For many Australians, the thought of legal fees is enough to stop them from making a claim, even when they’re entitled to make one. That’s where a no win, no fee guarantee can help. It gives people the confidence to pursue compensation without the fear of being left out of pocket.
But here’s what most people don’t realise: not all no win, no fee agreements are the same. Some firms still charge clients thousands in costs even if the case doesn’t succeed.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how no win, no fee works, what to look out for, and how to choose a lawyer you can truly trust.
If you’re ready for free advice right now, you can visit Law Partners’ no win, no fee lawyers page for more information.
The idea sounds simple enough: you don’t pay your lawyer unless you win your case. But there’s more to it.
Some firms offer no win, no professional fee, which means you won’t pay for their time if you lose, but you may still have to cover disbursement costs. These are things like medical reports, court fees, or expert opinions.
At Law Partners, our model is no win, no fee, and no disbursements. That means if your case doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay anything, not even those extra costs.
That’s why we say to clients that when an offer sounds too good to be true, it’s good to approach it cautiously. If you choose the right no win, no fee lawyers, it’s an excellent option that allows you to get a professional legal team working for you to run your personal injury claim and fund all the upfront costs for you.
A good no win, no fee arrangement should be straightforward and transparent. Here’s how it works at Law Partners:
You start with a free, no-obligation assessment to see if you have a valid claim.
Your lawyer reviews the evidence and decides if your case is likely to succeed.
If that’s a “yes”, you sign a written no win, no fee agreement that clearly sets out what’s covered.
We pay all upfront costs – including expert reports and filing fees.
If you win, fees and costs are deducted from your settlement. If you don’t, you pay nothing.
If a no win, no fee lawyer thinks they can’t win your case, they’re unlikely to take it on. However, just because one lawyer doesn’t think your case will succeed doesn’t mean it’s unwinnable. Every firm has different experience and resources, so it can be worth seeking a second opinion, especially with complex cases like medical negligence or TPD claims.
Once your case settles, your lawyer is paid according to a costs agreement, a document that explains what’s deducted from your compensation.
These deductions usually cover:
For the lawyer’s work on your case.
Costs like medical reports and expert opinions.
If a barrister is engaged to represent you in court.
In NSW and Victoria, lawyers can’t take a percentage of your compensation, a rule that protects clients from excessive fees. Instead, firms charge based on hourly rates or set fees for specific services.
At Law Partners, we cap our fees so you’ll always know the maximum you could pay. That means no hidden surprises and peace of mind for you from the start.Call us for free advice on 13 15 15 if you’d like to learn more about a potential claim or understand how our capped fees might apply to your situation.
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Get startedUnfortunately, not all no win, no fee agreements are as straightforward as they sound. Here are some of the common traps to look out for:
Despite advertising themselves as “no win, no fee”, some firms could still charge you thousands in costs even if you don’t receive any compensation.
Some firms will ask you to pay upfront for things like medical reports or court fees. We think this defeats the purpose of a no win, no fee arrangement.
A few firms pay your upfront costs for you but then charge high interest on those expenses later. Always ask if interest applies, and how much.
If your case requires a barrister, some firms will still charge you their fees (often $5,000–$10,000) even if your case is unsuccessful. This can leave you significantly out of pocket despite the promise of “no win, no fee.”
At Law Partners, we pay all your costs upfront and cap our fees, so you’re never out of pocket or surprised by hidden charges.
If your case doesn’t succeed, what happens next depends entirely on the firm you choose.
| No win, no professional fee | You won’t pay your lawyer’s time, but you may still owe thousands in disbursements. |
| No win, no fee, no disbursements | You pay nothing at all. Your lawyer absorbs all costs. |
Law Partners operates under the no win, no fee, no disbursements model, so you’ll never be billed for fees or costs if your claim isn’t successful. It’s the safest, fairest form of no win, no fee agreement.
Yes they are, if you choose carefully.
As this guide illustrates, choosing the right firm makes all the difference. Look for lawyers who explain everything clearly and put their promises in writing.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you find a firm that’s genuinely on your side:
Law Partners is Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm, offering true no win, fee, no disbursements coverage and capped fees for total peace of mind. Learn more about our no win, no fee lawyers.
It depends on the firm, but at Law Partners, both professional fees and disbursement costs are covered, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Yes, most personal injury claims must be started within strict time limits. There are always some exceptions, but the sooner you get advice, the better.
Your capped fees are deducted from your settlement as set out in your agreement.
Choosing the right no win, no fee lawyer can make all the difference to your experience and your outcome. With Law Partners, you’ll have a team that genuinely cares about you, not just your case. We take the time to understand your story, get to know you personally, protect you from financial risk, and fight for every dollar you’re entitled to.
When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen and help you move forward with confidence.
Book your free claim check today, and pay zero fees or disbursement costs unless we win.
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