A costs assessor is appointed by the Chief Justice in New South Wales.
If you need legal representation for costs assessment and taxation proceedings, you can engage a costs assessor. At Blue Ribbon Legal, we can assist you throughout the process.
How is a costs assessor appointed?
In New South Wales, the Chief Justice appoints a costs assessor. Any client of a law practice may apply for an assessment of costs. This excludes certain commercial and government clients.
Legal practices may also apply. This includes practices that retain other legal practices on behalf of clients. It also includes law practices that receive a bill of costs. Parties to a court or tribunal case may apply when a costs order has been made.
What is a costs assessor?
A costs assessor quantifies the amount of costs payable under court orders made by New South Wales courts and tribunals.
Costs assessors also determine fair and reasonable costs between clients and lawyers. This applies to costs agreements and statutory requirements.
A costs assessor guides you through the assessment process. Once complete, they issue a certificate of determination. You can register this certificate as a judgment against the party or client liable for the legal costs.
What does an application involve?
If you want to apply for a costs assessment, you must follow the correct regulations.
You must complete approved forms and attach any bills of costs you want assessed. You must also pay the application fee. It is important to correctly identify all parties. You must also comply with all relevant timeframes.
How can we help?
At Blue Ribbon Legal, we offer a comprehensive range of legal services, including costs assessments.
Our experienced legal team can represent you throughout the process. We assist with drafting and filing applications for assessment. We also communicate with the court, assessor, and other parties. We review determinations and provide ongoing advice.
We can also prepare detailed submissions during the costs assessment process when required. Find out more information on how we can assist with assessments.
How much does costs assessment cost?
At Blue Ribbon Legal, our fees are $350 per hour plus GST for preparing objections and responses. We always provide a time estimate before work begins. This gives you an understanding of total costs upfront.
Arrange a consultation with Blue Ribbon Legal today
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us online or call (02) 8599 3100. Our team is dedicated to demystifying legal costs and costs disputes. Our principal solicitor Sharon Drew has over 25 years of legal experience and 20 years of specialised legal costing experience.