What happens when an injustice is committed against you, but you don’t have the money to access justice? It used to be that without money, the doors of justice were closed to you. No longer! There are firms that will help you gain access to the legal system on a no-win no-fee basis.
Many compensation law and personal injury law firms have adopted a no win no fee policy for legal advice or legal representation. This means that when a firm accepts to take on your matter, you won’t have to pay upfront costs unless you win!
What Does “No Win No Fee” Mean?
“No Win No Fee” is a term used to describe a conditional fee agreement between a lawyer and their client. In Australia, this arrangement means that the lawyer will only charge legal fees if the case is successful. Here’s what this means in more detail:
The lawyer’s fees are contingent on winning the case. If you don’t win the case, you do not have to pay the lawyer’s professional fees. This arrangement is commonly used in personal injury claims, workers’ compensation, medical negligence, and other civil litigation cases where the client seeks compensation.
While professional legal fees might not be charged if the case is lost, clients may still be responsible for other costs, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and other disbursements. It’s essential to clarify what costs are covered under the “No Win No Fee” agreement.
If the case is won, the lawyer’s fees are typically deducted from the compensation awarded to the client. In some cases, a success fee, which is an additional percentage of the compensation, may be charged to reflect the risk the lawyer took.
Lawyers must provide clear and transparent terms in their “No Win No Fee” agreements, ensuring that clients understand their obligations and any potential costs involved.
Now, we take a look at the best no win no fee lawyers in Melbourne. Take a look.
1. Polaris Lawyers
Polaris’ approach is simple to ask, to listen, to advise and to act. Yes, it sounds mundane, but when you consider that many law firms have customer complaints about their service, you understand Polaris’ vision. So far, the firm has performed excellently as you can tell from the google reviews displayed above.
What’s more, Polaris Lawyers is an Australian Law Awards winner in the category of the best law firm of the year! Polaris specialises in personal injury law. You may contact them for the following claim areas: road accidents, workplace injuries, medical negligence claims, public liability claims and disability insurance.
Polaris works on a no-win-no-fee basis meaning that you will not incur any expenses until you win your case and get your compensation. For more information on the firm’s policy see their contacts listed above.
Address: 456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: 1300 383 825
Website: polarislawyers.com.au
2. Maurice Blackburn
One of the oldest law firms in the city, Maurice Blackburn has been serving Melburnians since 1919! This year the firm celebrates its 100th birthday. That said, Maurice Blackburn is one of the most solid law firms that you’ll find in the city.
The firm is a multi-specialist and deals with injury law, class actions, superannuation and insurance, financial services disputes, wills and estates and employment law. The firm offers a no win no fee arrangement for personal injury claims. That means that until you get your compensation, you will not need to pay them any legal fees!
Address: 21/380 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9605 2700
Website: mauriceblackburn.com.au
3. Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers
Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers is a leading employment law firm in Melbourne that acts exclusively for employees.
The firm is led by Andrew Jewell and Trent Hancock, who between them have more than two decades of experience assisting employees in all types of workplace disputes, including;
- Unfair dismissal
- General protections
- Workplace bullying
- Redundancy
- Discrimination
- Contract advice
- Sexual harassment
- Underpayment of entitlements
- Sham contracting
The firm provides affordable and expert advice to the full spectrum of employees, from apprentices to senior executives in both the public and private sectors. In most dismissal, underpayment, and compensation claims, the firm can act on a no-win-no-fee basis.
Address: Level 3, 480 Collins Street, Melbourne
Phone Number: (03) 8610 6369
Website: jhel.com.au
4. Firths The Compensation Lawyers
With offices in all the states around the nation, we cannot make a list of no win no fee lawyers without including Firths The Compensation Lawyers. the firm is a popular compensation specialist in Melbourne as well. Firths The Compensation Lawyers specialises in motor vehicle claims, workplace injury, slip and fall, professional negligence, insurance claims and will disputes.
The firm has a no win no fee arrangement for all their compensation matter. All you have to cater for is disbursements, which the Firths promises to keep at a minimum. For more information on the firms, policy reaches them with the contact information above.
