No Surprises. No Hidden Costs.
Before any work begins, we’ll explain how your legal costs are calculated, discuss the expected costs of your matter, and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident from the outset.
Clear, Transparent Legal Fees
At Martella Lawyers, we believe you should understand the cost of legal representation before making any decisions. That’s why we take the time to explain our fees, how they are calculated, and any additional costs that may arise throughout your matter.
We are committed to being open and transparent from the very beginning, so you’ll never be left wondering what you’re paying for.
How Legal Fees May Be Charged
Every legal matter is different, and the most appropriate fee structure will depend on the type and complexity of your case. We will discuss the available options with you before commencing work.
Hourly Rates
For many matters, legal fees are charged based on the time spent working on your case. This includes meetings, telephone calls, legal research, preparing documents, negotiations, correspondence, and court appearances.
Fixed Fees
Where appropriate, we may offer a fixed fee for specific legal services. This provides certainty by allowing you to know the cost upfront.
Retainer
Some matters require an upfront payment, known as a trust deposit or retainer, which is held in trust and applied towards future legal work as your matter progresses.
Disbursements
Disbursements are expenses paid on your behalf during your matter. These may include:
• Court filing fees
• Barrister’s fees
• Process server fees
• Medical or expert reports
• Property searches
• Photocopying or document production costs
These expenses are separate from legal fees and will be explained before they are incurred whenever possible.
Our Commitment
We understand that seeking legal advice can already be stressful. Concerns about legal costs shouldn’t add to that stress.
At Martella Lawyers, we are committed to:
✔ Explaining our fees clearly before work begins
✔ Providing regular updates about costs
✔ Answering any questions you may have about your invoice
✔ Working with honesty, transparency and integrity throughout your matter
Free 30-Minute Initial Case Assessment
We offer a complimentary 30-minute case assessment for people seeking legal representation.
During this meeting, we’ll discuss your circumstances, explain how we may be able to assist, and determine whether Martella Lawyers is the right fit for your matter.
This consultation is suitable if you:
• Are seeking legal representation
• Need guidance about your legal options
• Are considering commencing or responding to legal proceedings
• Wish to engage a lawyer to act on your behalf
This consultation does not include:
• Detailed legal advice
• Comprehensive document reviews
• Drafting legal documents
• Advice where ongoing representation is not being sought
If you require legal advice without engaging us to represent you, we also offer paid legal consultations.