Costs cases post-Birketu: law firms and the employed solicitor rule
Can incorporated practices claim costs for their own lawyers? Two recent cases test the limits and raise further questions.
Costs: motor accident compensation claims
The Motor Accidents Compensation Amendment (Claims) Regulation 2016 came into operation on 1 November 2016, bringing significant changes to costs in the area. By JOHN…
Family law: February 2017
Reporting and analysis of recent family law decisions. By ROBERT GLADE-WRIGHT.
Navigating the forest of offers and costs: key principles
Successful offers do not always result in indemnity costs. By PETER KOZERA.
Costs in Fair Work proceedings and the value of settlement offers
Costs are only available in proceedings under the Fair Work Act 2009 in limited circumstances. By PAUL MOORHOUSE.
Solicitor estopped from claiming fees: how did that happen?
Certain conduct of a solicitor may have the unintended consequence of estopping any claim for fees. By MICHELLE CASTLE and ANDREW BAILEY.
The cost of not communicating
A solicitor’s responsibility has always been to provide clear and timely advice to assist the client in understanding the legal issues so as to make…
Personal costs orders against solicitors
Each year a number of costs orders are sought against legal practitioners personally. By PETER MORAN.
The Chorley exception: three strikes and out?
Solicitors acting for themselves in litigation can recover costs under the rule of practice known as the Chorley exception. By JIM JOHNSTON, MICHELLE CASTLE and…
Consequences of inaccurate costs estimates and negligently performed work
In 2018 there were a number of important cases which illuminated issues in relation to legal costs. By MICHELLE CASTLE and ANDREW BAILEY.
Costs disclosure and the Uniform Law: has your client really understood you?
The Legal Profession Uniform Law 2014 introduces new obligations of disclosure. By PETER ROSIER.