General information only — not legal advice. Search Solicitors is a directory and information resource, not a law firm. Laws and procedures vary across Australia and may change. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified Australian legal practitioner about your own circumstances. A firm profile is not an endorsement or a guarantee of qualifications, availability or outcomes.
Key Points for This Legal Help Guide
Compare the same first stage, the responsible lawyer, written fee terms and external expenses.
The closest firm, the loudest promise and the first advertisement do not answer the questions that matter. Compare firms against the same proposed first stage and the written costs agreement.
Relevant jurisdiction and scheme experience
Ask whether the firm regularly handles the applicable motor, workers compensation, public liability or medical negligence pathway in the relevant state or territory.
Request a clear explanation of immediate steps. Do not rely on testimonials as proof of suitability.
Who will actually handle the matter
Identify the lawyer responsible, who conducts day-to-day work, who supervises and how absences are covered. Check current professional status independently.
Ask how frequently the firm reports, who explains important decisions and whether meetings can be remote.
No win no fee, costs and disbursements
Ask what counts as a win, whether an uplift applies, and what happens if you change firms or stop. Professional fees and external expenses are different.
Clarify responsibility for records, medical experts, barristers, court fees, adverse costs and legal costs insurance, including if the claim does not proceed.
Compare the same first stage
One firm may quote for initial records and liability assessment while another includes expert evidence. Ask each firm to state inclusions, exclusions and the next decision point in writing.
A firm profile is a research starting point, not a quality endorsement or confirmation that a firm can accept the matter.
Worked example · hypothetical
Worked Example: Two no win no fee proposals
Two firms use the same headline phrase but describe expert costs and early termination differently.
One proposal funds expert reports conditionally.
Ask: Who pays if the expert opinion does not support the claim?
Why it matters: Disbursements can be treated differently from professional fees.
Only one proposal identifies the supervising lawyer.
Ask: Who will make strategic decisions and provide updates?
Why it matters: The responsible person matters more than the marketing label.
The scopes cover different first stages.
Ask: Can each firm state the included investigation and next decision point?
Why it matters: Like-for-like comparison avoids a misleading fee comparison.
Your next step: Ask for unclear terms to be explained in writing before choosing a firm.
Open the private comparison worksheet →Your private preparation
Lawyer Enquiry Worksheet: Injury firm comparison
Print this page using your browser, or copy the prompts into your own private notes. This page does not collect your answers.
- Which jurisdiction and scheme applies?
- Who is responsible for the file?
- What is included in the first investigation stage?
- How are professional fees calculated?
- Who funds disbursements and adverse-cost protection?
- How and when will progress and settlement advice be communicated?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does no win no fee mean there is no financial risk?
Not necessarily. Ask about disbursements, adverse costs, insurance, uplift fees, early termination and the precise success definition.
Should I choose a local office?
Convenience can matter, but relevant jurisdiction experience, the responsible lawyer, communication and scope may be more important.
Can a firm guarantee an outcome?
No responsible comparison should depend on a guaranteed result. Evidence, law, expert opinion and negotiations can change an assessment.
How many firms should I contact?
There is no fixed number. Compare enough written information to understand material differences without delaying an urgent step.
What should I bring to a consultation?
A short chronology, relevant forms, medical and work records, incident references and a list of questions are useful.
Is a featured firm independently rated?
No. Featured status is not a finding about legal skill, registration, availability or likely outcome.
Official Sources and Related Legal Information
Sources checked 2026-09-25. Read each source in its own jurisdiction and context. Examples and worksheets are original editorial aids, not actual client stories. How we prepare our content.
General information only — not legal advice. Search Solicitors is a directory and information resource, not a law firm. Laws and procedures vary across Australia and may change. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified Australian legal practitioner about your own circumstances. A firm profile is not an endorsement or a guarantee of qualifications, availability or outcomes.