Nine Sunshine Coast firms for everyday legal matters, with what each one handles, where its office is, and how costs, bills and complaints work in Queensland.
Google ratings checked 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Butler McDermott is one of the larger general practices on the coast, with around 15 lawyers named on its site across Nambour and Birtinya. The firm says it has served the Sunshine Coast for more than 100 years. Directors Al Upton and Jamie Lee Hunt lead a team that covers wills and estates, property, business, family, criminal and dispute work under one roof. It suits families and business owners who want one firm for most of their legal needs, and who like having a deep bench if a matter grows. Contact the firm to arrange an appointment.
Over 100 years on the Sunshine Coast, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
Separate teams cover property, commercial, family, criminal and litigation work.
George Cowan has been an accredited specialist in personal injuries law since 2002, according to the firm.
Lawyers
The firm also lists further lawyers and solicitors on its homepage.
Al Upton, Solicitor and Director
Jamie Lee Hunt, Director, leads Wills and Estates
Peter Boyce, Consultant
Rachel Last, Senior Counsel
George Cowan, Personal injuries, accredited specialist since 2002 according to the firm Accredited specialist
Contact the firm to book an appointment. An online quick start tool covers early estate planning and probate questions.
Office
15 Ann St, Nambour QLD 4560
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Bradley and Bray is a Nambour firm that has been practising on the Sunshine Coast for close to 50 years, according to its site. Directors Jacob Corbett and Bridie Edwards run it, with Peter Griffin leading the succession group and David Richmond leading commercial and property. Its work centres on buying and selling property, wills and estates, and small business matters, rather than family or criminal law. It suits home buyers, retirees planning their estate and local business owners. It also offers an online quick start tool for estate and probate questions.
Practising on the Sunshine Coast for close to 50 years, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
It runs an online quick start tool for estate planning and probate.
Lawyers
Tony Pattinson, Ashleigh Finzel, Joshua Bell, Debbie Davis and Melissa Harris are also named on the firm's team page.
Jacob Corbett, Legal Practitioner and Director
Bridie Edwards, Director and Lawyer
Peter Griffin, Partner and Practice Group Leader, Succession
David Richmond, Practice Group Leader, Commercial and Property
Suite 5, Level 1, Palmyra on Primary, 43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ryans is a small Maroochydore general practice that says it has worked on the coast for more than 25 years. Director Kerian McNamara, admitted in 1981, is also a notary public, and a team of solicitors and clerks handles a wide everyday mix. That runs from wills, estates and conveyancing to business contracts, civil disputes, traffic offences, criminal charges and injury claims. It even takes on aviation matters. It suits locals who want a personal, long running relationship with one firm. Contact the firm to discuss your matter.
More than 25 years in practice, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
Four solicitors work alongside the director, according to the firm.
Lawyers
Kerian McNamara, Director and Notary Public
Alice McNamara, Solicitor
Patrick Plumb, Solicitor
Brenden Karmbren, Solicitor
Teyana Bielby, Solicitor
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and enduring powers of attorney
Estate administration
Residential and commercial conveyancing
Retirement village agreements
Business structuring and commercial leasing
Civil litigation and debt enforcement
Traffic offences and licence appeals
Criminal law
Notary public services
Aviation law
Office
Suite 5, Level 1, Palmyra on Primary, 43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Contact the firm to arrange a meeting and ask about first consultation terms.
Office
Level 1, 17 Southern Drive, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Argon Law is a Maroochydore firm led by director John Gallagher that has served the coast since 2013, according to its site. It leans toward business clients, but its everyday work also covers buying and selling property, body corporate issues, wills and estate disputes, employment and court disputes. Special counsel Rachel Martin and a conveyancing team support the practice. It suits small business owners and property buyers who want commercial know how on simpler matters too. Its focus is property, wills, employment and business work rather than family or criminal law. Contact the firm to book a meeting.
Serving the Sunshine Coast since 2013, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
Its site shows Australasian Lawyer awards finalist recognition.
Appointments can be booked online. Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
7 Heathfield Road, Coolum Beach QLD
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Sunshine Coast Legal is a Coolum Beach general practice with a small team that includes Noel Woodall, Joshua Woodall and Simon Browne. Its practice list is broad for a firm its size. It covers conveyancing, wills and estates, family law and mediation, criminal charges, civil disputes, employment and body corporate matters. The firm describes Noel Woodall as a senior criminal defence lawyer. It suits people on the northern coast who want a local office for everyday legal problems. Appointments can be booked online.
