Engaging counsel
Bar Associations in most States and Territories have web pages that list the expertise of counsel in that jurisdiction. The links to those web pages are below. These links may be useful for Australian Government departments and agencies seeking to engage suitable counsel. OLSC cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information on these websites they generally rely on self-reported information. Nonetheless, the information on these websites can be a useful tool. It is recommended that agencies draw on a broad range of sources in selecting counsel, including seeking advice from legal services providers acting for the agency.
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia
South Australia
South Australian Bar Association
Tasmania
There is currently no equivalent site for Tasmania. Agencies may contact Malthouse Chambers for information on (03) 6223 3844, or e-mail themalthouse@ozemail.com.au. The Law Society of Tasmania website provides a list of current Tasmanian law firms which can be searched by area of practice but does not specify counsel.
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory
Counsel Fees Application Form
Please use the Commonwealth Counsel Fees Application Form when making counsel fee applications. Using this form will help OLSC to process your application more efficiently. To make an application using this form:
1. Download the form from one of the following links. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (.XLS) is the preferred format. You may also select from Microsoft Word (.DOC) and Rich Text Format (.RTF) formats, as you prefer.
Download
- Counsel fees application form - Excel 20KB
- Counsel fees application form - Word 72KB
- Counsel fees application form - RTF 89KB
2. Open the form in either a spreadsheet program or word processor, as appropriate.
3. Enter the necessary information into the form, referring to the requirements of Appendix D of the Legal Services Directions. If you are making an application for, or on behalf of, an agency, include comments in the additional comments or considerations' field on why the agency wishes to engage the particular counsel. Please do not attach CVs.
4. Save the completed application, adding the name of the agency making the request and the counsel’s name to the file name.
5. E-mail the completed application to olsc@ag.gov.au. Please include the words 'Counsel fee' and the name of the counsel in the subject line.
For any enquiries regarding the application process please call (02) 6250 6456 or (02) 6250 6424.