Speak to the experts about resolving your costs dispute
At Blue Ribbon Legal, we can assist you with alternative dispute resolution for cost through negotiations, settlement conference or mediation.
Our team can advise on settlement negotiations so that you can conduct negotiations yourself, or we can negotiate on your behalf – whether you are a lawyer or a client. We aim to resolve cost disputes efficiently, reaching an outcome satisfactory to both parties.
Settlement negotiations
Negotiating a resolution can be beneficial where there is an ongoing relationship between the practitioner and client, or between lawyers. It gives the parties greater control over the outcome and is likely to be quicker and less expensive than formal costs assessment.
Informal settlement conferences
Blue Ribbon Legal can organise for parties to attend informal settlement conference at our offices or via videolink, to discuss the costs dispute and explore settlement opportunities.
Settlement conferences are helpful where negotiations have not progressed, assisting parties to focus on narrowing the areas of dispute and reaching agreement.
Blue Ribbon Legal will represent you at the conference and negotiate on your behalf.
Fee Structure
$380 per hour plus GST for preparation of objections and responses, – with an estimate of time provided before work commences.
$380 per hour plus GST for affidavits and expert witness appearances by our principal.
Legal services provided by Blue Ribbon Lawyers will be charged at up to $420 per hour plus GST depending on the nature and complexity of the work performed, advised prior to work commencing.
Regulated fees apply for uncontested costs recovery proceedings in the Local, District and Supreme Courts.
Payment terms: In specified circumstances, we will accept payment of our fees at the conclusion of the assessment or taxation process. All other fees are payable within 28 days of invoice.
We offer fixed fees for preparation of itemised bills, compliance advice, certified estimates and conduct of costs assessments.
We also offer stage-based fixed fees for most legal services.
Payment terms: In specified circumstances, we will accept payment of our fees at the conclusion of the assessment or taxation process. All other fees are payable within 28 days of invoice.
Preparation of bills of costs has traditionally been charged as a percentage of the total professional fees claimed.
At Blue Ribbon Legal we are of the view that percentage-based fees do not necessarily accurately reflect the work necessary to prepare a bill of costs and may result in inflated claims or inclusion of claims unlikely to be allowed on assessment or taxation.
Should your firm or client specifically request a percentage-based fee to prepare an itemised bill, we will agree to calculation of our fees at 10% of total professional fees claimed (inclusive of GST).
Payment terms: In specified circumstances, we will accept payment of our fees at the conclusion of the assessment or taxation process. All other fees are payable within 28 days of invoice.
Mediating cost disputes
Mediation is conducted before an independent mediator, who will assist and guide the parties in reaching agreement.
Blue Ribbon Legal will assist you during the mediation process, which provides the opportunity for parties to present their claims and better understand each other. The mediation process is generally confidential, and information that you provide to the other side in an attempt to negotiate a settlement cannot later be used in formal assessment.
Cost dispute resolution
If you need assistance with resolving a costs dispute, contact Blue Ribbon Legal today as we can work with you to achieve a favourable outcome. Contact us online or call on (02) 8599 3100 .
Ask a Question or Book an Appointment
Do you need assistance with a legal costing issue? Speak to the expert costing lawyers at Blue Ribbon Legal for help.