FEES TAB
We’re here to make things easy for you, offering a retainer with either a fixed fee or an hourly rate depending on the scope of work we’ve agreed upon together. You’ll always know upfront what our fees are and, before we get started, we’ll send you a written Costs Disclosure if your matter is under $3,000, or a signed Costs Agreement for more involved matters. This is all part of meeting our obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
Fixed fees are generally payable in two instalments, 60% at the commencement of the project and 40% when the work is substantially completed or ready for filing. Litigation fixed fees are generally payable at the commencement of each stage. However, we are always open to discussing a payment plan with you.
We may offer an hourly rate for work where the scope of work is uncertain or likely to change, such as in complex or ongoing matters where it is difficult to predict the time required. We use this approach for matters involving litigation, negotiation, or cases where the issues are not clearly defined at the outset and the amount of work required cannot be reasonably estimated in advance.
Hourly rate fees are calculated based on the time spent on your matter and you’ll receive regular invoices detailing the work performed and the time recorded. This arrangement offers transparency and flexibility, ensuring you only pay for the work actually undertaken as your case progresses.
Any cost estimate we provide is not binding on us and is based on your current instructions and our experience of similar matters. Our costs may exceed this estimate if circumstances change. If the scope of work changes significantly, we will update our estimate.
It may be necessary for us to engage the services of another lawyer, a barrister, or other experts on your behalf to provide specialist advice or services. We will consult you as to the terms of their engagement. You may be asked to enter into a costs agreement directly with them.
We will hold in trust for payment of our costs, disbursements, and internal expenses disclosed in your Costs Disclosure or signed Costs Agreement.
We may request that you top up the retainer during the matter. Any remaining funds will be returned on completion of the matter or termination of your Costs Disclosure or Costs Agreement.
You or Gerard Kell & Co may terminate the retainer at any time, subject to the Legal Profession Uniform Law and our professional obligations. If you wish to end our engagement, please notify us in writing.
