Last reviewed and updated: April 2026
Being involved in a legal proceeding is often highly emotional and financially taxing; but by following our top 5 tips for reducing your legal fees, you can worry about one less thing.
5 Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Legal Fees
Be organised
Before your initial consultation with your solicitor, have in mind a clear picture of the facts of your case and what you hope to achieve by starting legal proceedings. Bring along copies of any relevant documentation that may affect your case. This could include emails between you and other parties, contracts, a list of relevant dates, and more. During the consultation, provide as many facts of the case as you can so your lawyer has a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that brought you to them. Being clear and upfront from the get-go will result in less calls, emails and letters from your solicitor working out the details of your situation and chasing you up for supporting documentation.
Be accessible
When your solicitor does need to contact you, ensure that this is an easy and time-effective process for them. By providing an email that you regularly check and a phone number that you have frequent access to, your solicitor will spend less of their time, and less of your money, chasing you up. Aim to respond to their emails and return their calls in a timely manner, so that they can focus their time on what is important – working on your case.
Be clever with your correspondence
Emails are the preferred form of correspondence by solicitors, as there is little room for ambiguity. If you have multiple relevant questions for your solicitor, compile these into one email in an organised and logical manner.
Review all emails before sending and be sure to attach any relevant documentation. Before replying to emails from your solicitor, read everything carefully and make sure you have addressed their questions fully and clearly. Being thorough in your written correspondence will result in less emails from your solicitor clarifying what you have said, thus, less money out of your pocket.
If you prefer to call your solicitor, and find yourself doing so multiple times for only a short conversation, consider compiling all your questions and concerns into one phone call. Many solicitors bill in 5 or 6 minute intervals, so if you call your solicitor 6 times for a 2-minute phone call each time, instead of paying for 12 minutes of their time, you may pay more.
Be helpful
Offer to help with some basic, administrative tasks that do not require a lawyer’s set of skills. This may include making copies of documents, organising them into a logical order, corresponding with third parties (but only with your solicitor’s direct approval), and more. By completing these basic tasks in your own time, you will not be paying someone else to do what you easily can.
Be diligent
Pay your bills on time. Not only is this the courteous thing to do, but it will save you money in the long run. Failing to comply with your solicitor’s terms of trade will result in more of their time, and your money, being spent chasing you up. It also minimises any delay in working on your matter. No payment, no work.
How to Assess Whether Your Dispute Is Worth the Legal Cost
Before engaging a commercial litigation lawyer, it is worth conducting a clear-eyed cost-benefit analysis of your dispute. Ask yourself:
- What is the likely recovery? If you are owed $15,000 and the cost of litigating to a judgment will be $20,000, the numbers do not stack up — even if you win.
- What is the strength of your position? A strong claim supported by documentary evidence is worth pursuing. A “he said, she said” dispute with no paperwork is expensive and uncertain.
- Does the other party have assets? Winning a judgment against an insolvent opponent is a hollow victory. Consider an asset and credit check before committing to litigation.
- What are the costs risks? In Queensland, the general rule is that costs follow the event — the losing party pays a portion of the winner’s costs. But that contribution is rarely 100% and adverse costs orders can be substantial.
A good commercial litigation lawyer will give you an honest assessment of these questions at the outset — and you should be wary of any lawyer who does not.
Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution First
Litigation is often the most expensive way to resolve a commercial dispute. Before commencing proceedings, consider whether alternative dispute resolution (ADR) may achieve a faster and cheaper outcome:
- Mediation — A skilled mediator can facilitate a negotiated resolution in a day or two, at a fraction of the cost of a trial. Many matters settle at or before mediation. In Queensland, the Supreme Court and District Court actively encourage (and in some cases require) mediation before trial.
- Arbitration — Where the parties have an arbitration clause in their contract, arbitration may be the required pathway. It is generally faster and more private than litigation, but can still be costly for large disputes.
- Negotiation and settlement — A well-drafted letter of demand or without-prejudice settlement offer can resolve a dispute before lawyers become involved. Boss Lawyers regularly achieves resolution through strategic pre-litigation correspondence.
Understand How Legal Costs Are Structured
Understanding how your lawyer charges will help you manage costs effectively:
- Hourly rates — Most commercial litigation is billed on an hourly rate. Rates vary significantly between firms. Boss Lawyers offers senior-level expertise without the overhead of a large firm.
- Fixed fee engagements — For defined tasks (such as drafting a letter of demand, reviewing a contract, or advising on a specific issue), a fixed fee arrangement provides cost certainty.
- Disbursements — Court filing fees, process server fees, barrister’s fees, expert witness costs, and transcript costs are additional to legal fees. Ask your lawyer for a disbursements estimate upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce my legal costs in a commercial dispute?
The most effective ways to reduce legal costs are: be organised and provide complete documentation at the outset; respond promptly to your lawyer’s communications; consider mediation or negotiation before going to court; batch your questions and correspondence; and be honest with your lawyer about your budget constraints so they can tailor their approach.
Is mediation cheaper than going to court in Queensland?
Yes, in most cases. A full-day mediation typically costs a fraction of a contested hearing or trial. Many commercial disputes that proceed to mediation settle on the day. Queensland courts actively encourage mediation, and failing to engage in ADR can affect costs orders.
What are disbursements in a legal matter?
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses paid on a client’s behalf, including court filing fees, process serving fees, barrister’s fees, expert witness fees, and travel costs. They are separate from your lawyer’s professional fees and should be estimated and disclosed at the start of a matter.
Do I have to pay the other side’s costs if I lose?
Generally, yes. In Queensland litigation, the losing party is usually ordered to pay a portion of the winning party’s legal costs. These “party-party costs” are assessed according to the Queensland Supreme Court Scale and typically cover around 60-70% of actual legal costs. Your own lawyer’s fees remain payable regardless of outcome.
If you are involved in a commercial dispute in Queensland, Boss Lawyers can help. Contact our commercial litigation lawyers Brisbane for strategic, practical advice that is focused on achieving the right commercial outcome.
How Boss Lawyers Can Help
If you need guidance on this issue, our experienced team can provide practical, strategic advice tailored to your situation. Our practice areas include commercial litigation lawyers, corporate advisory.
Contact Boss Lawyers on 1300 267 711 or visit bosslawyers.com.au.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should obtain specific legal advice relevant to your circumstances before taking any action.
For expert legal assistance, speak with our commercial litigation lawyers in Brisbane today.
This is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain professional advice specific to your circumstances. For expert advice, contact Boss Lawyers on 1300 267 711.
