What Do Most Lawyers Charge?
A common question asked when a person needs legal advice is, What do most lawyers charge? There is a very wide range of rates charged by legal practitioners working in different areas of law, working for different types of firms, and working in different geographical areas. This page provides answers to this question, and to some other common questions about the costs of engaging in legal proceedings.
Can I get a free lawyer?
Whether you can get a free lawyer depends on your situation. There are some free legal services in all states and territories of Australia, but their services are generally limited to people who meet a means test.
A means test is an evaluation of how much a person earns, how much property they own and what their expenses are. A person who is a Centrelink recipient and does not own real estate would be likely to meet the means test for free legal assistance. A person who is in paid employment and owns their own home would not.
If you are aged under 18 and need legal advice or representation, it is likely that you will be able to get a lawyer for free. This is because most services that apply a means test do not do so when the person applying for aid is a child.
What type of lawyer can go to court?
In Australia, legal practitioners fall into the categories of solicitors and barristers. Solicitors deal predominantly with giving legal advice, taking instructions from clients, and preparing paperwork. Barristers deal predominantly with courtroom advocacy.
However, this does not mean that a solicitor cannot go to court. It is common for solicitors to attend courts and tribunals and to advocate for their clients without the involvement of a barrister. This may occur because the matter is simple and does not require counsel, because the solicitor has a lot of experience in the area of law, or because the client does not have a budget for a barrister.
In more complex matters such as contested trials, it is usual to have a barrister conducting the court proceedings, as well as a solicitor who gives advice and takes instructions.
If you are looking for legal assistance, it is advisable to seek the advice of a solicitor first. If the matter is one that requires the involvement of a barrister as well, your solicitor will be able to organize for counsel to be briefed.
How much is an hourly lawyer?
There is a lot of variation in the hourly rates charged by lawyers. There are also some situations where a solicitor may charge a flat rate for a service – for example, the preparation of a will, or the completion of conveyancing.
When solicitors do charge by the hour, this hourly rate will be determined largely by their level of experience. Solicitors in major cities also charge higher rates than those in regional centres.
A junior lawyer is likely to change between $200 and $400 per hour. A senior solicitor may charge between $400 and $700 per hour, with higher rates for some areas of law.
A junior barrister may charge between $400 and $600 per hour. A senior barrister may charge $600 to $1000 per hour. Some barristers charge daily, rather than hourly, rates for court work.
Senior Counsel, or King’s Counsel, are barristers who have been recognized by the courts as having a superior level of expertise and competence. Barristers who have been appointed as Senior Counsel may charge significantly more.
Conclusion
When choosing a lawyer, there are many factors you should take into account including their fee structure, their level of expertise, their reputation, their availability and whether you feel comfortable with them. It is important to choose the right lawyer for you and for your legal matter. Each member of your legal team should make you feel that your situation is important to them, that they understand the laws and court processes, and can confidently advise you on all your options.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.