The firm says the first 20 minutes of the first meeting are free with no obligation, and it gives an idea of likely fees then. Free will reviews and safe custody of wills are offered.
Office
Corner of Queen and Dumaresq Streets, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Marsdens started in 1968 as John Marsden's one man practice in Campbelltown and has grown into a large south west Sydney firm with five offices, including one in the CBD. It covers almost every everyday matter in house: wills and estate disputes, conveyancing, family law, business work, debt recovery, and criminal and traffic charges. Tom Reeve, Nevine Youssef, Jean Alim and Amanda Doring are Accredited Specialists in Family Law, according to the firm's website. It suits families and small businesses in the south west. The first 20 minutes of the first meeting are free, the firm says.
Founded in 1968
Also worth knowing
The firm says the first 20 minutes of the first meeting are free.
Lawyers
The firm lists more lawyers on its practice pages; these are the partners and specialists named.
Jim Marsden, Senior Partner
Krystle Wolthers, Partner, wills and estates Accredited specialist
Domenico Mosca, Partner, Liverpool
Anthony Gordon, Partner
David Hogan, Partner, wills and estates
Tom Reeve, Partner, family law Accredited specialist
Nevine Youssef, Partner, family law Accredited specialist
Jean Alim, Partner, family law Accredited specialist
Amanda Doring, Partner, family law Accredited specialist
Ben Wong, Partner, property law Accredited specialist
Helen Jabbour, Senior Associate, property law Accredited specialist
Rylie Hahn-Hamilton, Partner, leads criminal law
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and estate planning
Probate and estate administration
Family provision claims
Conveyancing
Leasing
Divorce and separation
Parenting and property settlements
Binding financial agreements
Commercial law
Debt recovery
Criminal law
Drink driving
Office
Corner of Queen and Dumaresq Streets, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Other details
Other offices
Sydney CBD (Suite 1, First Floor, 154 Elizabeth Street, 02 9233 1133), Liverpool (Suite 13, 170 George Street, 02 9601 5666), Camden (115 Argyle Street, 02 4655 7121), Oran Park (Suite 1.01, Level 1, TRN House, 90 Podium Way, 02 4601 1811)
Book by phone or online enquiry. The firm says the first meeting covers your matter, your options and next steps. Ask about fee terms when booking.
Office
Level 15, 32 Smith Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Coleman Greig traces its history to 1928, when Ralph Coleman opened in Parramatta, and it now runs offices from the CBD out to Penrith and Oran Park. It splits its work into personal and commercial streams, so the same firm can do your will, your conveyance, a separation and the paperwork for a family business. Each practice group has a named principal on the site. It suits families and business owners in the west and north west who want one firm for everything. Ask the firm about first meeting terms when you call.
Founded in 1928
Also worth knowing
The firm lists Doyle's Guide recommendations for wills and estates litigation in 2024 and 2025 and for family law in 2021 to 2023.
Lawyers
Ask which office your lawyer works from when you book.
Erin Dawson, Principal lawyer, leads wills and estate planning
Stephen Booth, Consultant, estate planning and special disability trusts
Adam West, Director and principal, family law
Karina Ralston, Director and principal, family law
Raymond Byrne, Principal lawyer, family law
Chris Tohme, Principal lawyer, leads property services
Barbara Papevski, Conveyancing manager
Malcolm Campbell, Director and principal, leads commercial services
Ben Johnson, Principal lawyer
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and estate planning
Probate and estate administration
Contested estates
Powers of attorney and enduring guardianship
Special disability trusts
Conveyancing
Divorce, parenting and property settlements
Family law mediation and arbitration
Business and commercial advice
Employment law and WHS
Debt recovery
Litigation and disputes
Office
Level 15, 32 Smith Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Other details
Other offices
Sydney CBD (Suite 13, Level 57, 25 Martin Place, 02 9895 9330), Norwest, Penrith, Oran Park
Contact the firm to ask about first meeting terms. Conveyancing quotes are free and in writing, with a fixed fee where possible, according to the firm.
Office
Level 7, 10-14 Smith St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Matthews Folbigg is an independent Parramatta firm on Smith Street. It grew from a property practice the Folbigg brothers opened in 1962 and a Blacktown practice that merged with it in 1997. Simone Brew is managing director and the site lists 12 principals and more than 30 lawyers. Principal Pierre Hawach leads family law, and there are separate teams for wills, property, business and disputes. It suits Western Sydney families and small business owners who want one firm for most things. It doesn't list criminal or traffic work.