Contact the firm to discuss your matter. The firm says it encourages open discussion of costs.
Office
Kon-Tiki Business Centre, Tower 2, Level 3, 55 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
FC Lawyers has offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Maroochydore, and says its team has served Queensland and New South Wales for more than 30 years. The Sunshine Coast office handles business and corporate work, property and conveyancing, wills and estates and personal legal matters. It also runs a migration and visa practice, which sets it apart from the other firms on this list. Glenn Ferguson, Chloe Kopilovic and Jozefina Ndoci are named for the local team. It suits business owners, property buyers and families dealing with visas. Contact the firm to discuss costs.
More than 30 years of experience, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
The firm says it is the only Australian member of the INBLF network.
Lawyers
The firm's Sunshine Coast page names its local team.
Glenn Ferguson, Sunshine Coast team
Chloe Kopilovic, Sunshine Coast team
Jozefina Ndoci, Sunshine Coast team
Areas of solicitors law handled
Business and corporate advice
Property and projects
Residential conveyancing
Wills and estate planning
Estate administration
Migration and visas
Personal legal services
Office
Kon-Tiki Business Centre, Tower 2, Level 3, 55 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Other details
Other offices
Brisbane CBD and Balmain East (Sydney)
Languages
The firm says its team includes multilingual lawyers.
Wakerley Legal, formerly Kruger Law, is a Maroochydore practice run by director Trent Wakerley with special counsel Cec O'Dea and Darren Kerr. Its work is built around life's big transactions and transitions. That means buying and selling homes, wills and estate planning, deceased estates, will disputes, retirement village and lifestyle resort contracts, and elder law matters at QCAT. It suits older clients, retirees and families sorting out a parent's estate or property. The firm says most conveyancing is fixed fee. Appointments can be booked online.
Also worth knowing
The firm says most of its conveyancing is fixed fee.
Contact the firm to book and to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
62 Burnett Street, Buderim QLD 4556
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
BR Solicitors is a small Buderim practice led by legal practitioner director Jacinta Roberts, who moved her practice up from Brisbane in 2015. It handles the everyday mix many Buderim locals need. That includes wills, probate and powers of attorney, buying and selling property, retirement village and aged care contracts, employment problems, small business set up and QCAT or court disputes. It also advises on bankruptcy and elder abuse. It suits older clients and families in the Buderim area who want a close, personal service. Contact the firm to book.
Also worth knowing
It advises on retirement village, over 50s and aged care contracts.
Fixed fee conveyancing with a free, obligation free quote.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Bush to Beach Legal was set up on the Sunshine Coast in 2020 by principal solicitor Luke Gould and has since grown to offices across Queensland and New South Wales. Its core work is fixed fee conveyancing, with wills, estates, powers of attorney, probate and some business law alongside. Mel Crosby handles wills and estates and Kelly Mitchell commercial work on the coast. The firm says clients deal with the same solicitor from start to finish. It suits home buyers and sellers who want a fixed price and quick turnaround.
Founded in 2020
Also worth knowing
Mel Crosby handles wills and estates and Kelly Mitchell commercial work.
Lawyers
Luke Gould, Principal Solicitor
Mel Crosby, Solicitor, Wills and Estates
Kelly Mitchell, Solicitor, Commercial
Areas of solicitors law handled
Residential conveyancing
Commercial conveyancing
Seller disclosure statements
Over 50s conveyancing
Wills
Powers of attorney and advance health directives
Probate and deceased estates
Estate disputes
Business and commercial law
Other details
Other offices
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Townsville, Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay, plus NSW locations
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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How we compiled this list
We include firms with a Sunshine Coast office that take on the everyday matters people bring to a solicitor, such as wills and estates, conveyancing, small business work, retirement village contracts, debts and disputes, and family, traffic and minor criminal matters. Most are general practices. Where a firm leans one way, such as towards property and business clients or towards conveyancing, the write-up says so. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. In Queensland, accredited specialists are recognised by the Queensland Law Society. We name an accredited specialist where the firm's own site names the lawyer and the area, and we say the claim comes from the firm. You can confirm a name on the QLS Register of Solicitors. Consultation and fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them.
Some firms pay for a featured listing, which affects where they appear on this page. Payment doesn't buy the write-up. We write those ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules are as published by the Legal Services Commission, the Queensland Law Society, Legal Aid Queensland, Queensland Public Trustee and Queensland Courts in October 2026. Costs disclosure thresholds are as set by the Legal Services Commission at that date.
