Costs
Legal Aid
We do a lot of legal aid funded work, and if you qualify, we can help you apply for a legal aid grant to cover your matter. Just ask us about it — we're happy to talk you through whether you're eligible and what's involved.
We can also aid you in preparing the grant application paperwork.
How Much Is Barefoot Law?
Our philosophy is to provide affordable legal services to the community while still being able to cover our own costs. Our fees are below the rates charged by most firms, and close to what many pay for massages or physio.
For some complex work we will charge more.
We will always discuss and disclose fees before we do any work.
Barefoot Law — Your Costs Agreement and Our Disclosure
Please read this carefully. We offer to provide legal services to you on these terms, which apply from your first consultation.
Scope of Work
We will provide legal advice and support including our consultation with you, communications (e.g. emails, letters, and telephone calls), drafting documents, or appearing in a court, tribunal, or meeting on your behalf.
Professional Fees
We charge set fees for court work and particular jobs as set out in our Menu of Fees. We will charge you for all the work we do at an hourly rate of $250 plus GST, or $400 plus GST if you own real property, unless otherwise agreed. Our minimum charge is $100. You must also pay any costs, including court and filing fees. We will estimate our fees and costs before we do any work, and agree any changes before we do any additional work. We may offer reduced fees for clients in financial hardship.
Billing Arrangements
You must pay at the time of your appointment, or if we agree, we may accept payment by internet banking and send you an invoice by email. You must pay any outstanding bill before we release your file.
Your Rights
You may negotiate a costs agreement or method of billing with us, request and receive an itemised bill, complain to the NSW Legal Services Commissioner if you dispute our fees and costs, and you will be notified as soon as possible of any significant change to fees or costs.
Your Information
We will keep your information and matter confidential, and retain electronic copies of documents for 7 years. We may use your information to assist in applying for funding to support the work of Barefoot Law.
Your Acceptance
You accept this agreement when you first use the services of Barefoot Law, and it applies from then.
Payment Details
Please pay your account within 7 days to: Mark Swivel trading as Barefoot Law — Southern Cross Credit Union.
BSB 722 744, Acc 100129746.
For Trust Account matters: Acc 100129746, Trust Account 100130506.