Policy Bulletin 2022/5 Fees: Increased fees for private lawyers in State matters

1 Jul 2022

The Legal Aid NSW Board approved an increase in fees paid to private lawyers doing legal aid work. The increase to fees applies to all State matters from 1 July 2022.

Background

In November 2019 Attorney General Mark Speakman announced that the NSW Government would provide an additional $88 million to Legal Aid NSW over four years. This injection of funding goes towards increasing the amount private lawyers are paid to conduct legal aid work.

The fees paid to private lawyers in State matters increased from 1 July 2022. There will be further fee increases on 1 July 2023.

  • What has changed?

    The base hourly rate for solicitors has increased from $170 to $180. Other fees such as counsel fees have increased by 5.8%.

Where do I find the change?

The amended fee scales for State matters are published in the Fee Scales. 

Commencement date

Invoices in Grants Online automatically apply the increased fees for work done from 1 July 2022.

Contact for further information

Email Mary Whitehead at Client Eligibility Unit or on 02 9219 5114