In September 2023, a couple approached us after being charged a staggering $170,689.86 in legal fees for their criminal law matter. They had already paid $133,736.33, leaving a remaining balance of $36,953.53 - but they knew something wasn’t right. Determined to challenge the excessive fees, they filed a complaint with the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner and sought our help.
After carefully reviewing their case, we immediately identified serious overcharging by their former lawyer. We first attempted to negotiate a fair resolution, but the lawyer refused to cooperate. Not willing to back down, we escalated the matter by filing a costs assessment in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Costs Division, objecting to a large portion of the charges.
Shortly after filing, the former lawyer finally came to the table, realising that dragging the case out would only lead to further legal costs. After months of strategic negotiations, we secured a final settlement of $125,000, along with the withdrawal of the complaint and costs assessment. This was a reduction of $45,689.86 of the lawyer's costs. This meant our clients received a refund of $8,736.33 - a well-deserved victory!
Our clients were overjoyed with the outcome, relieved to have put this stressful chapter behind them.