How employment lawyers charge fees

Does every stage of a claim involve legal fees?

No. Solicitors cannot represent either party at the conciliation stage run by the Department of Industrial Relations, so that meeting carries no courtroom-style representation fees.¹

Fees are more likely to apply to three stages. These are preparing your Section 20 representation, advising you before conciliation, and representing you at the Industrial Court. Each can be priced separately, and not every case needs all three.

An employment lawyer can brief you before conciliation even though they cannot sit in the room. Much of the early value comes from that preparation.

How do lawyers structure their charges?

Some charge a fixed fee for a defined task, such as drafting your representation or reviewing a settlement offer. Others charge an hourly rate for ongoing work, once a case is underway and its scope is harder to predict.

Neither is better in every case. It depends on how clear your case is when you first ask.

What should you ask before agreeing to anything?

Ask what the quoted fee includes, and what would count as extra work. Ask how you will be told about costs as the case moves.

Ask what happens to fees already paid if the matter settles early. A written answer to each question protects both sides from confusion later.

What should you do this week?

You have 60 days from your dismissal to file a Section 20 representation, so factor that into any decision about cost.² Use the deadline calculator to see how much time you have to compare options.

If you are weighing hiring someone against going alone, read about representing yourself at the Industrial Court.

If you want a lawyer to review your case and set out their fees, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send your dismissal date and documents.