Legal Fee Refunds: Are You Eligible?

Many people believe that once they pay a lawyer’s bill, there’s no turning back — but that’s not true. In Australia, if a lawyer's bill is excessive, unfair, or issued without proper disclosure, you may be eligible for a refund.

Here’s what you need to know about legal fee refunds and whether you might qualify.

When Can You Get a Legal Fee Refund?

You could be entitled to a refund or a reduction of your legal fees if:

1. There Was No Proper Costs Disclosure

Lawyers must provide clients with a clear written disclosure of estimated costs before starting work (in most cases). If they didn’t, you might have grounds to challenge the bill and seek a refund.

2. The Bill Is Considered "Unreasonable"

A bill may be deemed unreasonable if it charges for unnecessary work, excessive time, double billing, or tasks that could have been done at a lower cost.

3. You Were Overcharged for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Lawyers should not profit from disbursements (such as filing fees, court costs, or expert reports). If you were charged more than the actual cost, you may be entitled to reimbursement.

4. You Were Pressured or Misled

If you were misled about the costs, pressured into signing an agreement without enough time to review it, or billed differently than what was promised, the bill could be challenged.

5. There Was a Failure to Update on Costs

Lawyers must keep clients informed about significant changes in expected costs. If your bill was much higher than originally quoted and you weren’t warned, you may have a claim for a reduction.

How Can You Claim a Refund?

Here are the main steps:

• Request an itemised bill from your lawyer if you haven’t already.
• Seek an independent review (Law in Check can assist with this).
• Negotiate with your lawyer: many disputes can be resolved without formal action.
• Apply for a formal assessment in the Costs Court or other relevant tribunal, if needed.



Important: There are strict time limits for challenging a bill — often as little as 12 months from the date you received the invoice.

Why Act Quickly?

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to challenge a bill. Missing deadlines can mean you lose the right to dispute it altogether. It’s always better to get advice early, even if you’re unsure whether you have a case.

Need Help?

At Law in Check, we specialise in helping individuals and businesses challenge unfair legal fees.

We can review your bill, advise you on your refund eligibility, and guide you through the process.