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 the help of a costs assessor. At Blue Ribbon Legal, we can assist you throughout the process.
How is a costs assessor appointed?
In New South Wales, a costs assessor is appointed by the chief justice. Any client of a law practice may apply for an assessment of costs, with the exception of certain commercial and government clients.
Legal practices retaining other legal practices on behalf of clients, as well as law practices who have been given a bill of costs, and parties to a court or tribunal case where a costs order has been made may also apply for an assessment of costs.
What is a costs assessor?
A costs assessor is qualified to quantify the amount of costs that is payable as determined by court orders made by New South Wales courts and tribunals.
Costs assessors also help by determining fair and reasonable costs between clients and their lawyers when it comes to cost’s agreements and statutory requirements.
A costs assessor will guide you through the assessment process, and when it is complete, they will issue a certificate of determination. This certificate can be registered as a judgement against the party or client who is liable for the relevant legal costs.
What does an application involve?
If you want to make an application for an assessment of costs, it is important that the application is made in accordance with the regulations
Approved forms must be completed, any bills of costs that you want assessed must be attached, and the application fee must be paid. It is very important that all parties are correctly identified. The application 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 is able to represent our clients throughout the process, and can assist with the drafting and filing of an application for assessment. Our team will also communicate with the court, assessor and other party, as well as review the determination and provide advice along the way.
Detailed submissions can be prepared during the costs assessments as and when they are 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 the preparation of objections and responses. We always provide an estimate of time provided before the work commences, so you will have an idea of the total costs before we commence work.
Arrange a consultation with Blue Ribbon Legal today
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us online or call us on (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.