Sydney is Australia’s largest legal market, home to some of the country’s most experienced law firms across every practice area. At Top 10 Lawyers, we’ve researched and ranked the best law firms in Sydney across every major practice area, based on experience, client reviews and track record.
Independently ranked
Based on research and client reviews, not paid placements.
All practice areas
Every major area of law in Sydney covered.
Free to use
No cost, no obligation to research and compare.
CHOOSE YOUR PRACTICE AREA
Need a Lawyer in Sydney?
Criminal lawyer
Defence for charges in NSW Local, District and Supreme Courts. From traffic matters to serious indictable offences.
Criminal lawyers Sydney
Family lawyer
Divorce, property settlements, parenting orders and consent orders under the Family Law Act.
Family lawyers Sydney
Civil lawyer
Commercial disputes, contract claims and debt recovery in the NSW civil court system.
Civil lawyers Sydney
Personal injury
Compensation claims for workplace, motor vehicle and public liability injuries. Most firms work no win no fee.
Personal injury lawyers Sydney
Immigration
Visa applications, AAT appeals, partner visas and citizenship matters across all visa categories.
Immigration lawyers Sydney
Traffic lawyer
Drink driving, licence suspensions, demerit point appeals and serious traffic offences in NSW Local Courts.
Traffic lawyers Sydney
Employment
Unfair dismissal, general protections claims, workplace bullying and employment contract advice.
Employment lawyers Sydney
Property lawyer
Conveyancing for residential and commercial property, off the plan purchases and contract reviews.
Property lawyers Sydney
FAQs — Lawyers in Sydney
How do I find the right lawyer in Sydney?
Start by identifying the area of law your matter relates to, criminal, family, property etc. Then look for a specialist firm rather than a generalist. Check Google reviews, confirm they have experience in NSW courts, and arrange a consultation before committing.
How much does a lawyer cost in Sydney?
Costs vary significantly by practice area and firm. Sydney lawyers typically charge between $300 and $800 per hour. Many firms offer fixed fees for common matters like conveyancing or Local Court appearances. Personal injury and no win no fee lawyers charge a percentage of your settlement only if you win.
Do I need a Sydney-based lawyer?
For matters in NSW courts, a Sydney-based lawyer is strongly recommended. Local lawyers know the NSW judiciary, court procedures and local legal landscape, and that familiarity can make a real difference to your outcome.
Do I need a Sydney-based lawyer or can I use someone interstate?
For matters in NSW courts, a Sydney-based lawyer is strongly recommended. Local lawyers know the NSW judiciary, court procedures and local legal landscape — that familiarity can make a real difference to your outcome.
What is a no win no fee lawyer?
A no win no fee arrangement means you pay nothing in legal fees unless your case is successful. These arrangements are common in personal injury, workers compensation and negligence claims. Always confirm the exact terms before engaging a no win no fee lawyer.
How does Top 10 Lawyers rank Sydney law firms?
We assess firms based on client reviews, practice area specialisation, court experience, fee transparency and availability. See our full methodology on the How We Rank page.