Cost guide · Australia

Employment lawyer fees in Australia

Most private-sector employment law is national, under the Fair Work system, so the basics are the same in every state. Deadlines can be tight, so it helps to understand costs quickly.

Updated October 2026

Know this first

Unfair dismissal claims must be made to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect.

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. Some state public sector employees are covered by their state's system instead.

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, state by state

Every Australian state and territory requires lawyers to tell clients about their costs, including an estimate, and gives clients a way to dispute a bill. The rules and the body that handles complaints depend on where your lawyer practises:

  • New South Wales: Legal Profession Uniform Law. Complaints: Office of the Legal Services Commissioner. Legal aid: Legal Aid NSW.
  • Victoria: Legal Profession Uniform Law. Complaints: Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner. Legal aid: Victoria Legal Aid.
  • Western Australia: Legal Profession Uniform Law (since 1 July 2022). Complaints: Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Legal aid: Legal Aid WA.
  • Queensland: Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld). Complaints: Legal Services Commission. Legal aid: Legal Aid Queensland.
  • South Australia: Legal Practitioners Act 1981 (SA). Complaints: Legal Profession Conduct Commissioner. Legal aid: Legal Services Commission of South Australia.
  • Tasmania: Legal Profession Act 2007 (Tas). Complaints: Legal Profession Board of Tasmania. Legal aid: Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT). Complaints: ACT Law Society. Legal aid: Legal Aid ACT.
  • Northern Territory: Legal Profession Act 2006 (NT). Complaints: Law Society Northern Territory. Legal aid: Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.

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 anywhere in Australia

  • Each state and territory has a legal aid commission, listed above, which gives free legal information and advice, and legal aid if you're eligible.
  • Community legal centres give free legal help across Australia.
  • The Fair Work Ombudsman gives free information about pay and workplace rights.

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Sources

Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner: costs disclosure · Legal Services Commission (Qld): costs disclosure and costs agreements · Law Handbook (SA): costs disclosure · Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2022 (WA) · NSW OLSC: legal regulators in each state and territory · Attorney-General's Department: legal assistance services · Fair Work Ombudsman: unfair dismissal · Fair Work Commission · Fair Work Act 2009, s 611 (costs)

General information only, not legal advice. Fees and rules change, so check the official sources and ask your lawyer for a written estimate. Lawmateanz is a directory, not a law firm.