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In this guide

In this guide

The Best Lawyers in Brisbane

Updated 18 March 2023

  • Our guide is tailored for individuals seeking general law services, including property transactions, business matters, or family law issues. We aim to provide you with practical information and insights to make informed decisions regarding legal representation.
  • In addition, we have curated a list of experienced Brisbane lawyers to assist you in your search for a trusted advocate who will professionally handle your case and prioritize your best interests.
  • We strongly suggest reading guidance from the Queensland Legal Services Commission which details useful information about fees, communicating with your lawyer, and finding a lawyer with the Community Legal Centres Queensland, Legal Aid Queensland or the Queensland Law Society.

Lawyers Brisbane Costs

How Much Does a Brisbane Lawyer Cost?

The answer depends on what you need, the experience of your lawyer and the amount of time your case takes to complete. Australia does not provide free legal counsel to its citizens, not even when they are charged with a criminal offence. However, you may qualify for free or discounted legal advice through the government-run Legal Aid program or non-profit Community Legal Centres. In most cases, to qualify for government Legal Aid, your income must not exceed the Queensland maximum as outlined here. 

Out-of-pocket legal fees

The average lawyer in Brisbane charges between $200 and $650 per hour per our sample survey in March 2023. Lawyers typically bill in one of four ways: 

  • Fixed-rate
  • Hourly
  • Hourly with a designated cap
  • Per a pre-negotiated billing method

Lawyers may or may not provide a free consultation and fee estimate. In addition, their fee estimate may not include filing fees and incurred expenses. 

Legal fees vary by factors including:

  • The type of legal service you require
  • How tenured your lawyer is
  • Their area of expertise
  • How complex your case is
  • How urgent your case is 
  • Your geographic location 

For example, business and corporate legal matters often cost more than family legal matters such as divorce or child custody. Our guide is published to give you an estimate of hourly costs; how long cases take have a near-unlimited number of variables.

Understanding lawyer tenure

If you are working with a large firm, inquire about the difference in prices between Juniors, Seniors, and Partners. 

On average, their rates are as follows: 

  • Junior lawyer: $200 – $250 per hour
  • Senior lawyer: $250 – $400 per hour
  • Practice leader or partner: $400 – $650+ per hour

Filing Fees

In addition to what your law firm charges, you may have to pay court-related filing fees. Below are common family law filing fees: 

  • Application for divorce $900; reduced hardship fee $330
  • Reduced hardship fee for application for divorce $330
  • Application for consent orders $180
  • Application as to the validity of Marriage, Divorce, Annulment $1,405
  • Application for decree as to nullity $1,405; reduced hardship fee $465
  • Initiation Application (Parenting or Financial; Final and/or Interim) $385 to $725 
  • Response to initiation application (Final) $385
  • Notice of appeal or an application for leave to appeal $1,500
  • Interim order application/application in a proceeding (Parenting and/or financial $130

How can I get the best price? 

  1. Determine whether you qualify for free or discounted legal advice through the government-run Legal Aid program or non-profit Community Legal Centres.  
  2. Call multiple firms to determine their prices. Be sure to ask if fixed-rate fees include filing fees. 
  3. Consider working with a Junior lawyer. They have less experience but may charge significantly less per hour. 

How am I charged? 

Lawyers charge either with a fixed-fee, hourly, hourly with a designated cap or per a pre-negotiated billing method. In addition to their fees, lawyers will charge you for expenses incurred on your behalf, such as barrister’s or court fees and internal expenses such as photocopying. However:

  • They cannot charge you for preparing your bill. Their consultation may or may not be free. 
  • The Australian Law Society has more details about how lawyers charge their clients.

How do I pay for legal services?

Lawyers may request upfront payment or a retainer they hold in a trust until it is spent. Some allow partial payments and payment plans. If you arrange to pay in instalments and get behind, they can delay your legal proceedings until payment is received. 

Lawyers are required to provide detailed invoices for their services. 

You can typically pay via: 

  • Direct Credit (internet banking)
  • Cheque
  • Cash with invoice
  • Credit Card
  • On-site Eftpos

Lawyers Brisbane Questions to Ask Initial Consultation

Questions to Ask During Your First Consultation

You may not hire the first lawyer you meet with – what’s important is that they have the experience to handle your case and you can establish a good relationship with them.

