Our fees at a glance
Grope Hamilton Lawyers are cost effective
Being a 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. We also always aim to keep our hourly charge out rates at or near the underlying Supreme Court rate for a lawyer exercising special skill. (Click here for the Full Supreme Court Scale)
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. Certain aspects of some matters can be carried out by associate lawyers or paralegals with close partner supervision, seeking to ensure that legal costs are not disproportionate to the task involved.
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 $279.00 per hour (plus GST)
Other Lawyers (if applicable) $247.00 per hour (plus GST)
Paralegal $113.00 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 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:
| Postage | at cost |
| Photocopying | 55c per page |
| Scanning | 55c per page |
| Printing | 55c per page |
| Email | 50c each |
| Facsimiles (outgoing) | Local: $2.50 first page, $1.00 subsequent pages |
| | National: $2.50 first page, $1.00 subsequent pages |
| | International: $5.00 first page, $2.00 subsequent pages |
| Telephone | Telstra charges |
| Binding | $1.50 per document |
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 a range of estimated costs.
In transactional matters, such as business or property acquisitions and disposals, the "market" and recommended fee scales will generally determine the fees.
Retaining counsel, 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 prior approval before retaining Counsel to assist in matters including the basis upon which counsel will charge in the matter.
2008 Fees and Charges full document
Full Supreme Court Scale document
Letter of Engagement document