How we charge for our work
Scope
We want to add value, so we need to be clear on what you want us to do from the start. We will provide you with a
letter of engagement which will record the scope of the work that you have told us to do. Our retainer will be limited to what you have instructed us to undertake. Consequently, if the scope does not meet your expectations, please tell us immediately. Follow the link for our standard letter of engagement.
Pricing Legal Services
Our standard letter of engagement will record the basis on which we charge fees as well as the member (or members) of the firm who will be assigned to your file. Unless we have given you an estimate or job quote, we will provide you with charge out rates and multiply those charge-out rates by the amount of time expended on your file. This is subject to the following matters which come from the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers:Conduct and Client Care) Rule 2008. Those matters include:
- the time and labour expended:
- the skill, specialised knowledge, and responsibility required to perform the services properly:
- the importance of the matter to the client and the results achieved:
- the urgency and circumstances in which the matter is undertaken and any time limitations imposed, including those imposed by the client:
- the degree of risk assumed by the lawyer in undertaking the services, including the amount or value of any property involved:
- the complexity of the matter and the difficulty or novelty of the questions involved:
- the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer:
- the possibility that the acceptance of the particular retainer will preclude engagement of the lawyer by other clients:
- whether the fee is fixed or conditional (whether in litigation or otherwise):
- any quote or estimate of fees given by the lawyer:
- any fee agreement (including a conditional fee agreement) entered into between the lawyer and client:
- the reasonable costs of running a practice:
- the fee customarily charged in the market and locality for similar legal services
Estimates
We do give estimates for residential conveyancing and other transactional matters where the steps are clear. In cases such as dispute resolution, estimates can be difficult in that total cost often relies on the behaviour of the other side. Where we have given an estimate and, for one reason or another the estimate looks as though it will be exceeded, we will advise you that our estimate could be exceeded before that occurs. We will explain the reasons and obtain your instructions as to whether you wish us to continue. Estimates are not quotes and can only be given on the basis of information available to us and our previous experience of such matters in general.
How to keep costs down
There are many things that you can do to get the most from your money and us. These include:
- See us before signing anything. (It will usually save you time and money in the long run).
- Make sure you give us all relevant information, papers and instructions. (Do not make the mistake of thinking that certain pieces of information or documents are irrelevant, so more is better).
- Don't leave things to the last minute if you can avoid it. (Urgency will usually increase your costs).
- Respond promptly to requests for further information or to do something to help us. (If we have to chase you up, it takes extra time which you are paying for).
- Indicate a willingness to do things that we would otherwise have to undertake personally at your cost: e.g. instructing valuers, liaising with banks etc. Please check with us first though, so that we can co-ordinate our efforts to produce the best result.
Payment terms
Our payment terms are contained in our standard letter of engagement. We do charge interest on late accounts and our terms are 14 days unless you have made a prior arrangement.
Information for Clients
As well as the letter of engagement, we will supply you with information for clients when you give us a retainer. Follow link to
letter of engagement.