Origins in 1962; Matthews Folbigg formed by merger in 1997
Also worth knowing
It has separate teams for wills and estates, property, family, business, litigation and debt recovery.
Lawyers
Ask which principal leads your type of matter when you book.
Simone Brew, Managing Director, litigation and dispute resolution
Pierre Hawach, Principal, family law Accredited specialist
Renee Stevens, Principal, wills and estate planning
Geeti Chawla, Principal, commercial, business, wills and estates
Anna Zdrilic, Principal, property law and estate planning
Michael Stevens, Principal, commercial, business and property law
Hayley Hitch, Principal, litigation, insolvency and debt recovery
Stewart Gough, Principal, business and employment law
The site offers a free call through its contact page. Ask about fee terms when you book.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Finn Roache says it has been practising since 1921 and now runs nine offices across NSW, with a CBD office and another in Parramatta. Daniel Georges is managing principal. Its Sydney team includes two accredited business law specialists, and the firm also has accredited specialists in property and family law. It covers the everyday list well: wills and estate disputes, conveyancing, family law, business work, litigation and criminal law. It suits individuals and small business owners who want a larger firm with specialists on hand. The site offers a free call to start.
Operating since 1921, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
It has nine NSW offices, including Sydney and Parramatta.
Lawyers
People listed are from the firm's Sydney office page.
Daniel Georges, Managing Principal
Chris Finn, Accredited Specialist in Business Law Accredited specialist
Michael Michell, Accredited Specialist in Business Law and Senior Consultant Accredited specialist
Holly Brewster, Special Counsel
Ian Johnson, Special Counsel
David Perkins, Special Counsel
Chloe Patterson, Senior Associate
Stanley Koulouris, Senior Solicitor
Thomas Bassil, Associate
Andriana Andreou, Solicitor
Christa Pericleous, Solicitor
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and estate planning
Contesting and defending wills
Probate and powers of attorney
Conveyancing
Commercial and retail leasing
Strata and property disputes
Family law
Business and commercial law
Franchising
Litigation and dispute resolution
Criminal law
Local council and Land and Environment Court matters
The firm says it is upfront about fees and agrees a plan with you before work starts. Ask about first meeting terms when booking.
Office
8 Coronation Street, Hornsby NSW 2077
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Stacks Collins Thompson is the Hornsby office of the Stacks Law Firm network. It began in 1979 as Collins & Thompson and joined Stacks in 2017, keeping its local team. Solicitor director David Thompson runs the office and, according to the firm, convenes the Legal Aid duty roster at Hornsby Local Court. This is a true suburban general practice: family law, wills and estates, conveyancing, small business, disputed estates, and criminal and traffic matters at the local court. It suits Upper North Shore and Hills households. The firm says it agrees a plan and fees before starting.
Founded in 1979 as Collins & Thompson
Also worth knowing
It covers family, wills, conveyancing, business, and criminal and traffic matters.
Lawyers
David Thompson, Solicitor Director
John Gooley, Solicitor
Justine Cavanagh, Solicitor
Sayesha Bali, Lawyer
Kimberley-Ann Ashbee, Lawyer
Anahita Birghani, Lawyer
William Priddle, Lawyer
Mark Shumsky, Lawyer
Christopher Morris, Lawyer
Tracey Hussey, Licensed conveyancer
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and estate planning
Powers of attorney and enduring guardianship
Disputed estates
Conveyancing
Property leasing
Divorce and separation
Parenting plans and consent orders
Property settlements
Buying and selling a business
Commercial leasing
Criminal law
Traffic offences
Office
8 Coronation Street, Hornsby NSW 2077
Other details
Other offices
Stacks Champion, Level 3, 60 Phillip Street, Parramatta (02 9635 8266); other Stacks Law Firm offices across NSW
Contact the firm to ask about first meeting terms. You can book online, send an enquiry or call.