Address: The Chambers, Level 6/370 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone Number: 1800 631 888
Website: firths.com.au
5. Gordon Legal
The firm’s slogan says it all! Gordon Legal deals is yet another great law firm offering no win no fee deals. At Gordon Legal, they put their money where their mouth is- that is- they will not charge you unless they win the case for you. The firm specialises in compensation law. In particular, the firm will handle matters touching on workers compensation, road accident, public liability, medical negligence, asbestos, class actions, industrial and employment law as well as commercial and personal law. For more information on the firm no win no fee policy, see their contact information listed
Address: 22/181 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9603 3000
Website: gordonlegal.com.au
6. Maxiom Injury Lawyers
Google Reviews: 5.0/5.0 from 210 reviews This relatively young law firm has soared in popularity over the last few years. The google reviews are indicative of the firm’s recent successes. Maxiom law is another great no win no fee law firm operating in the Melbourne area.
These Victoria Legal Awards top ten rising firms finalist specialises in compensation law. In particular, the firm handles WorkCover matters, Road Accidents, Public Liability, Asbestos, Superannuation amongst other matters. The firms no win no fee policy is simple- if you don’t win, the firm will waive your legal and court fees. For more details and enquiries, use the contact information listed above.
Address: Office Tower 1, Level 8, 1341 Dandenong Road, Melbourne, VIC 3148
Phone Number: 1800 853 085
Website: maxiomlaw.com.au
7. Galbally & O’Bryan
Established in 1935, Galbally & O’Bryan is another solid law firm offering no win no fee deals in Melbourne. The firm is a multispeciality, specialising in several areas of law including criminal, commercial, family, wills and estates, commercial litigation, property and business as well as injury law. If the firm thinks your case has a chance of winning, they offer a free first consultation as well as a no win no fee deal. For more information on the firm and to enquire, reach them using the contact information above.
Address: 259 William St, Melbourne 3000
Phone Number: (03) 9200 2533
Website: galballyobryan.com.au
8. Rennick Briggs Lawyers
This is one of the smaller firms on this list but for the better. At Rennick Briggs Lawyers, you can rest assured that your matter is being given top priority. When you visit the firm, ask for Michael Glen, an incredible personal injury cases lawyer with more than thirty years of experience.
Rennick Briggs specialises in compensation law. They will handle all matters touching on transport accidents, Workcover accidents, Medical Negligence, Public Liability, Sporting and Boating Accidents and Asbestos. Not only does the firm offer a no win no fee arrangement, but it also gives a free first consultation. For more information on the firm no win no fee policy, contact them using the information listed above.
Address: Level 15, 190 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Contacts: (03) 9602 4000
Website: rennickbriggs.com.au
9. Schreuders Compensation Lawyers
The folks at Schreuders Compensation Lawyers have over twenty-five years of experience in compensation law. Over that time, the firm has won seven thousand cases, helping their clients gain more than a hundred million dollars in compensation. The firm has a presence in all major cities around Australia, with Melbourne being one. For your first appointment, it gives you a free case assessment.
It also has a ninety-nine per cent win rate! Schreuders Compensation Lawyers deals with motor vehicle accident claims, medical negligence, slip and fall and workers’ compensation. It only specialises in compensation law. For more information on legal costs or to enquire, reach it using the contact information listed above.
Address: 303 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: 1300 827 083
Website: www.schreuders.com.au
10. Angela Sdrinis Legal
With more than thirty years of experience in legal expertise, Angela Sdrinis is an accredited specialist in personal injury law. Her firm is a great option for those looking for a no win no fee arrangement deal. Angela Sdrinis Legal specialises in Comcare, sexual and institutional abuse, WorkCover, superannuation and TPD claims, TAC, VOCAT applications, Sentencing Act Applications and public Liability. For more information on the firm’s professional fees policy or to enquire, see the firms contact details above.
Address: Level 1/239 Park St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9686 6610
Website: angelasdrinislegal.com.au
11. Arnold Dallas McPherson Lawyers
With over twenty years of experience, Arnold Dallas McPherson Lawyers is another great no win no fee law firm in the Melbourne area. The firm operates in Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Castlemaine, Melbourne and Traralgon. The firm primarily has personal injury lawyers but also doubles in employment law as well as insurance and superannuation claims.
As a personal injury firm, ADM will handle WorkCover, TAC, asbestos claims, Comcare, injuries caused by negligence, public liability including slip and fall injuries, and victims of crime. The firms no win no fee deal is decided on a case-by-case basis, so to learn more and to enquire kindly contact them using the information listed above.
