Table ZZ sets out the hourly rates to be used in the calculation of the preparation fees, conference fees and fees payable to counsel and instructors in criminal trials. Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) pays preparation fees to trial counsel only. No preparation fees are available for junior or co-counsel.
These fees are effective from 1 January this year. For fees payable prior to this see Archived versions of the Handbook.
| Counsel/instructor | Magistrates’, Children’s and Coroner’s courts | County Court | Supreme and High courts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Counsel | $401 per hour | $401 per hour | $401 per hour |
| Counsel | $165 per hour | $220 per hour | $299 per hour |
| Solicitor | $165 per hour | $173 per hour | $275 per hour |
Practitioners can claim these fees using or submitting a ATLAS or submitting a tax invoice.
Reviewed 14 March 2022