Policy Bulletin 2025/02: Increase to Commonwealth fee scales

7 April 2025

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

Background

While Legal Aid NSW did not receive additional funding for private lawyer fees in the new National Access to Justice Partnership, the Legal Aid NSW Board recognised the urgent and pressing need to increase fees.

At the February Board meeting, the Board approved an increase in the rate paid in Commonwealth family and civil law matters, which brings the jurisdiction into parity with rates paid in State matters and Commonwealth crime. 

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

  • What has changed?

    The Fee Scales 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 $165 to $195
    • A corresponding 18.2% 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 and after 7 April 2025.

Contact 

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