Address: Level 1, 224-236 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone Number: (03) 5445 9200
Website: admlaw.com.au
Important Things to Know Before Choosing a No Win No Fee Lawyer
Most times, choosing a “No Win No Fee” lawyer in Australia can be a great option for pursuing legal claims without upfront costs. Before making your decision, there are some things you should know before moving forward. Here are the key points to consider:
1. Understand the Fee Structure and Costs
Know that if you win, the lawyer may charge a success fee on top of standard legal costs. Even on a “No Win No Fee” basis, you will also likely have to cover disbursements, like court fees or expert reports, upfront.
Some firms may require you to take out legal expense insurance to cover potential costs if you lose.
2. Clarify What “No Win No Fee” Covers
Ensure the agreement clearly states what is and isn’t covered. Some cases may have hidden costs not included in the “No Win No Fee” arrangement.
3. Assess the Lawyer’s Experience
Choose a lawyer experienced in your specific type of case, such as personal injury or medical negligence. Look at their success rate and past client reviews to gauge their effectiveness.
4. Review the Agreement Carefully
Read the fine print of the “No Win No Fee” agreement to understand all terms. You should also know the conditions under which you or the lawyer can terminate the agreement.
5. Communication and Transparency
Just because you aren’t paying upfront, doesn’t mean your lawyer can ignore you when they’re busy. Choose a lawyer that commits to providing regular updates on your case. Your lawyer should also explain legal jargon and processes in a way you will understand.
7. Evaluate the Lawyer’s Support System
It’s always best to choose a experienced lawyer who has a strong support legal team to handle your case efficiently, including paralegals and other staff. Check if the firm has the necessary resources to conduct a thorough investigation and representation.
8. Consultation Process
Most “No Win No Fee” lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Use this to assess their suitability and get answers to all your questions. The lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case’s chances of success.
9. Success Fee Cap
In some jurisdictions, there may be a cap on the success fee. Verify if this applies and how it affects your potential compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What percentage do no win no fee lawyers take?
In Melbourne, as in the rest of Australia, personal injury lawyers working under a “No Win No Fee” arrangement typically charge a success fee. This fee is a percentage of the final compensation awarded to the client if the case is successful.
In Australia, success fees generally range from 10% to 45% of the final compensation amount. The average success fee charged by personal injury lawyers is around 33%. But we encourage you to ask around as some firms might charge closer to the 10 to 15% range.
Can a no win no fee lawyer turn down my case?
Yes, a “No Win No Fee” lawyer can turn down your case. Here are some reasons why this might happen:
- Merit of the Case – Lawyers assess the likelihood of winning a case before taking it on. If they believe the case has a low chance of success, they may decline to represent you under a “No Win No Fee” arrangement.
- Complexity and Risk – Some cases are more complex and risky, requiring significant time and resources. If the potential compensation does not justify these risks and efforts, a lawyer might decide not to take the case.
- Evidence and Documentation – If there is insufficient evidence or documentation to support your claim, a lawyer may determine that the case is not strong enough to pursue.
- Conflict of Interest – If representing you would create a conflict of interest with another client or matter the lawyer is handling, they may turn down your case.
- Specialisation – Lawyers may decline cases that fall outside their area of expertise or that they do not feel adequately prepared to handle.
- Ethical and Legal Considerations – If pursuing the case would require actions that are unethical or not in compliance with legal standards, a lawyer will refuse to take on the case.
What to Do If Your Case Is Turned Down
- Seek a Second Opinion – Consult another lawyer who might have a different perspective or specialisation that better suits your case.
- Gather More Evidence – Strengthen your case by collecting additional evidence or documentation that supports your claim.
- Consider Other Payment Arrangements – Some lawyers may consider alternative payment arrangements if the “No Win No Fee” structure is not feasible for your case.
Is it worth hiring a no win no fee lawyer in Melbourne?
Hiring a “No Win No Fee” lawyer in Melbourne can be a worthwhile decision, especially in certain situations. “No Win No Fee” arrangements make legal representation accessible to those who might not afford to pay upfront fees. This is particularly important in personal injury cases, where clients may already be facing financial strain.
Since you only pay legal fees if your case is successful, this arrangement significantly reduces your financial risk. You won’t have to worry about paying for legal services if your claim is unsuccessful.
Lawyers working under a “No Win No Fee” agreement are motivated to win your case because their payment depends on it. This can lead to dedicated and diligent representation.
Conclusion
We are certain that any of the ten firms below will offer stellar legal services and help you with your legal case. That said, we’re not blind to the fact that many other firms deserve recognition. If you’ve had a great experience with a firm that isn’t here, feel free to contact us. We always respond! All the best.
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