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 | $417 per hour | $417 per hour | $417 per hour |
| Counsel | $171 per hour | $228 per hour | $311per hour |
| Solicitor | $171 per hour | $179 per hour | $285 per hour |
Practitioners can claim these fees using or submitting a ATLAS or submitting a tax invoice.
Reviewed 31 December 2023