Legal Costing Services

Assessments of costs

Preparation of lump-sum costs certificates for party/party and solicitor/client matters. We can prepare certificates of assessment in accordance with the relevant scale of costs and/or costs agreement entered into with your client.

Lump sum assessments are often requested prior to settlement conferences/mediations to assist clients by providing an estimate of the likely party/party costs recovery should the matter resolve. A lump sum certificate will also provide information as to the likely shortfall payable by the client to the law practice.

We are able to attend your offices to work in-house. This service is particularly useful where files are sensitive or where ongoing access to the file is required.

Itemised bills of costs

Preparation of bills of costs in taxable form where your client has an order for costs in their favour. An itemised bill of costs is required to commence a proceeding in the Costs Court for party/party matters and in other jurisdictions. In Victoria and in the Federal jurisdictions, inter partes costs are calculated by reference to a scale of costs unless the order for costs provides that such costs are to be allowed in accordance with a costs agreement.

We also prepare solicitor/client itemised bills, in compliance with the Legal Profession Uniform Law, where your client has requested an itemisation of a lump sum invoice.

Notices of objection

Prepare objections in response to itemised bills of costs with a view to minimising your client’s liability to pay an outstanding costs order. We can also recommend strategies for appropriate settlement and offers of compromise.

Appearances on taxation of costs and mediations 

Appear on taxations of costs, mediation of costs disputes and other appearances in the Costs Court and other jurisdictions. We are also able to instruct Counsel on applications to review taxation decisions before a Judge or other judicial officer.

Negotiations and dispute resolution

Undertake and advise in relation to settlement negotiations on your behalf to minimise your client’s liability to pay legal costs or maximise legal costs recovery from a paying party.

Provision of expert evidence on costs law matters

Preparation of expert reports and opinions including applications for security for costs and gross sum calculations.