Choosing a lawyer

Australian lawyer guides

Australian lawyer guides explain the questions, documents, costs and processes to consider before contacting a law firm.

Prepare before you contact a lawyer

These guides explain general concepts and comparison questions. They do not diagnose a legal problem or replace advice based on your facts.

If a document shows a court date, review period or other deadline, raise it promptly with a qualified lawyer.

Lawyer guide

A practical Australian guide to comparing lawyers by relevant experience, responsibility, communication, credentials and cost.

Lawyer guide

Match a legal issue with an appropriate area of Australian legal practice and know when a specialist may be useful.

Lawyer guide

Prepare a concise chronology, key documents, dates and questions for an efficient first meeting with an Australian lawyer.

Lawyer guide

Understand professional fees, disbursements, retainers, estimates and costs disclosure when engaging an Australian lawyer.

Lawyer guide

Compare fixed-fee and time-based legal costs by scope, assumptions, exclusions, staffing and likely changes.

Lawyer guide

Find official Legal Aid and community legal centre pathways in Australia and understand why eligibility and capacity vary.

Lawyer guide

A plain-English overview of Australian federal, state and territory courts and why the correct forum depends on the issue.

Lawyer guide

Understand mediation, negotiation and other Australian dispute-resolution options before or during formal proceedings.

Lawyer guide

Use a practical, non-ranking checklist to compare Australian Law Firms by fit, responsibility, scope, communication and costs.

Lawyer guide

Understand the different roles of solicitors, barristers, licensed conveyancers and registered migration agents in Australia.