This is a specialist area, and the firms listed below have nominated it as work they take on. If you are not certain it is the right category for your situation, a general practice solicitor can point you in the right direction — and there is no cost to asking.

The work they handle

Advice on solicitor matters and your available options
Preparing, reviewing and negotiating the relevant documents
Correspondence and negotiation with the other side
Representation at tribunal or court where a matter cannot be resolved

When to call a solicitor

You have received a document with a deadline on it
You have been asked to sign something you do not fully understand
A dispute is escalating and informal attempts have not worked
You want to know whether you have a case before spending money on it

What it costs

Most firms in this area charge hourly, with fixed fees available for defined pieces of work. Ask for a written costs agreement before work starts, and ask what would change the estimate.

How to choose

Ask how often they do this work

Many firms list an area they only occasionally practise in. It is a fair question and a good firm will answer it honestly.

Get the first conversation right

Bring your documents and a short timeline of what happened. It makes the advice sharper and the meeting cheaper.

Check they are current

Verify the practitioner's registration with the law society in their state before engaging them.

Common questions

Do I need a specialist solicitor?

For anything straightforward a general practice solicitor is often enough. Specialists earn their value where the matter is complex, contested, or the amount at stake is significant.

What should I bring to the first appointment?

Any documents you have been given, correspondence with the other side, and a short written timeline. Lawyers charge for time, and organised clients spend less of it.

How do I know if the fee is reasonable?

Ask two or three firms for a written estimate on the same scope. Costs in this area are not standardised and the range can be wide.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ between states and every situation turns on its own facts — speak to a qualified Australian lawyer before acting. If you cannot afford one, Legal Aid operates in every state and territory.

Solicitors by suburb

Solicitors in Adelaide, SA544 Solicitors in Melbourne, VIC261 Solicitors in Hobart, TAS192 Solicitors in Brisbane, QLD163 Solicitors in Canberra, ACT143 Solicitors in Canberra City, ACT107 Solicitors in Sydney, NSW83 Solicitors in Launceston, TAS61 Solicitors in Darwin, NT55 Solicitors in Albury, NSW38 Solicitors in Perth, WA36 Solicitors in Devonport, TAS35 Solicitors in Dandenong, VIC34 Solicitors in Townsville City, QLD33 Solicitors in Frankston, VIC31 Solicitors in Bendigo, VIC29 Solicitors in Geelong, VIC27 Solicitors in Liverpool, NSW27 Solicitors in Carlton, VIC25 Solicitors in Hyde Park, QLD25 Solicitors in Burwood, NSW24 Solicitors in Kew, VIC24 Solicitors in Mornington, VIC24 Solicitors in Box Hill, VIC23 Solicitors in Brighton, VIC23 Solicitors in Fairfield, NSW23 Solicitors in Hurstville, NSW23 Solicitors in Campbelltown, NSW21 Solicitors in Caulfield North, VIC21 Solicitors in Chatswood, NSW21 Solicitors in Hawthorn, VIC20 Solicitors in Armidale, NSW19 Solicitors in Baulkham Hills, NSW19 Solicitors in Bunbury, WA19 Solicitors in East Perth, WA19 Solicitors in Manly, NSW19 Solicitors in Parramatta, NSW19 Solicitors in South Yarra, VIC19 Solicitors in Bondi Junction, NSW18 Solicitors in Dee Why, NSW18

By state and territory

General Practice Solicitors in New South Wales1366 General Practice Solicitors in Victoria1538 General Practice Solicitors in Queensland698 General Practice Solicitors in Western Australia286 General Practice Solicitors in South Australia672 General Practice Solicitors in Tasmania333 General Practice Solicitors in Australian Capital Territory321 General Practice Solicitors in Northern Territory76