Inside the Legal Profession Uniform Law: Your Rights in Plain English

Navigating a legal bill can feel like decoding a foreign language. Many clients aren’t aware they have strong rights when it comes to solicitor fees. The Legal Profession Uniform Law (LPUL) was introduced to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in how lawyers charge for their services. In this blog, we break down your rights under the LPUL—without the legal jargon—so you know how to check solicitor fees, audit solicitor costs, and seek a legal fee refund, if needed.

What Is the Legal Profession Uniform Law (LPUL)?

The LPUL is a framework adopted in NSW and Victoria (and now mirrored in other jurisdictions) that regulates the conduct, cost disclosures, and billing practices of lawyers. It ensures that legal costs are fair, reasonable, and communicated clearly.

Your Key Rights Under the LPUL (LPUL)?

The Right to a Costs Disclosure

Your lawyer must give you a written costs disclosure if your legal fees are likely to exceed $750 (excluding GST and disbursements). This disclosure must explain:

• The estimated total legal costs
• How the costs will be calculated (hourly, fixed fee, etc.)
• Your rights to negotiate, receive a bill, and seek a legal costs assessment

If they don’t provide a proper disclosure, they may not be able to enforce the bill.

The Right to a Costs Agreement You Understand

You should never sign a costs agreement you don’t understand. The LPUL requires that the terms are clear and not misleading. If they’re vague or confusing, the agreement can be challenged.

The Right to Request an Itemised Bill

If you’ve received a lump-sum invoice, you have the right to request an itemised bill—a detailed breakdown of each task and the charges attached. This is crucial if you want to check solicitor fees or identify overcharging.

The Right to Request an Itemised Bill

If you’ve received a lump-sum invoice, you have the right to request an itemised bill—a detailed breakdown of each task and the charges attached. This is crucial if you want to check solicitor fees or identify overcharging.

The Right to Audit Solicitor Costs

You can apply for a legal costs assessment (often called a cost audit) if you believe you’ve been overcharged. This independent review can reduce or overturn excessive fees.

• In NSW & VIC, you typically have 12 months from the final bill or payment to apply for a costs assessment.
• The assessor will consider whether the costs are fair, proportionate, and in line with market standards.

The Right to a Legal Fee Refund

If the assessment or dispute process reveals that your solicitor charged unfairly, you may be entitled to a legal fee refund. Lawyers can also face penalties for non-compliance with the LPUL.

The Right to File a Complaint

You can lodge a complaint with the Legal Services Commissioner in your state if you believe your lawyer has breached their obligations. This can trigger investigations or disciplinary action.

When Should You Check Your Legal Bill?

Even if your case is over, it's not too late to:

• Check solicitor fees against what was agreed.
• Audit solicitor costs by requesting an itemised bill.
• Challenge vague or excessive charges with a cost assessor or the Legal Services Commissioner.

How We Help

Here at Law in Check we specialise in supporting clients who feel they’ve been overcharged by their lawyer. We:

• Guide you through cost assessments
• Help you obtain a legal fee refund if you’ve been overcharged by your lawyer

Don’t accept an unfair legal bill. Know your rights under the LPUL—and let us help you enforce them.

See here for 5 tips to ensure your legal fees remain reasonable.