Choosing the right legal representation in Sydney can feel daunting, especially when you’re comparing multiple firms and practice areas. Whether you need help with a contract dispute, a family matter or a criminal case, selecting the right professional can make a meaningful difference to your outcome. To help you make an informed decision, here are seven essential questions to ask when selecting lawyers in Sydney.
What Is Your Area of Expertise?
Law is a broad field. It’s important to choose a lawyer who focuses on the type of matter you have—such as family law, commercial law, property disputes or criminal defence. Ask prospective lawyers about their core practice areas and whether they are recognised as accredited specialists. In NSW, the Law Society’s Accredited Specialist program indicates additional training and demonstrated expertise in a specific area of law. You can learn more about specialisations via the Law Society of NSW: Accredited Specialist program.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
Experience matters. Lawyers who have handled many cases like yours are often better equipped to anticipate issues and navigate local courts and procedures. Ask how many years they’ve been practising, the types of matters they’ve recently handled, typical outcomes and whether they have courtroom experience if your case may proceed to litigation. Practical experience with similar facts and in the relevant NSW jurisdictions can be invaluable.
What Are Your Fees?
Understanding the cost structure upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises. Fee arrangements vary based on the matter and the lawyer’s seniority—some charge hourly rates, others offer fixed or staged fees. Ask about:
- Billing method (hourly, fixed fee or hybrid) and hourly rates for anyone who may work on your file
- Estimated total costs and when estimates will be updated
- Disbursements (court filing fees, barrister’s fees, experts, searches) and how they are billed
- Retainers, trust deposits and billing frequency
- GST, payment options and any fee caps or staged billing
In NSW, lawyers must provide costs disclosure for most matters. For a helpful overview, see the Law Society’s guide to legal costs and costs disclosure. If cost is a concern, you may wish to check potential eligibility for assistance through Legal Aid NSW.
Can You Provide References?
References and testimonials offer insight into a lawyer’s reliability, communication and client service. Ask for client testimonials or case studies, keeping in mind that privacy obligations may limit the detail they can share. You can also look for independent reviews and verify a solicitor’s practising status through the Law Society’s Solicitor Search.
What Is Your Approach to Handling Cases?
Lawyers have different styles—some are more settlement-focused, while others take a more assertive litigation strategy. Choose a lawyer whose approach aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and budget. Ask how they assess when to negotiate or mediate versus when to litigate, and how they build a strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. For background on non-court pathways, see NSW’s information on dispute resolution and mediation.
How Will You Communicate?
Clear, consistent communication is essential. Ask who will be your day-to-day contact, how often you’ll receive updates, and the preferred channels (email, phone, in-person). Clarify expected response times and how urgent issues will be handled. For more on what good service looks like, see the Law Society’s guidance on what to expect from your lawyer.
What Is the Likely Outcome?
No lawyer can guarantee a specific result, but experienced practitioners should be able to provide a realistic assessment of potential outcomes. Ask about best- and worst-case scenarios, key risks, likely timeframes, costs exposure and factors that could shift the case in one direction or another. This helps set expectations and informs your decisions at each stage.
