 |
87% of top Australian law firms offer clients billing choice, including fixed or task fees
AUGUSTA, Ga., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A clear shift away from billable hours, with widespread adoption of fixed fee and capped fee billing, has been confirmed in the Best Law Firmsâ„¢ – Australia Legal Market Report, released today by Best Lawyers®.
The global legal network's inaugural survey of Australia's top 162 law firms, encompassing 13,400 employees, uncovers trends for key industry issues such as billing, client service and revenue and reveals emerging trends around diversity, ESG and pro bono work.
On billing, the Report found fixed fees are the most common alternative offering (for 9 in 10 firms) with capped (77% of firms), retainer (52%) and event or task-based (51%) fees also proving popular.
Best Lawyers Vice President of Research and Development, Elizabeth Petit, said that the report paints a picture of a legal sector that is working hard to keep up with modern client demands by moving away from traditional, default billing options.
"The days of relying on the billable hours model are numbered, with new approaches offering clients greater transparency and predictability and enabling firms to clearly articulate their value while mitigating delayed payment and client bill shock," Ms Petit said.
"Our Report also highlights a visible shift in how and where firms are investing their resources in a challenging economy, with DEI and sustainability seeing less engagement despite remaining part of the values framework," she said.
The report found 57% of Australian firms consider diversity a part of their recruiting program and firm ethos, but few firms have programs in place to support DEI - only 6% of firms had a full-time DEI professional, and 39% of respondents did not answer the DEI question at all.
Similarly, a low number of respondents (35%) to questions on ESG policies and committees signals a shift in the sector where some strategic line items remain important on paper but not yet in practice, Ms Petit said.
Best Lawyers CEO, Phillip Greer, said that the Report is the next evolution of Best Lawyers' service offering in Australia.
"Australia has one of the most dynamic and resilient legal markets globally. By capturing real-time data about the state of the market through our rigorous and anonymous survey, our data helps legal professionals stay on top of domestic trends and benchmark their strategies against the top firms in the country," Mr Greer said.
Best Law Firms – Australian Legal Market Report findings
- 15% of the top firms think they only do an average job of providing clients "value for money and cost-effectiveness", revealing room for improvement
- Just under 50% of those surveyed run a pro bono program, with smaller firms reporting that number is closer to 30%. Senior lawyers are pulling their weight: 80% of firms say their partners participate in pro bono initiatives. More than a third (39%) put no limit on pro bono hours for which their lawyers can receive credit
- Top firms with fewer than 20 lawyers reported an annual median revenue of $2.5 million, while firms with greater than 20 lawyers reported $22,950,000 per annum
- Firms with fewer than 20 lawyers reported a median 80 active clients on their books, with that number increasing over six-fold for firms with more than 20 lawyers
- The median tenure of a Managing Partner at the top participating firms is six and half years
- Indigenous Australians represent 3.8% of Australia's population1, but according to the survey results they make up just 0.12% of law professionals in total
- Representation among LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people, plus those with a disability, is extremely low, with their combined numbers comprising less than 1% of the workforce
"Our Report spotlights where firms are actually allocating their budgets and human resources, allowing us to understand the future direction of Australian law," Mr Greer said.
Survey responses represent the top ranked firms across the country according toThe Best Lawyers in Australiaâ„¢ rankings released last month.
Further strengthening its position in the Australian legal market, Best Lawyers has also announced the 2026 Best Law Firms - Australia today.
This year's rankings spotlight the top 5% of law firms across Australia, backed by thousands of lawyer votes, client references and in-depth interviews. The distinctions this year reflect input from more than 4,500 lawyers surveyed, nearly 160 law firm surveys, more than 2,000 client references that offered feedback on service excellence and nearly 200 practice group leader interviews.
Read the full Best Law Firms – Australia Legal Market Report and search the 2026 Best Law Firms – Australia rankings to find firms delivering the standard of service clients trust. See which names are setting the benchmark for the profession, with results by firm name, region and/or practice area.
About Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers® is the most established global network of legal professionals, providing elite lawyers and law firms with tools to enhance visibility, credibility and client engagement. Built on a rigorous peer-review process, Best Lawyers delivers data-driven legal recognition while offering industry insights and tech-forward marketing solutions. Powering Best Law Firms®, we simplify the law firm selection process, fostering confidence between firms and clients. Learn more at www.bestlawyers.com and www.bestlawfirms.com.
