Employment lawyer fees in Adelaide

Watch the deadline

If you've been dismissed and want to claim unfair dismissal, you must apply to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect.

How fees usually work

Reviewing an employment contract or settlement agreement is often a fixed fee. Disputes and claims are usually charged by the hour. Ask for an estimate of total costs at each stage.

Application fees and who pays

The Fair Work Commission charges an application fee for unfair dismissal claims. In matters before the Commission, each party generally bears their own legal costs.

Your right to know the costs up front

South Australian lawyers must disclose their costs at the start of the engagement. That includes a range of estimated total costs and what could change it, how often you'll be billed, your right to negotiate the costs agreement, your right to an itemised bill, and how to dispute costs, including complaining to the Legal Profession Conduct Commissioner about overcharging.

Questions to ask first

• Is this a fixed fee or hourly? If hourly, what is the rate and roughly how many hours do you expect?
• What is included, and what would cost extra?
• Which costs are disbursements or official fees, and roughly how much are they?
• How often will I be billed, and can I get an update on costs as we go?

Free and low-cost help in South Australia

• The Legal Services Commission of South Australia gives free legal information and advice, and legal aid if you're eligible.
• The Law Handbook, published by the Legal Services Commission, explains the law in plain English.
• The Fair Work Ombudsman gives free information about pay and workplace rights.

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