Fees & Terms

Grope Hamilton Lawyers are cost effective

As Adelaide lawyers aspiring to be Adelaide's leading boutique commercial law firm, we can effectively contain our overheads, so that we can keep our total charges for an equivalent task lower than those of many large law firms. 

It has always been our philosophy to ensure matters are not "over-serviced" and are carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes, where appropriate, delegating aspects of work to a person within the firm with appropriate skills and a lower charge out rate. 

Our fees

Like most firms, our fees are calculated on a time basis for work performed, plus recovery of out of pocket expenses - unless specific arrangements are made in writing to the contrary. Our current rates are:

Partners $400 per hour (plus GST)

Senior Associates $400 per hour (plus GST)

Other lawyers $370 per hour (plus GST)

Paralegal $172.70 per hour (plus GST)

Most administrative support (like word processing) is included in the professional hourly rates. If extensive overtime or weekend work is necessary, we provide administrative support at a competitive cost.

Expenses

Direct Disbursements

Direct expenses are fees initially paid by the firm on client's behalf such as Court filing fees and fees to outside bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Lands Titles Office, Stamp Duties Office, courier fees and FID. These are billed to client's accounts or we may request a client to provide a cheque payable to the relevant government agency for the particular expense. We seek clients' approval prior to incurring any unusual or substantial disbursements.

Indirect Expenses

Internal administration costs are indirect expenses and are individually detailed in accounts. In keeping with our philosophy of keeping our charging cost efficient, our disbursement charges are generally below the Supreme Court general scale of costs.

Our current charge rates (not including GST) are:

Cost Estimates

In some legal tasks, (where we can predict the amount of legal work involved) we will perform certain legal services at fixed rates or within an agreed range of costs.

In transactional matters, such as business or property acquisitions and disposals, the "market" and recommended fee scales may determine the fees. Please ask.

Retaining barristers, experts and consultants etc

It is firm policy that all external experts and consultants that may be required to advise or provide expert reports in a matter, such as accountants, building consultants, medical practitioners etc, be engaged direct by the client and not the firm.

The firm seek the client's approval to retain barristers to assist in matters including the basis upon which counsel will charge in the matter.