If this is your first experience dealing with a Lawyer, then you may be unfamiliar with just how much professional legal advice costs. At Maddens Lawyers we believe in being up-front about all aspects of our clients' matters, particularly our legal fees. The relevant rulings clearly set out the limitations on professional fees for all Lawyers.
Legal services are provided at an hourly rate (applied in six minute intervals) which will vary according to the experience and position of the Legal Practitioner or Clerk involved in any particular aspect of the work at any particular time.
In addition to our professional fees, you will be responsible for payment of other relevant expenses which we incur on your behalf. You may be required to pay these expenses in advance.
You have the right to negotiate an agreement about the payment of legal costs (which must be in writing or evidenced in writing) and to receive bills of costs.
If the bill you receive is not in itemised form, you have the right to request an itemised bill within 30 days of receiving the lump sum bill. An itemised bill specifies in detail how our legal costs are made up.
If you do not agree with the bill, there are means by which you can have your bill re-assessed. Unless the legal practitioner otherwise agrees, such application must be made within 2 months from the date the bill is given.
You may also be able to initiate a dispute in relation to legal costs which do not exceed $15,000.00. Usually such a dispute must be initiated within 6 months. To initiate a dispute you should contact Victorian Lawyers RPA Ltd.