10 ways to help you reduce your legal fees

When engaging a lawyer, time is money and as Scouts would say, it pays to “always be prepared”. Lawchoice has come up with the following 10 tips on how to prepare when seeing a lawyer which will help save you time and reduce your legal fees.

1. Prior to attending a meeting with your lawyer, request a questionnaire to be sent to you which you can fill out and bring with you.
2. Ask what documentation you need to bring with you. For example, if you have a family matter, bring your marriage certificate. If you have a property matter, bring any relevant documents such as a property valuation report you may have. If you have a will dispute, bring evidence of the deceased’s intentions.
3. Obviously you are going to have questions of your own. Write these questions down and email them to your lawyer in advance of meeting with them.
4. Your case may cause you to be very emotional, but when meeting with your lawyer it is important to stick to the relevant facts and issues in order to be efficient with their time. If you have a support person with you in the meeting its best to ensure they do not interfere with the process between you and your lawyer and are there simply to support you.
5. Set your expectations. What you want to achieve in a best case scenario may cost a great deal more when compared to achieving what you would be willing to settle for. Ask your lawyer for an estimate of costs to achieve both of the outcomes and then make a decision.
6. Set a budget. If there is a maximum you are willing to spend on the matter, let your lawyer know and seek assurances that your desired outcome can be achieved within this. Alternatively, you may be able to agree to a fixed fee service.
7. Ask your lawyer if your bill will include a premium for ‘care and consideration’. This premium uplifts the overall fee charged by a percentage of up to 30%. Ask that your lawyer informs you of the intent to apply this uplift fee if and when it becomes apparent to them.
8. Each time you call your lawyer, chances are you will be charged for it. It could be wise to set an agreed weekly/fortnightly date and time to discuss your matter’s progress rather than following up with them often unless there is urgency.
9. Keep an eye out for law firms which are ‘accredited specialists’ as these firms have quality management systems in place designed ultimately to save you money.
10. If it can be avoided, try not to change lawyers part-way through your case. The new lawyer will charge you to familiarise themselves with the work done by the previous lawyer.