Policy Bulletin 2023/8 Increased fees for private lawyers in State matters

1 July 2023

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 2023.

Background

In November 2019, the then Attorney General Mark Speakman announced that the NSW Government would provide an additional $88 million to Legal Aid NSW over four years. This funding has gone towards increasing the amount private lawyers are paid to conduct legal aid work. The fee increases occurred over 4 years.

The fourth increase in the fee rate paid to private lawyers in State matters will apply from 1 July 2023. 

What has changed?

The base hourly rate for solicitors has increased from $180 to $195. Other fees such as counsel fees have increased by 8.3%.

The amended fee scales for State matters are published at the Legal Aid NSW Fee Scales.

Commencement date

Invoices in Grants Online automatically apply the increased fees for work done from 1 July 2023.

Contact for further information

Please contact the Client Eligibility Unit on email Client Eligibility Unit for any questions about the policy change.