Office
3/171 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Owen Hodge started as a local St George practice in 1951 and now runs offices in the CBD, Hurstville and Turramurra. Rolf Howard is managing partner, and the site lists around 18 lawyers. It covers the core everyday areas: wills and estates, conveyancing, family law, small business and commercial disputes, plus injury claims, employment and immigration. The firm says its team gives advice in several languages, including Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic and Greek. It suits families in the St George area and the North Shore. Ask about first meeting terms when you call.
Founded in 1951
Also worth knowing
Its team page lists partners in commercial and family law and lawyers in wills, property and immigration.
Lawyers
The site lists a licensed conveyancer, Greg Worrall, alongside its solicitors.
Rolf Howard, Managing Partner
Roger Harkin, Partner, commercial property and business transactions
Kristy-Lee Burns, Partner, commercial and family law
Imran Mir, Special Counsel, commercial and leasing
Sally Richmond, Property and estates lawyer, Turramurra
Scarlett Mao, Associate, family law
Julia Scully, Solicitor, wills and estates
Colin J. Duff, Wills, estate planning and conveyancing lawyer
Contact the firm to ask about first meeting and fee terms.
Office
Level 16, 115 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Tebbutt Lawyers is a small CBD practice on Pitt Street that calls itself one of the oldest practising firms in NSW, with over 116 years of work across four generations. Partners Michael Sainsbury and David Tebbutt lead it, with two consultants. The work is classic private client: wills, probate and disputed estates, conveyancing including strata and retirement village contracts, family law, and civil disputes such as debt recovery and neighbour tree cases in the Land and Environment Court. It suits families who want a long standing firm in the city. Ask about first meeting terms.
In practice for over 116 years, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
It highlights a recent tree dispute win in the Land and Environment Court.
Free 15 minute strategy call for conveyancing, with no obligation, according to the firm. For other matters, book a consultation through the site.
Office
Level 11, Suite 2a, 92 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Southern Waters Legal was set up in 2009 in the Sutherland Shire and now has offices in Cronulla, Menai and on Pitt Street in the CBD. Simon Bennett is managing director and Leona Bennett, an Accredited Specialist in Family Law according to the firm's website, heads family law. Family law and wills and estates are its biggest teams, with conveyancing, business structuring and commercial disputes alongside. The firm says conveyancing clients get a free 15 minute strategy call. It suits Shire families sorting out a separation, a will or a home purchase.
Established in 2009
Also worth knowing
The firm says conveyancing starts with a free 15 minute call with a senior associate.
Lawyers
Simon Bennett, Managing Director, wills, estates, business, super and tax
Leona Bennett, Head of Family Law Accredited specialist
Adeline Schiralli, Special Counsel, wills, estates and elder law
Janette Kveytel, Special Counsel, wills and estates
Caitlin McGrath, Senior Associate, family law
Stephanie Martyn, Senior Associate, family and property law
Chloe Malic, Senior Associate, family law
Talesha-Blu Greeks, Solicitor, wills, estates and commercial law
Areas of solicitors law handled
Wills and powers of attorney
Probate and estate administration
Contested wills
Elder law
Buying and selling property
Property transfers
Separation and divorce
Property settlement
Parenting arrangements
Business structuring
Commercial disputes
Superannuation and tax advice
Office
Level 11, Suite 2a, 92 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Cronulla (2/1 Kingsway) and Menai (Unit 7, 72-80 Allison Crescent)
Contact the firm to ask about first meeting and fee terms.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Teece Hodgson & Ward is a Sydney firm built around wills and estates, with a business and property practice alongside. It says it has the state's largest team of accredited wills and estates specialists in private practice, and partners Richard Neal, John Maitland, Caroline Sims and Indran Sinnadurai all hold that accreditation. It acts for private clients, executors and trustees as well as businesses and not for profits. Its work is wills and estates, business and property only, so go elsewhere for a separation or a criminal charge. It is the pick for estate planning or a contested will.
Also worth knowing
Its clients include executors, trustee companies and not for profits, according to the firm.
Lawyers
Richard Neal, Partner Accredited specialist
John Maitland, Partner Accredited specialist
Caroline Sims, Partner Accredited specialist
Indran Sinnadurai, Partner Accredited specialist
Deborah Linwood, Consultant, wills and estates and property
Contact the firm to ask about first meeting and fee terms.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Craddock Murray Neumann is a Sydney firm that also names Melbourne and Brisbane on its site. Its practice list mixes private client work with heavier commercial and government matters: family law, wills and estates, business and commercial law, disputes and insolvency, insurance, intellectual property and administrative law. That breadth makes it a fit for people whose problem crosses over, such as an estate with a business in it, or a dispute with an insurer. When you call, ask who will handle your matter and about first meeting terms.
