signing.

Three ways we charge

Fixed fee for defined work. Where the task has clear boundaries, we quote one price for the whole job. If the scope changes, we tell you before doing extra work.

Capped or staged estimates for litigation. Court proceedings cannot be priced as one number at the outset. We break the matter into stages, such as pleadings, disclosure, mediation and trial. Each stage has its own estimate or cap. You decide at each stage whether to continue.

Hourly rates with estimates. Some work is open-ended, such as advising a director through a voluntary administration. There we charge for time recorded, against a written estimate we update as the matter develops.

No win, no fee: what Queensland law allows

Conditional costs agreements are permitted under section 323 of the Act. Our fees, or part of them, become payable only if the matter succeeds. The agreement must be in writing, explain the conditions, and give you a cooling-off period.

A conditional agreement can include an uplift fee for the risk we carry. In litigious matters, section 324 limits the uplift to 25 per cent of the legal costs, excluding disbursements.

What no Queensland solicitor can do is charge a percentage of the amount recovered. Section 325 prohibits contingency fees of that kind. If you are offered one, the agreement is void.

We consider conditional arrangements case by case. They suit well-founded claims with a clear path to recovery.

Litigation funding for larger claims

Where a claim is strong but the client cannot carry the cost, a third-party funder may pay the legal costs. In return the funder takes a share of any recovery. The funder, not the solicitor, takes the percentage. This is lawful in Australia and common in insolvency litigation. See our litigation funding page for how it works.

What is not included in our fees

Disbursements are extra. They include court filing fees, barristers’ fees, expert reports and search fees. Our estimate identifies the disbursements we expect. Significant ones are discussed with you before they are incurred.

How billing works in practice

• We invoice monthly, so you always know where the matter stands.
• You may ask for an itemised bill at no charge. We must provide it within 28 days (section 332).
• Payment terms are in the costs agreement. Interest may apply to overdue accounts, at a rate we disclose up front.
• If you think a bill is wrong, tell us first. Most concerns are resolved by a conversation.
• If we cannot agree, you can apply for an independent costs assessment through the Queensland courts. Time limits apply. The Legal Services Commission also handles complaints about costs.

Trust accounts and payments in advance

For litigation and larger engagements, we usually ask for money in advance. It is held in our trust account, which is regulated and audited under the Act. Trust money remains yours until we bill for work done. We account to you for every dollar.

The first conversation

Tell us what has happened and what you want to achieve. We will say whether we can help, what the options are, and what the first stage is likely to cost. If the matter is not one for us, we will say so.

Before we open a file we run a conflicts check across our existing and former clients. We also verify the identity of clients and, for companies, their beneficial owners. From 1 July 2026, Australian law practices are subject to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth). We will ask for identification documents early so the work is not delayed.

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer fixed fees?

Yes, for defined tasks with clear boundaries. For litigation we use staged estimates or caps instead, because the other side’s conduct affects the cost.

Can you act on a no win, no fee basis?

Sometimes. Queensland law permits conditional costs agreements, with an uplift of up to 25 per cent in litigious matters. We cannot take a percentage of what you recover. We assess each request on the strength of the claim.

What is litigation funding?

A third party pays the legal costs of a claim in exchange for a share of any proceeds. If the claim fails, the funder usually bears the loss. It suits larger claims with good prospects. Read more on our litigation funding page.

Will I have to pay the other side’s costs if I lose?

Usually, in part. Australian courts generally order the unsuccessful party to pay a proportion of the winner’s costs. A court can also order a plaintiff to provide security for costs before the case proceeds. We explain these risks before you start.

How do I query a bill?

Call or email the lawyer responsible for your matter first. You can request an itemised bill at no charge. If that does not resolve it, you may apply for a costs assessment through the Queensland courts, or contact the Legal Services Commission.

To discuss your situation in confidence, contact us on +61 7 3229 9800 or send us an enquiry online.

This page is general information only and is not legal advice.

Sources

• Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld), Part 3.4 – https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2007-024
• Legal Services Commission (Qld), Costs disclosure and costs agreements – https://www.lsc.qld.gov.au/for-the-profession/policies-and-guidelines/costs-disclosure-and-costs-agreements
• Queensland Law Society, Costs disclosure checklists (July 2025) – https://www.qls.com.au/getmedia/0a3214cb-34a3-4d9a-9ba9-dde71c1d34b2/doc20250724-qls_costs-disclosure-checklists-final.pdf
• Queensland Law Handbook, Costs involved in engaging a solicitor – https://queenslandlawhandbook.org.au/the-queensland-law-handbook/the-australian-legal-system/accessing-legal-assistance/costs-involved-in-engaging-a-solicitor/
• Queensland Law Handbook, Complaints about legal costs – https://queenslandlawhandbook.org.au/the-queensland-law-handbook/the-australian-legal-system/accessing-legal-assistance/complaints-about-legal-costs/
• ACT Law Society, AML/CTF obligations for legal practices (commencement 1 July 2026) – https://www.actlawsociety.asn.au/practising-law/aml-ctf-1