At LAC Lawyers we charge for the professional work we do in assisting clients to resolve their legal issues. In some circumstances we are willing to enter into flexible payment options for the benefit of our clients but please note payments must be made on time and that we do not work for free.
The standard process we go through when discussing fees
- LAC Lawyers receives enquiry, we immediately respond and make an initial assessment of the legal problem to see whether it requires further action. Discuss future fees moving forward and applicable rates. (No Charge)
- Meet with client and discuss nature of legal matter as well as options available to them. Fill out Enquiry and Disclosure sheet.
- Acquaint client with costs issues in their matter and future events that may increase or decrease their legal fees.
- Issue client with a Cost Agreement and Disclosure Document so the client knows exactly what will be done for them and an estimate of how much everything will cost. This document protects client as it sets out their rights and obligations in plain English.
- Inform client of our trust account details so they can deposit an agreed amount into the law firms trust account so we may commence work.
- Once these documents are signed and returned to LAC Lawyers as well as depositing money into our trust account we commence work on your matter and you are on your way to having your legal matter dealt with.
Where clients are seeking to minimise costs we will encourage them to complete tasks of a non-legal nature which subsequently reduces the overall cost.
The typical payment arrangement we have with our clients
- In the initial conference and after, your lawyer will discuss with you the likely cost of pursuing your legal matter and will issue you with a Cost Agreement and Disclosure Document in which this estimate is formalised.
- Your lawyer will then request that you make a deposit into our trust account in accordance with what has been agreed and work may commence on your matter.
- Invoices are typically issued monthly and we require the client to maintain a sufficient balance in the trust account to cover the costs incurred on your behalf.
- Once an invoice is issued and after a period of 7 days a transfer from the trust account will occur to pay the outstanding invoice.
Flexible Payment Options
At LAC Lawyers, we offer a number of payment options for our clients depending on the nature of their case and their finances.
To learn more about our range of flexible payment options, visit our Flexible Payment Options page.
Costs Agreements
In an effort to aid transparency with regards to fees we have included a copy of our standard form Costs Agreements that we offer to clients at the commencement of their legal matter. These documents may be subject to change depending on a client's individual circumstances.
For more information, view the LAC Lawyers Costs Agreement and our Disclosure document.
Trust Accounts
A trust account is an account maintained by professionals for the purpose of holding other peoples money “on account” for another purpose.
At LAC Lawyers, we use a trust account to allow our clients to deposit money with us in anticipation of future legal costs.
For more information on trust accounts and how we use them at LAC, visit our Trust Accounts page.
Online Payment Gateway
To assist our clients, LAC Lawyers is able to process payments online through our banking partner St George Bank.
For more information on how you can make payments online, visit our Online Payment Gateway page.