Also worth knowing
Its homepage names Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 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 Sydney office that handle the everyday matters people take to a solicitor, such as wills and estates, conveyancing, family law, small business work, debts and disputes, and minor court matters. Most are general practices. Where a firm covers a narrower range, such as only wills, business and property, we say so in the write-up. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. In NSW, specialist accreditation is run by the Law Society of NSW. We only name an accredited specialist where the firm's site or the Law Society's register says so, and the listing says which. Free consultations 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.
Firms can pay for a featured listing on some of our pages, which affects where they appear. No firm on this page pays. 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 Office of the Legal Services Commissioner, the Law Society of NSW, Legal Aid NSW, the NSW Bar Association and the Supreme Court of NSW, and in the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), in October 2026. OLSC costs dispute limits are as published on its Types of Complaints page (1 July 2025) and FAQs (1 July 2026).
Solicitor or barrister: who does what
NSW lawyers work as solicitors or barristers, and each group gets its practising certificate from a different body. Legal Aid NSW sums up the split this way: solicitors give legal advice, prepare documents and represent clients, and brief a barrister when the work gets more complex. A barrister specialises in presenting cases in court.
Solicitor
Barrister
Practising certificate from
The Law Society of NSW
The NSW Bar Association
Main work
Advice, legal documents and representing clients
Presenting cases in court on a client's behalf
How they get involved
You contact them and engage them
Usually briefed by your solicitor for more complex work
On your bill
Their own legal costs, plus disbursements
If your solicitor briefs one, the barrister's fees count as a disbursement on your solicitor's bill
So for a will, a house purchase, a separation or a business contract, start with a solicitor. If your matter needs a barrister, your solicitor will usually arrange it and should include the barrister's costs in what they tell you about fees. The NSW Bar Association runs a Legal Assistance Referral Scheme that can find a barrister to act for free in some cases, but it only takes referrals from a court, a lawyer or a community legal centre. Members of the public are pointed to LawAccess NSW instead.
Check your solicitor on the Register of Solicitors
The Law Society of NSW keeps a Register of Solicitors, searchable at ros.lawsociety.com.au. You can look up a solicitor, a law practice or a mediator. It covers NSW practices and solicitors who hold a current practising certificate, and it also includes:
specialists accredited in NSW
some interstate practitioners who have an office in NSW
a note on whether each solicitor is a Law Society member
Two cautions. The type of certificate shown doesn't necessarily reflect the job the solicitor holds at the practice, so ask the firm who is a partner and who will run your matter. And the Law Society says the details of some solicitors aren't published. If you can't find someone, contact the registry at [email protected] or on (02) 9926 0333 before you assume the worst.
What a solicitor costs, and your right to know in advance
Firms bill by the hour, by a fixed fee or another way, and several on this list offer fixed fees for wills or standard conveyancing. Whichever method they use, NSW is a Uniform Law state. The Legal Profession Uniform Law, which also covers Victoria and Western Australia, sets out what your solicitor has to tell you about costs and when.
Likely legal costs (not counting GST and disbursements)
What your lawyer must give you
$750 or less
Nothing in writing is required, but you can ask for an estimate
More than $750, up to $3,000
Written disclosure of how they'll charge and an estimate of the total. A shorter standard disclosure form can be used
More than $3,000
A full written costs disclosure, including an estimate of the total and how you'll be billed
Legal Profession Uniform Law thresholds, as published by the OLSC and the Law Society of NSW, October 2026.
