A good local solicitor is the first call for most everyday legal jobs, from a will or a property purchase to a contract or a letter of demand. Here's what solicitors do, how their fees work, and the firms we list in each city.
Solicitors by city
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What a general practice solicitor does
General practice solicitors handle the everyday legal work most people and small businesses need: wills and estates, buying and selling property, leases, contracts, small business set up, debt letters and minor disputes. Many also handle traffic matters and simple family law.
The value of a good local solicitor is that they get to know you. When something bigger comes up, they can either handle it or refer you to the right specialist.
Common jobs for a solicitor
- Wills, powers of attorney and estate administration.
- Conveyancing for buying and selling property.
- Contracts and leases for individuals and small businesses.
- Letters of demand and early stage disputes.
What to ask before you hire one
- Is this a fixed fee job? Wills and conveyancing often are.
- Who will do the work, a solicitor or a law clerk?
- Will I get a written costs estimate?
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Solicitors: common questions
What's the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
A solicitor is your main point of contact: they give advice, prepare documents, negotiate and run your matter. A barrister specialises in court work and advocacy, and is usually briefed by your solicitor when a case needs it. Most people only ever need a solicitor.
How do solicitors charge?
Usually by the hour, by a fixed fee for set jobs like wills and conveyancing, or a mix of both. In most cases a solicitor must give you a written estimate of costs at the start. If the estimate changes significantly, they must tell you.
Can I dispute a solicitor's bill?
Yes. Start by asking the firm for an itemised bill. If you can't resolve it, in most states you can take a costs dispute to the state's legal services regulator, or apply for a costs assessment. In Queensland, disputes about the amount go to a costs assessment rather than the Legal Services Commission. Both routes have strict time limits.
Do I need a specialist instead?
For a simple will, a property purchase or a contract review, a general practice solicitor is usually the right choice. For criminal charges, family law, serious injuries or immigration, a firm that focuses on that area is usually better. See our lists by area of law.
Other areas of law
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