What a solicitor does, and when you need a barrister
A solicitor is usually the first and only lawyer you deal with. You ring them about a will, a unit sale, a separation or a letter of demand, and they run the job from start to finish. The Queensland Law Society says solicitors have a right to appear in court, but they usually act for clients in the Magistrates Court and brief a barrister when a case goes to a higher court.
Solicitor
Barrister
Main job
Gives advice and manages your matter
Court advocacy, drafting court pleadings and specialist legal opinions
Court work
Can appear, usually in the Magistrates Court
Usually briefed by your solicitor for the higher courts
Wills, contracts and conveyancing
Prepares them
Advises on wills and contracts but doesn't draw them up, and doesn't do conveyancing
How to find one
Queensland Law Society directory
Bar Association of Queensland
Queensland Law Society and Legal Services Commission, October 2026.
So for a will, a contract or a property purchase, go to a solicitor. If your matter heads to a higher court, your solicitor will usually bring in a barrister. Complaints about barristers also go to the Legal Services Commission, which may refer them to the Bar Association of Queensland.
Checking a solicitor before you book
The Legal Services Commission, Queensland's complaints body for lawyers, suggests searching for solicitors through the Queensland Law Society and for barristers through the Bar Association of Queensland. The QLS search is called Find a Solicitor, on its youandthelaw.com.au site.
Who's listed: solicitors in the directory must be full QLS members with an unrestricted practising certificate
What a listing shows: each solicitor can list up to three practice areas, so a general practice may handle far more than its entry suggests. Ask the firm what it does
Accredited specialists: the QLS Register of Solicitors can be searched by practice area and location. If a firm tells you a lawyer is a QLS accredited specialist, that's where to check
The Commission also points out that a lawyer can charge for a first consultation, and that you're free to talk to more than one lawyer before you choose. Its suggested questions are worth taking to the first call: what are my options, what are my chances of the outcome I want, how much will you charge in total, could there be extra costs and might they change, what's the process, and how long will it take.
What it costs, and your right to know up front
A solicitor may charge by the hour, a fixed fee for a set job, or some other way. On this list, Bush to Beach Legal says its conveyancing is fixed fee, and Wakerley Legal says most of its conveyancing is. However a firm charges, Queensland law expects you to know the likely cost early, and the amount of detail depends on how big the bill is likely to be.
Likely legal costs (leaving out GST and disbursements)
What your lawyer must give you
$1,500 or less
No costs disclosure is required, but you can still ask how you'll be charged
More than $1,500, up to $3,000
Abbreviated or detailed disclosure. Abbreviated disclosure can be given in person or by phone, then confirmed in writing as soon as practicable
More than $3,000
Detailed disclosure in writing, even if you were already given abbreviated disclosure
Legal Services Commission, October 2026.
When: before you retain the lawyer, or as soon as practicable after. If the costs change, the lawyer has to keep you informed
Abbreviated disclosure: the services, how costs will be worked out (including whether a scale applies), an estimate of total legal costs and disbursements, and your rights, such as to negotiate, to get a bill, to ask for an itemised bill and to be told of substantial changes
Detailed disclosure adds: an estimate or range for the total and what could change it, how often you'll be billed, any uplift fee, interest on overdue amounts and who to contact about costs. If the matter may go to a court or tribunal, it must also estimate what you might recover if you win and what you might have to pay toward the other side's costs if you lose
No disclosure: you don't have to pay until the costs have been assessed, and the firm can't sue you for them until then. The costs agreement may also be set aside, the assessor may reduce the costs, and the failure may be a conduct issue
An unfair costs agreement: you can apply to the Supreme Court or QCAT to set aside one that isn't fair and reasonable. Time limits apply
No win, no fee. In Queensland these are called conditional costs agreements. The Legal Services Commission says they must give you a cooling off period of at least 5 business days, during which you can end the agreement in writing. Its guide says an uplift fee in a matter likely to go to court or a tribunal should be no more than 25% of the legal costs, not counting disbursements. They can't be used for criminal matters or Family Law Act proceedings. Contingency fees, where the lawyer takes a share of what you win, are banned.
Disputing a bill or making a complaint
Queensland treats these as two separate problems. The Legal Services Commission handles complaints about how lawyers behave, but an argument over the size of a bill goes to a costs assessment. Grossly excessive charging can still be a conduct matter for the Commission.