Timing: for most matters the disclosure comes soon after you engage the lawyer, not at the end
The estimate: it should be a genuine and reasonable estimate of the total, and the lawyer should explain what is likely to drive the cost. If costs are likely to go up, the lawyer should tell you in writing as soon as possible. Before a settlement is finalised, they must estimate the costs you'll have to pay
What it covers: the work, the expected costs and disbursements, your rights, and any other lawyers they bring in, such as a barrister, with their terms
Costs agreements: you can ask for one and negotiate the billing method. You don't have to sign it to be bound: you can accept it in writing or by conduct, such as continuing to give the lawyer instructions. A no win, no fee agreement is the exception: it must be in writing and signed by you
Criminal and family law matters: no win, no fee agreements aren't allowed in criminal proceedings or in proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975
If disclosure isn't done properly: any costs agreement is void, you don't have to pay until the costs have been assessed or a costs dispute has been determined by the OLSC, and the lawyer can't sue you for them until then
Your bill. Your lawyer can't charge you for preparing a bill. If the bill is a lump sum, you can ask for an itemised one. You should ask within 30 days after the costs become payable. Doing so stops the lawyer suing you for the costs until 30 days after the itemised bill is given, and the lawyer has 21 days to provide it. An itemised bill can come out higher than the lump sum, but the extra can only be recovered if the lawyer told you in writing, when they sent the lump sum bill, that an itemised bill may be higher, and the costs are then found payable on a costs assessment or a binding determination by the OLSC.
Disputing a bill or complaining about a solicitor
Talk to the lawyer first. Plenty of billing problems turn out to be a missing itemised bill or a misunderstanding about what was agreed. If that gets nowhere, complaints about NSW lawyers go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC), not the Law Society. The OLSC may refer a complaint to the Council of the Law Society of NSW for assessment or investigation.
Costs disputes. A costs dispute is between the lawyer and the person who is charged or has to pay, which can include a third party payer. Lodge it within 60 days of the costs becoming payable, or, if you asked for an itemised bill, within 30 days after you received it. The OLSC may accept a late complaint lodged within four months after that limit if you give a sufficient reason for the delay, but not once the lawyer has sued you for the unpaid costs.
Your bill
What the OLSC can do
Total bill under $314,330
Can generally deal with the dispute
Total bill $314,330 or more
Can generally deal with it if the amount in dispute is under $31,440. Call the OLSC on (02) 9377 1800 to discuss
If the dispute isn't resolved, the Commissioner can make a binding determination only where the amount in dispute is under $31,440.
OLSC limits as published on its Types of Complaints page (updated 1 July 2025) and its FAQs (updated 1 July 2026). They can change, so check with the OLSC on (02) 9377 1800 before you lodge.
Separately, you can apply to the Supreme Court of NSW Costs Assessment Scheme within 12 months of the bill, the request for payment, or the payment if there was no bill or request. If your lawyer applies for an assessment, you have 21 days to object.
Complaints about service or conduct. A consumer matter is a complaint about how the lawyer provided their services. A disciplinary matter raises unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct. Anyone can complain about a lawyer's conduct, but only a client can complain about the quality of service.
How: in writing, naming the lawyer or practice. The OLSC recommends its online complaint portal, and also takes its complaint form, a letter or an email. Its Inquiry Line is 1800 242 958 or (02) 9377 1800, and Legal Aid NSW suggests talking it through with the OLSC before you fill in the form
Cost and time limit: there's no charge to complain. Complaints about a lawyer's service or conduct must be made within 3 years of the conduct, though the Commissioner can deal with a late complaint in limited circumstances. Costs disputes have a shorter limit (see above)
What happens next: the OLSC confirms receipt in writing within 2 to 3 business days and aims to assess complaints within 6 to 8 weeks. You can ask in writing for an internal review within 30 days of a decision letter, but whether to review is at the Commissioner's discretion
Negligence: the OLSC says very few negligence complaints amount to unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct. If you want compensation for a lawyer's mistake, the time limit to start a professional negligence claim is 6 years
Finding the right solicitor
A general practice firm handles a spread of everyday work, so one office can draw up your will, act on your house purchase and look over a small business contract. Most firms on this list work that way. Teece Hodgson & Ward is the exception, with a practice limited to wills and estates, business and property. If your matter is a serious criminal charge, a contested estate or a complicated property settlement, a lawyer who does that work every day is worth seeking out.
