Fees

How we charge

At Downie Stewart, our aim is to provide you with an efficient, high quality service at a reasonable cost.  When first scoping a project, we will meet with you to discuss your requirements, determine what you are wanting to achieve and how you would like us to help you.  

Usually we will give you an estimate of the cost of the work.  The estimate is not a quotation.   Where an estimate is exceeded we will explain the reasons why.

We generally charge fees based on the time taken to complete the work and any other relevant factors specified by the New Zealand Law Society, including for example: 

• The urgency or complexity of the work;

• The skill, specialised knowledge and responsibility involved;

• The importance of the matter to you and the results achieved;

• The degree of risk assumed by the firm.

The hourly rates of our solicitors vary depending on the skill, experience and type of work involved.  We also charge for office expenses such as photocopying and third party costs such as Court filing fees.