Know This: Many Brisbane law firms offer a free initial consultation, so take advantage of this opportunity to ask these questions and gather the information you need to make an informed decision:

  1. Area of expertise: Make sure the lawyer has experience and expertise in the specific area of law you require assistance with. Ask about their case history, success rates, and any relevant certifications or specialized training they have. There’s no point hiring a wills and trusts expert if you’re progressing a divorce – you’ll need a lawyer who has a track record in efficiently completing divorce cases.
  2. Fee structure: Ask if the lawyer charges a fixed, hourly, or contingency fee. Find out if more affordable options are available within the firm, such as working with a junior lawyer or a paralegal for certain tasks. Get an estimate of the total cost so you can budget accordingly and compare between other lawyers.
  3. Additional costs: Inquire about any filing fees, court fees, or other expenses related to your case and whether these are included in the quoted price. Ask how you will be notified of any additional costs arising during your legal matter. Some cases are low in such fees, whereas others require ongoing court filings and the fees add up.
  4. Payment plans: If you’re concerned about affordability, ask if the firm offers payment plans or flexible payment options. You may be offered interest-free finance, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
  5. Timeline: Get an estimate of the general timeframe for your legal matter, including potential court dates, negotiation timelines, or waiting periods.
  6. Communication: Discuss the preferred method of communication with your lawyer (e.g., email, phone) and the frequency of updates. Establish clear expectations regarding response times and availability.
  7. Case strategy: Ask the lawyer about their approach to handling your case and potential strategies they might employ.
  8. Possible outcomes: Discuss the potential outcomes of your case and the likelihood of achieving your desired results. Be sure to understand the risks and benefits associated with each potential outcome.

Lawyers Brisbane Self-Representation Options

Self-Representation Options

You might consider representing yourself in court or managing your legal needs in certain situations. While this is legally allowed in Queensland, it’s not often the best way to proceed.

Can I Represent Myself in Court?

Yes, in Queensland and throughout Australia, you have the right to self-representation in court. This means you can manage your legal matters without the assistance of a lawyer. However, you cannot represent a friend or family member unless you are a qualified legal practitioner.

While self-representation is an option, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and challenges associated with handling your legal matters. Some of the most common issues individuals may encounter when representing themselves in court include:

  1. Limited legal knowledge: Without a background in law, you may struggle to understand the complexities of your legal rights and obligations. This can put you at a significant disadvantage when trying to argue your case or navigate the legal system.
  2. Unfamiliarity with court rules and procedures: Courts have specific rules and procedures that must be followed. When you represent yourself, you are responsible for adhering to these rules, which can be difficult to learn and understand without prior experience.
  3. Difficulty in presenting evidence: Gathering and presenting evidence to support your case can be complex. Without a legal background, you may struggle to identify relevant evidence, submit it according to court rules, or effectively present it to the judge or jury.
  4. Increased risk of incrimination or costly mistakes: Handling your legal matters can increase the risk of making mistakes that could be detrimental to your case. This could lead to unfavourable outcomes, including incriminating yourself or losing your case due to technical errors. A lack of legal expertise might also result in financial losses, such as being ordered to pay the opposing party’s legal fees or receiving a less favourable settlement.
  5. Emotional stress: Representing yourself in court can be emotionally taxing, as you are personally invested in the outcome of your case. Without the support of a lawyer, the stress of navigating the legal system can add to the overall burden.
  6. Time-consuming process: Managing your legal needs can be extremely time-consuming, especially if you need to learn about the law, gather evidence, and prepare for court appearances. This can take away from other important aspects of your life, such as work, family, or personal well-being.

Alternatives to Self-Representation

Before deciding to represent yourself, consider some alternatives that may provide you with the legal support you need while potentially saving on costs:

  1. Legal Aid: Legal Aid Queensland provides eligible individuals with free or low-cost legal services. This can include advice, representation, and other forms of assistance, depending on your circumstances and the nature of your legal matter.
  2. Community Legal Centres Queensland: These non-profit offices offer free legal advice and assistance to people who may not be eligible for Legal Aid or cannot afford a private lawyer. You can find 18 centres in and around Brisbane.

Know This: While you have the right to represent yourself in court or manage your legal needs, doing so can come with significant risks and challenges. Therefore, before deciding to handle your legal matters, we strongly suggest you carefully consider the potential drawbacks and explore alternative options for obtaining legal assistance.Lawyers Brisbane Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get free legal advice?

Check if you qualify for free or discounted legal advice through the government-run Legal Aid program or non-profit Community Legal Centres.  

Are lawyers free in Australia?

No. In some countries, people charged with criminal offences are entitled to free legal representation, but not in Australia. However, you may qualify for Legal Aid, assistance from non-profits, or you can represent yourself in specific matters. 

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

If a lawyer isn’t in the budget, you can see if you qualify for free or discounted legal advice through the government-run Legal Aid program or your local non-profit Community Legal Centres. Trusted Lawyers in Brisbane

Our List of Trusted Brisbane Lawyers

Our list below comprises of general lawyers, focusing on business, family and criminal matters:

Legali

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide excellent guidance and clear communication throughout the home buying process.
  • Professional, timely, and efficient in preparing paperwork.
  • Exceptional communicators and provide thorough and supportive representation to clients.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, property legal services, wills and estate, family law.

Aria Lawyers

Overview

What customers like:

  • Provide excellent and professional representation.
  • Knowledgeable, efficient, and reliable.
  • Patient, understanding, and able to effectively handle cases with a high level of expertise.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, mediation, family law, commercial law, conveyancing, domestic violence, immigration law, family mediation.