Law Society referral: the Solicitor Referral Service draws on roughly 1,200 firms and gives you up to three conveniently located firms for your area of law. Ask online, by email to [email protected], or on (02) 9926 0333 from 9am to 5pm. The referral is free, but the firms charge their normal fees and not all of them offer a free first consultation, so ask before you book. Listed firms don't have to take your matter, and the service itself doesn't give legal advice
Accredited specialists: the Law Society of NSW accredits solicitors as specialists, and only they can call themselves an Accredited Specialist in that area. To apply, a solicitor needs a current practising certificate, membership of the Law Society of NSW or an equivalent body, at least 5 years of full time practice, and at least 25% of their practice (or the part time equivalent) in the area in each of the 3 years before applying. You can find specialists with the Law Society's Find a Lawyer tool
If Legal Aid says no: the Law Society of NSW Pro Bono Scheme may be able to help, subject to eligibility and a means test
When you call a firm, ask who will do the work, how they charge, and whether the first meeting is free. Marsdens offers a free first 20 minutes, Finn Roache a free call and Southern Waters a free 15 minute call for conveyancing, according to the firms. For the others, ask when you call.
Free legal help in Sydney
Private solicitors charge. For some problems you can get free information or advice from government services and community legal centres first.
LawAccess NSW: 1300 888 529, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, not including public holidays, with web chat as well. It gives legal information and referrals through its information officers, and is the number to call to check whether you can get Legal Aid NSW advice and to book it
Legal Aid NSW: free legal advice for eligible people, aimed at people experiencing disadvantage, by phone and at many locations. Advice covers criminal matters involving police, family matters such as children and relationship breakdown, and civil matters such as housing and income support. Its head office is at 323 Castlereagh Street, Haymarket, on (02) 9219 5000
Duty lawyers: Legal Aid NSW has duty lawyers at all NSW Local Courts who can give limited help on the day with criminal and some traffic matters. They can't help if you've pleaded not guilty and your hearing is that day
Community legal centres: free legal advice for people facing economic, social or cultural disadvantage. Find one near you through Community Legal Centres NSW at clcnsw.org.au
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT): 1800 765 767, 9am to 5pm weekdays
Interpreters: TIS National on 131 450
Sydney solicitors law: common questions
What's the difference between a solicitor and a barrister in NSW?
Solicitors give legal advice, prepare documents and represent clients, and hold a practising certificate from the Law Society of NSW. Barristers specialise in presenting cases in court and hold their certificate from the NSW Bar Association. A solicitor usually briefs a barrister for more complex work, and the barrister's fees then appear on your solicitor's bill as a disbursement.
How do I check a solicitor is registered in NSW?
Search the Law Society of NSW Register of Solicitors at ros.lawsociety.com.au. It lists NSW solicitors with a current practising certificate and shows accredited specialists. Some solicitors' details aren't published, so if you can't find someone, contact the registry on (02) 9926 0333.
Does my solicitor have to tell me what it will cost?
Yes, if the legal costs are likely to be more than $750, not counting GST and disbursements. Your lawyer must tell you in writing how they'll charge and estimate the total, and update you in writing if costs are likely to rise. Under $750 they don't have to, but you can ask.
How do I dispute my solicitor's bill in NSW?
Raise it with the lawyer first. If that doesn't work, lodge a costs dispute with the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner within 60 days of the costs becoming payable, or within 30 days after receiving an itemised bill you asked for. You can also apply to the Supreme Court's Costs Assessment Scheme within 12 months of the bill.
How do I make a complaint about a solicitor?
Complaints about NSW lawyers go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner, in writing, ideally through its online portal. Its Inquiry Line is 1800 242 958. There's no charge. Complaints about a lawyer's service or conduct must be made within 3 years of the conduct, though late complaints can be accepted in limited circumstances. Costs disputes have a shorter limit. The OLSC may refer a complaint to the Council of the Law Society of NSW.
Does the Law Society of NSW referral service get me a free consultation?
Not necessarily. The Solicitor Referral Service is free and gives you up to three firms for your area of law, but the firms charge their normal fees and not all of them offer a free first consultation. Ask about the cost of the first appointment before you book.
Where can I get free legal help in Sydney?
Start with LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529, 9am to 5pm weekdays, for legal information, referrals and to check whether you qualify for free Legal Aid NSW advice. Community legal centres help people facing disadvantage, and Legal Aid NSW has duty lawyers at all Local Courts.
General information only, not legal advice.
Looking in another city? See all our solicitors by city, with a plain English guide to how it works.
