Boutique / Small-size Firms
Key Features
  • Usually the firm is run by 1 principal solicitor
  • Usually specialises in one area of law or a few areas of law
  • Small team of up to 10 people
  • Generally offers the cheapest price in the market
  • You would usually only deal with one person as oppose to multiple people from a team
Why choose a small firm?
  • Competitive prices
  • Quick turn around
  • Build a relationship with a small group of people
  • Specialised in a particular area of law
Mid-tier / Middle-size Firms
Key Features
  • Usually the firm is run by multiple partners
  • Usually the firm offers advice in various areas of law
  • Lawyers usually work in teams and so clients may receive emails from various lawyers in that team.
  • Larger team of 10 people and upwards
Why choose a mid-tier firm?
  • Larger teams with a greater pool of areas of law
  • Enough resources to cater for large cases
Top Tier / Large-size Firms
Key Features
  • Firms can have over 100 partners but this varies from firm to firm
  • Usually can offer legal advice in various areas of law
  • The lawyers usually work in teams so clients should expect to receive emails from various lawyers within that team that have the following job titles solicitor/associate/senior associate/paralegal/partner/special counsel
  • Usually top tier firms charge higher prices than the other firms
  • Usually have the ability to take on large contested matters
Why choose a top tier firm?
  • Larger teams with a great pool of areas of law
  • Enough resources to cater for large cases
International Firms
Key Features
  • These are firms that have their head office overseas and they have a branch in Australia
  • The firms are usually large firms with a large team
Why choose a international firm?
  • Larger teams with great pool of areas of law
  • Enough resources to cater for large cases
  • Can cater for cases with an international angle and cross border laws