The hidden costs of bad bills
Vague bills don’t just confuse—they cost you. Learn how clear billing can protect your fees, avoid disputes and uphold your professional reputation.
By Marina Dulhunty - 1 min read
The costs of law: a look back at the stand-out cases of 2019
2019 in review: a closer look at the most noteworthy cases in costs.
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 8 min read
Have a costs query? The Law Society’s Professional Support Unit is here to help
The Law Society Professional Support Unit answers some common costs queries in this practical Q&A. By MADELEINE PORTER
By Madeleine Porter - 1 min read
Chorley abolished! High Court has final say
The High Court in Bell Lawyers v Pentelow held the Chorley exception is not part of the common law in Australia.
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 8 min read
Amended security of payment regime set to bring more clarity to building and construction disputes
In the coming months there will be important changes to the way the security of payment regime operates in NSW. By ANDREW BAILEY.
By Andrew Bailey - 2 min read
Reflecting on a costly year: key themes and future predictions
In 2018 there were a number of important cases which illuminated issues in relation to legal costs. By MICHELLE CASTLE and ANDREW BAILEY.
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 1 min read
Limitation issues in solicitor/client costs
Practitioners need to take care in analysing the cause of action for recovery of fees. By MICHELLE CASTLE and ANDREW BAILEY.
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 2 min read
Taking security for legal costs: lessons from Malouf v Constantinou
The taking of security for costs should be approached carefully, if at all, with attention to the equitable, legal and statutory duties. By MICHELLE CASTLE…
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 1 min read
Getting in on the ‘fruits of the action’: the power of the equitable lien
Equitable liens are a practically useful device to secure the payment of solicitors’ fees. They are, in essence, a right to seek Court intervention. By…
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 1 min read
You really got a hold on me… the power of the solicitor’s lien
There are two types of solicitors’ liens: possessory and equitable. Each has different characteristics and different rules apply to each. By MICHELLE CASTLE and ANDREW…
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 1 min read
A practical guide to lump sum costs orders
Practitioners involved in litigation should be familiar with when lump sum costs orders are available and understand the evidence required to get them. By MICHELLE…
By Michelle Castle and Andrew Bailey - 2 min read