Your problem
Where it goes
The bill seems too high
Talk to the lawyer, then apply for a costs assessment: the Magistrates Court for a bill of $150,000 or less, the District Court up to $750,000 and the Supreme Court above that
The costs agreement isn't fair and reasonable
An application to the Supreme Court or QCAT to set it aside
How the lawyer behaved or handled your matter
A complaint to the Legal Services Commission
You want compensation for a lawyer's mistake
Not the Commission, which doesn't deal with negligence or award damages. Get independent legal advice
On the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore Courthouse on Cornmeal Parade, (07) 5376 5100, houses the District and Magistrates Courts. It isn't a Supreme Court registry. There are also Magistrates Courts at Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa. Queensland Courts, October 2026.
Costs assessments. Start with the lawyer, who should explain how the firm handles disagreements about costs. If that doesn't settle it, an independent assessor can review the charges.
Time limit: 12 months from the earliest of getting the bill, being asked to pay, or paying (if there was no bill or request). A late application is only dealt with at the court's or assessor's discretion
Binding or not: the Commission says an assessment only binds the lawyer if a court orders it, and it suggests independent legal advice before you apply
Back to the Commission: if the bill is cut by 15% or more, the assessor or court may refer the matter to the Commission. If the costs are grossly excessive, they must
Complaints. The Commission is the only body that receives and investigates complaints about Queensland lawyers and law practice employees, and about people practising law when they aren't entitled to. Complaining costs nothing.
Contact: 1300 655 754 from outside Brisbane, or (07) 3564 7726, 9am to 4pm weekdays. Its office is at Level 30, 400 George Street, Brisbane
What it can do: it may informally help you and the lawyer reach an agreed outcome, but it can't decide the dispute or impose a solution
How long it takes: the Commission aims to finish most investigations in 6 to 9 months, though its 2024 to 25 annual report shows they took about 23 months on average. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask in writing within 28 days for it to be reconsidered, and after that take a complaint about administrative error to the Queensland Ombudsman
When we checked in October 2026, the Commission's website said its services may be affected while it upgrades its case management system.
Picking the right solicitor on the Sunshine Coast
A general practice takes on a spread of everyday work, so one office can write your will, act on your house purchase and look over the lease for your shop. The firms here range from Butler McDermott, with lawyers in Nambour and Birtinya, to small practices in Buderim and Coolum Beach. Several lean one way, and the write-ups say so. Bradley & Bray, Argon Law and FC Lawyers focus on property, wills and business work rather than family or criminal law, and FC Lawyers also runs a migration practice. Wakerley Legal and BR Solicitors do a lot of work for retirees, including retirement village contracts. Bush to Beach Legal is led by conveyancing. For a serious criminal charge, a contested estate or a complex property settlement, look for a lawyer who does that work every day.
Find a Solicitor: the QLS calls it a free referral service, and some solicitors note that they take legal aid or no win, no fee work. Ask each firm about its fees. The QLS general line is 1300 367 757
Accredited specialists: the QLS recognises accredited specialists in 10 areas: business law, commercial litigation, criminal law, family law, immigration law, personal injuries, property law, succession law, taxation law and workplace relations. It runs accreditation for eight of these itself, and recognises immigration and taxation specialists accredited in New South Wales or Victoria. Specialists must spend at least 25% of their practice in the area and complete 15 CPD points a year, at least 10 of them in that area. On this list, Butler McDermott says George Cowan is an accredited specialist in personal injuries law, without naming the body
Who does the work: at a bigger firm a director may oversee your file while a solicitor or conveyancer does the day to day work. Ask who you'll be dealing with
When you call, ask how the firm charges, whether the first meeting costs anything, and whether you can meet by phone or video. On this list, Bush to Beach Legal says it gives free conveyancing quotes, Sunshine Coast Legal and Wakerley Legal take bookings online, and Bradley & Bray has an online tool for early estate planning and probate questions.
Free legal help on the Sunshine Coast
Legal Aid Queensland and community legal centres help with some legal problems for free. Private solicitors charge for their work.
