Costs and engagement
How we agree fees and start work.
Fixed scope. Written disclosure. No invoices that surprise clients.
The model
DOCET LEGAL works on fixed fees for most matters. These include contract reviews, shareholder and partnership agreements, leases, franchise documents, and the great majority of business transactions. The fee is agreed in writing before substantive work begins.
For matters where the scope cannot reasonably be fixed in advance, such as ongoing advisory work, drawn-out disputes, or complex multi-party transactions, the firm charges on an hourly basis with a written estimate at the outset and updates if the scope changes.
The engagement process
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Initial discussion
A short conversation by email, telephone, or video. No charge. The aim is to understand the matter and assess whether the firm is the right fit. If it is not, a referral is offered.
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Scope and fee proposal
Where the matter proceeds, the firm sets out the scope of work, the fee, and the assumptions behind both, in writing.
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Costs disclosure and engagement letter
For matters where the total legal costs are likely to exceed $750 (excluding GST), a costs disclosure is issued under Part 4.3 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW). It explains your rights, the basis of the fee, the right to a written estimate, and the right to negotiate a costs agreement.
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Work begins
Only after the engagement is confirmed in writing. A solicitor-client relationship is not formed until that point.
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Invoices and updates
For fixed-fee work, invoices are issued at the milestones agreed in advance. For hourly work, time is recorded and reported transparently. If the scope materially changes during the matter, a written variation is provided before any out-of-scope work begins.
Your rights under the LPUL
Whether your matter is with DOCET LEGAL or any other NSW practice, you have the right to:
- negotiate a costs agreement before work commences;
- receive a written costs estimate, and updates if circumstances change;
- request an itemised bill, in addition to any lump-sum invoice;
- be informed of any significant change to the basis of charging;
- have a dispute about costs reviewed under the LPUL's costs assessment process;
- seek the advice of another lawyer of your choice.
This page is general information about how DOCET LEGAL engages on matters. It is not a costs disclosure. A formal costs disclosure is issued in writing as part of the engagement for a specific matter.
Want to know what a piece of work would cost?
Send a short description of the matter. Fees are usually quoted within one business day.