Policy Bulletin 2024/7 Increase to Cth Fee Scales

1 July 2024

The Legal Aid NSW Board has approved changes to the Fee Scale for Commonwealth family and civil matters. 

Background

In May 2024, the Commonwealth Government provided additional indexation for legal assistance providers. Legal Aid NSW elected to apply this additional funding to increase the fees paid to private lawyers.

At the June 2024 Board meeting, the Legal Aid NSW Board approved changes to the Commonwealth family law and civil fee scales. The changes are linked to the indexation and come into effect from 1 July 2024.

The increase recognises the work that private lawyers do for legally aided clients.

  • What has changed?

    The Fee Scale for Commonwealth family law and civil law matters have been increased as follows:

    • An increase in the base hourly fee rate for solicitors in Commonwealth family and civil law matters from $150 to $165.
    • A corresponding 10% increase in fees for counsel and in solicitor fees not based on the hourly rate.

    The changes are set out in the Civil and Family Law Fee Scales.

Start date:

The changes apply to work done on or after 1 July 2024.

Contact

For further information, contact the Client Eligibility Unit T-CEU@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.