The minefield of estimating legal costs: recent cases on strict compliance
A growing body of case law highlights the risks of inadequate costs estimates, from void costs agreements and assessments to findings of misleading conduct.
Things to consider before pursuing your client for unpaid costs
A frequent and common frustration faced by solicitors is chasing clients for unpaid legal costs. Unpaid costs adversely impact a law practice’s cashflow and, ultimately,…
No slice for solicitors: High Court draws the line on CFOs
What courts can authorise—and what state law still forbids—when it comes to funding representative proceedings.
Costs and conduct: a lesson from White House (No. 2)
This case illustrates how a party’s outcome for costs orders can be impacted by procedural missteps in appealing costs orders in NCAT.
Artificial Intelligence in legal practice – cost considerations
Any benefit of using AI must be weighed against the fixed and variable costs of upgrading and continuing to adopt systems that are compliant with…
Importance of class actions, claim farming and contingency fees for lawyers
From data breaches to medical devices, class action claims can be brought in almost any sphere. What are the ethical and costs considerations for lawyers?
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.
Chorley resurrected? High court finds employed solicitor rule applies to law firms
The question of whether law firms can recover costs for employed solicitors representing them has been settled, but several new questions abound.
A balancing act: costs in public interest litigation
Recent cases highlight the dynamic relevance of public interest in costs decisions. How do courts balance access to justice with the adversarial tradition?
Novel elements and practical implications of new discrimination costs model
The modified equal access model includes new concepts like ‘unreasonable act or omission’ and ‘significant power advantage’.
Law practices may no longer be statute-barred from late costs assessments
Following the NSW Supreme Court decision in Dive Lawyers, it appears law practices can now recover costs outside the 12 month limitation period.