Legal Aid Queensland: 1300 65 11 88, 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, not public holidays. Staff give general legal information and, for more serious problems, can arrange a legal advice session if you're eligible. It doesn't give legal advice by email, and mobile calls are likely to cost more than calls from a landline. Its Sunshine Coast office is on the ground floor of the M1 Building, Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore, on (07) 5451 6900, weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm
Other Legal Aid lines: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Line on 1300 65 01 43, and the Youth Legal Advice Hotline on 1800 527 527. For an interpreter, call TIS on 13 14 50 and ask for Legal Aid Queensland on 1800 998 980
Wills: Queensland Public Trustee makes wills free of charge, including updates, whether or not you name it as executor, on 1300 360 044. An appointment takes about an hour, and it can store your original will. Legal Aid Queensland doesn't prepare, witness or advise on wills
Criminal court days: Legal Aid Queensland lists Maroochydore, Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa among its criminal duty lawyer courts. Get there early and ask for the duty lawyer. They can usually help with a guilty plea in a less complex matter, an adjournment or bail. They don't help with traffic offences, a first or second drink or drug driving charge on its own (unless jail is likely), trials, committals or complex sentence hearings
Family court days: Legal Aid Queensland's family law duty lawyer visits Maroochydore when the family court sits there, for people representing themselves who haven't had legal advice. Sessions are at the Maroochydore court on Cornmeal Parade
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service: Suite 3, 115 to 117 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore, on (07) 5452 7633
Suncoast Community Legal Service: free advice and referrals for Sunshine Coast residents on matters such as debt, employment, consumer complaints, neighbour disputes, elder law and family law. It isn't means tested but aims to help people who can't afford legal advice. Bookings are essential, on (07) 5376 7800 or online, and sessions usually run 15 to 20 minutes. Its office is at Level 3, 29 The Esplanade, Maroochydore. It doesn't write wills or enduring powers of attorney
Community legal centres: the Legal Services Commission points people to the Community Legal Centres Queensland directory, now at clcq.org.au
Sunshine Coast solicitors law: common questions
Do I need a solicitor or a barrister?
Start with a solicitor. They give advice, prepare wills and contracts, handle conveyancing and run your matter, and they can appear in court, usually in the Magistrates Court. The Queensland Law Society says barristers specialise in court advocacy, court pleadings and specialist legal opinions, and your solicitor will usually brief one if a case goes to a higher court.
How do I check a solicitor on the Sunshine Coast?
The Legal Services Commission suggests the Queensland Law Society's Find a Solicitor directory on youandthelaw.com.au for solicitors, and the Bar Association of Queensland for barristers. If a firm says a lawyer is an accredited specialist, you can confirm it on the QLS Register of Solicitors, which can be searched by practice area and location.
When does my solicitor have to tell me what it will cost?
Once your legal costs are likely to be more than $1,500, leaving out GST and disbursements. Between $1,500 and $3,000 the disclosure can be abbreviated, and if it's given verbally it has to be confirmed in writing. Above $3,000 it must be detailed and in writing. Disclosure is due before you retain the lawyer or as soon as practicable after, and the lawyer has to tell you if costs change.
Is the first appointment free?
Not always. The Legal Services Commission says a lawyer can charge for a first consultation, so ask when you book. On this list, Bush to Beach Legal says it gives free, obligation free conveyancing quotes, and Sunshine Coast Legal and Wakerley Legal let you book online.
How do I challenge a solicitor's bill in Queensland?
Raise it with the lawyer first. If that doesn't work, apply for a costs assessment, which goes to the Magistrates Court for a bill of $150,000 or less. Apply within 12 months of the earliest of getting the bill, being asked to pay, or paying. A late application is only dealt with at the court's or assessor's discretion. The Legal Services Commission doesn't settle costs disputes, and it suggests independent legal advice before you apply.
Who do I complain to about a solicitor?
The Legal Services Commission, which is in Brisbane. From the Sunshine Coast, call 1300 655 754, 9am to 4pm weekdays, or (07) 3564 7726. It's free. The Commission may help you and the lawyer agree on an outcome, but it can't impose one, and it doesn't handle negligence claims or award compensation.
Can I get free legal help on the Sunshine Coast?
For some problems, yes. Legal Aid Queensland is on 1300 65 11 88 and has an office in the M1 Building, Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore. Duty lawyers help on court days at Maroochydore, Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa with less complex guilty pleas, adjournments and bail. Suncoast Community Legal Service in Maroochydore gives free advice by appointment on (07) 5376 7800. Queensland Public Trustee makes wills free of charge on 1300 360 044, and the Community Legal Centres Queensland directory at clcq.org.au lists other free services.
General information only, not legal advice.
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