Dawes & Vary Riordan

What are the costs?

At Dawes & Vary Riordan, we believe that our clients are entitled to be fully informed of the cost of legal services both before and during our solicitor-client relationship. We recognise the cost of legal services is an important factor for clients and maintain a commitment to charging fees which are fair, competitive and satisfactory to our clients. Clients are encouraged to raise any questions they may have about fees at any time.

Why do I need an accredited specialist?

Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. By selecting Dawes & Vary Riordan, who has a number of Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Personal Injury Specialists, you can be assured of selecting a lawyer who is formally recognised for excellence in their field. A LIV Accredited Personal Injury Specialist is a lawyer who, in addition to having extensive practical experience, has completed an advanced study program in personal injury law.

Can you assist in referring us to other professionals?

Dawes & Vary Riordan works closely with many other professionals and often will be able to assist in referring clients to: lawyers practising in fields we do not; forensic accountants; actuaries; human resources consultants, real estate agents; registered valuers; and mortgage brokers.

The executors won't tell me what is happening in the estate, what can I do?

If you are a beneficiary of the will you are entitled to know the progress of the administration and to be provided with accounts by the executor. Often though executors do not provide this information and if a beneficiary is concerned then the executors can be made to comply with their obligations.

Can we organise a "fee for time" rate?

Many matters will be dealt with on a "fee for time" basis. You will be billed for the time the lawyer actually works on your file. Your lawyer will, prior to beginning work for you, inform you of both the hourly rate and give you an estimate of the cost to complete the matter.

How do I know if I am eligible to make a claim for medical negligence?

Negligence is a very specific concept, and not every failure or error made by a health care provider will be negligent. The key question will be whether the care or advice fell below a level which was widely accepted as competent treatment by a peer opinion at the relevant time, in Australia.

What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?

Solicitors generally prepare a case and a barrister usually argues the case in court. However, there are solicitors who do both.

Can you assist me in business negotiation, structuring, transactions and governance?

We can assist you with the negotiation and documentation for your business transactions.

How can Dawes & Vary Riordan help me?

We have expertise in cases involving work injury compensation, medical negligence, road & car accident injuries & asbestos diseases. We have lawyers who also specialise in contesting wills, assisting people injured in a public place or by a faulty product & in making superannuation & insurance claims. We also act in significant cases impacting on the community. We act in class actions for groups, individuals, shareholders & businesses who have suffered loss due to illegal corporate behaviour.

Do you have "fixed fees"?

With some matters, we may be able to quote you a "fixed" fee before we begin work on your behalf. Fixed fees are common in property transactions and certain corporate and commercial transactions.