Variable Fees
Our base charge-out rate is $440 (incl GST) per hour of work done. This is the base rate that we will apply to our work when we are not able to enter into a fixed fee agreement for work. It is also the rate that applies for work that we are required to perform that goes beyond the scope of our retainer. In the event that we are charging a variable fee we will provide an estimate range of fees before we commence any work.
Our default hourly rate.
$440/hour (incl GST).
Our hourly rate for work in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal or to for to appear in an ACT Court represent another law firm as their local agent only.
$330/hour (incl GST).
Fixed Fee Litigation
We offer fixed fee litigation services. The purpose of providing fixed fee services is to provide certainty of costs to you. Often the scope of work that is required for litigation can be estimated with some degree of accuracy. When this is the case we will offer to provide our service at a fixed fee.
Disputes in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)
We estimate the scope of work required on the basis of the amount in dispute. The scope of work in turn influences our pricing. Our fees are inclusive of appearing at hearing. Any quotes given are subject to conditions set out in our costs agreement.
Micro claims
For disputes involving sums of up to $10,000 we are able to offer a flat rate of $2,750 (incl GST) not including fees for appearing at a hearing. This is exclusive of disbursements. Please note we are unable to confirm the quote until we have considered the facts of your case. Our fees are paid in stages. Professional fees are ordinarily not recoverable in the ACAT.
Other ACAT Claims
For disputes involving sums of up to $25,000 we are able to offer a flat rate of $5,500 (incl GST) not including fees for appearing at a hearing. This is exclusive of disbursements. Please note we are unable to confirm the quote until we have considered the facts of your case. Our fees are paid in stages. Professional fees are ordinarily not recoverable in the ACAT.
The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal deals with small claims in the ACT. It can award parties up to $25,000.
The ACAT is often the starting point for most matters in the ACT that do not involve some kind of monetary claim. It is the most straightforward of the Courts to navigate. Due to the size of disputes in the ACAT private parties often opt represent themselves to save legal costs.
A successful party will ordinarily be awarded 100% of disbursements incurred.
Disputes in the Magistrates Court of the Australian Capital Territory
We estimate the scope of work required on the basis of the amount in dispute. The scope of work in turn influences our pricing. Our fees are inclusive of appearing at hearing. Any quotes given are subject to conditions set out in our costs agreement.
Small to Medium Claims
For disputes involving sums of up to $50,000 we can offer a flat rate of $9,900 (incl GST) not including fees for appearing at a hearing. This is exclusive of disbursements. Please note we are unable to confirm the quote until we have considered the facts of your case. Our fees are paid in stages. Professional fees may be recoverable from the other side if you are successful.
Medium Claims
For disputes involving sums of up to $100,000 we can offer a flat rate of $16,500 (incl GST) not including fees for appearing at a hearing. Please note we are unable to confirm the quote until we have considered the facts of your case. Our fees are paid in stages. Professional fees may be recoverable from the other side if you are successful.
Large Claims
For disputes involving sums of up to $200,000 we can offer a flat rate of $27,500 (incl GST) not including fees for appearing at a hearing. Please note we are unable to confirm the quote until we have considered the facts of your case. Our fees are paid in stages. Professional fees may be recoverable from the other side if you are successful.
It has jurisdiction to deal with monetary claims of up to $250,000. Procedures in this Court are more complex and time-consuming than those in the ACAT.
If you are successful in the Magistrates Court the other side may be ordered to pay your legal fees. This award can alleviate a part of the financial stress of the process.
Construction and Commercial Advice
We provide advise on contracts and disputes and discuss dispute resolution options that and their viability. This work involves reviewing relevant material. We charge an additional hourly fee for reading material you provide us where the material is over 50 pages long.
Residential Construction Contract (Review and advise only).
$660 (incl GST).
Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act Adjudication (dependent on complexity).
$2,200 (incl GST) to $4,400 (incl GST) plus disbursements such as adjudicator fees.
Commercial Construction Contract (Review, advise and negotiate).
$4,400 (incl GST).
It is important to note these figures are NOT to be construed as an offer. They are provided for guidance. Any quotation will be provided separately in writing and must be agreed before we commence work. We will ordinarily require payments to be made into our trust account in advance of the work. Please note that we will never ask you to make a payment into our trust account without discussing these matters with you first.
Since our priority is to provide a transparent service we will always discuss how we are able to assist and run our costs past you before commencing any new work.