Ryan Murdoch O’Regan Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provides efficient and friendly service.
  • Reasonable pricing.
  • Knowledgeable, helpful, and able to achieve a favourable outcome for the client.

Services offered (but not limited to): Bankruptcy & insolvency, body corporate levies/debts, building & construction, business disputes, commercial litigation, compulsory land acquisition and more.

Fisher Dore Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide professional and reliable legal advice.
  • Go above and beyond to provide excellent representation for their clients.
  • Compassionate and able to handle sensitive cases.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, criminal defence, compensation

Rostron Carlyle Rojas Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Competent and skilled professionals.
  • Keep clients informed and are available for questions or concerns.
  • Professional, friendly, and able to guide clients through the legal process effectively.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, construction law, corporate law, litigation law, family law, and migration law.

GTC Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Knowledgeable and honest.
  • Make clients feel comfortable and guide them through the legal process.
  • Able to effectively communicate and explain legal matters to clients.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, civil law, family law, drink driving, traffic law,  immigration law, compensation law.

Gilshenan & Luton Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • High level of understanding and patience towards clients.
  • Keep clients informed and updated on their cases.
  • Responsive to clients’ calls and messages in a timely manner.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, employment law, criminal defence, traffic law, professional misconduct, corporate law, services to government.

McInnes Wilson Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Recommended by other law firms for its expertise and ability to achieve good outcomes.
  • Compassionate, understanding, and caring of their clients.
  • Attentive to clients’ needs, provide high-quality work, and are able to effectively resolve difficult situations.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, industries legal services.

Armstrong Legal

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide strong support and guidance to clients during stressful times.
  • Knowledgeable and act on clients’ instructions diligently.
  • Professional, compassionate, and offer sound advice.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, administrative law, commercial law, corporate crime law, family law, traffic law.

Plastiras Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Well organised and have strong foresight in terms of timelines.
  • Provide thorough and timely advice to clients.
  • Able to effectively handle real estate and conveyancing matters.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, property legal services, estate, dispute resolution.

Law Lawyers & Associates

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide prompt, detailed, and professional responses to clients’ questions.
  • Kind, caring, and trustworthy.
  • Able to provide effective and beneficial legal solutions.

Services offered (but not limited to): Criminal legal services, workers comp, public liability, motor vehicle accidents.

YHC Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Excellent guidance and attention to detail in the will-crafting process.
  • Professional and empathetic in helping clients understand and navigate the process of estate planning.
  • Highly knowledgeable and able to provide high-quality service to their clients.

Services offered (but not limited to): Wills, enduring documents, estates.

Irish Bentley Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional, reliable, and able to communicate effectively with clients.
  • Provides efficient legal services.
  • Approachable, informative, and helpful in guiding clients through the legal process.

Services offered (but not limited to): Taxation, bankruptcy, intellectual property, commercial, family, estate law, litigation solutions.

Ellem Warren Napa Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide accurate and responsive legal assistance to clients.
  • Offer clear and effective legal advice that seeks achievable outcomes.
  • Professional and provide guidance and counsel to clients.

Services offered (but not limited to): Dispute resolution, corporate & business advisory, employment and workplace, construction

Aitken Whyte Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Knowledgeable and with a high attention to detail.
  • Offer a personal touch and listen to their clients.
  • Provide high-quality service at an affordable price.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services.

Aylward Game Solicitors

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Down-to-earth and easy to talk to, making clients feel valued and important.
  • Responsive and available when clients need them.
  • Act with integrity and honesty to provide the best experience and outcome for their clients.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, employment law, immigration law, collaborative law, elder law, professional negligence, commercial and business law, family law, wills and estate planning law, complex contract law, commercial litigation, employment law, and property law and conveyancing.

Bennett & Philp Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide detailed updates and clear communication to clients throughout the legal process.
  • Available to answer clients’ questions and concerns in a timely manner.
  • Professional and offer helpful services, even when not required to do so.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, insurance, intellectual property, real estate, business advisory, family law, property law, will & estates, technology and innovation.

Skene Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide timely and clear advice to clients.
  • Empathetic towards clients’ situations and needs.
  • Can handle complex legal matters with ease.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, property, traffic law, domestic violence, criminal law, family law.

Hall Payne Lawyers Brisbane

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide professional and efficient service to clients.
  • Knowledgeable team.
  • Thorough and handle matters smoothly.

Services offered (but not limited to): Business legal services, personal legal services, workers compensation, health law, discrimination, family law, criminal law, will & estates.

Beavon Lawyers

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Highly professional and dedicated to their clients.
  • Clear communication and support, helping to alleviate anxiety and fears about the legal process.
  • Provides personalised service at an affordable price

Services offered (but not limited to): Drug offences, sexual offences, violence offences, property offences, property offences, fraud, traffic offences, domestic violence matters.