1 Estimates and projections, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, 2011 to 2031 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2698398/Best_Law_Firms___Australia_Legal_Market_Report.jpg?p=medium600
Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2482477/Best_Lawyers_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
87% of top Australian law firms offer clients billing choice, including fixed or task fees
AUGUSTA, Ga., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A clear shift away from billable hours, with widespread adoption of fixed fee and capped fee billing, has been confirmed in the Best Law Firmsâ„¢ – Australia Legal Market Report, released today by Best Lawyers®.
The global legal network's inaugural survey of Australia's top 162 law firms, encompassing 13,400 employees, uncovers trends for key industry issues such as billing, client service and revenue and reveals emerging trends around diversity, ESG and pro bono work.
On billing, the Report found fixed fees are the most common alternative offering (for 9 in 10 firms) with capped (77% of firms), retainer (52%) and event or task-based (51%) fees also proving popular.
Best Lawyers Vice President of Research and Development, Elizabeth Petit, said that the report paints a picture of a legal sector that is working hard to keep up with modern client demands by moving away from traditional, default billing options.
"The days of relying on the billable hours model are numbered, with new approaches offering clients greater transparency and predictability and enabling firms to clearly articulate their value while mitigating delayed payment and client bill shock," Ms Petit said.
"Our Report also highlights a visible shift in how and where firms are investing their resources in a challenging economy, with DEI and sustainability seeing less engagement despite remaining part of the values framework," she said.
The report found 57% of Australian firms consider diversity a part of their recruiting program and firm ethos, but few firms have programs in place to support DEI - only 6% of firms had a full-time DEI professional, and 39% of respondents did not answer the DEI question at all.
Similarly, a low number of respondents (35%) to questions on ESG policies and committees signals a shift in the sector where some strategic line items remain important on paper but not yet in practice, Ms Petit said.
Best Lawyers CEO, Phillip Greer, said that the Report is the next evolution of Best Lawyers' service offering in Australia.
"Australia has one of the most dynamic and resilient legal markets globally. By capturing real-time data about the state of the market through our rigorous and anonymous survey, our data helps legal professionals stay on top of domestic trends and benchmark their strategies against the top firms in the country," Mr Greer said.
Best Law Firms – Australian Legal Market Report findings
- 15% of the top firms think they only do an average job of providing clients "value for money and cost-effectiveness", revealing room for improvement
- Just under 50% of those surveyed run a pro bono program, with smaller firms reporting that number is closer to 30%. Senior lawyers are pulling their weight: 80% of firms say their partners participate in pro bono initiatives. More than a third (39%) put no limit on pro bono hours for which their lawyers can receive credit
- Top firms with fewer than 20 lawyers reported an annual median revenue of $2.5 million, while firms with greater than 20 lawyers reported $22,950,000 per annum
- Firms with fewer than 20 lawyers reported a median 80 active clients on their books, with that number increasing over six-fold for firms with more than 20 lawyers
- The median tenure of a Managing Partner at the top participating firms is six and half years
- Indigenous Australians represent 3.8% of Australia's population1, but according to the survey results they make up just 0.12% of law professionals in total
- Representation among LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people, plus those with a disability, is extremely low, with their combined numbers comprising less than 1% of the workforce
"Our Report spotlights where firms are actually allocating their budgets and human resources, allowing us to understand the future direction of Australian law," Mr Greer said.
Survey responses represent the top ranked firms across the country according toThe Best Lawyers in Australiaâ„¢ rankings released last month.
Further strengthening its position in the Australian legal market, Best Lawyers has also announced the 2026 Best Law Firms - Australia today.
This year's rankings spotlight the top 5% of law firms across Australia, backed by thousands of lawyer votes, client references and in-depth interviews. The distinctions this year reflect input from more than 4,500 lawyers surveyed, nearly 160 law firm surveys, more than 2,000 client references that offered feedback on service excellence and nearly 200 practice group leader interviews.
Read the full Best Law Firms – Australia Legal Market Report and search the 2026 Best Law Firms – Australia rankings to find firms delivering the standard of service clients trust. See which names are setting the benchmark for the profession, with results by firm name, region and/or practice area.
About Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers® is the most established global network of legal professionals, providing elite lawyers and law firms with tools to enhance visibility, credibility and client engagement. Built on a rigorous peer-review process, Best Lawyers delivers data-driven legal recognition while offering industry insights and tech-forward marketing solutions. Powering Best Law Firms®, we simplify the law firm selection process, fostering confidence between firms and clients. Learn more at www.bestlawyers.com and www.bestlawfirms.com.
Australian Media Contacts:
Kathryn Britt
Laura Aguayo
Group Client Manager
Account Leader
BBS Communications Group
BBS Communications Group
kbritt@bbscommunications.com.au
laguayo@bbscommunications.com.au
Ph: 0414 661 616
Ph: 0433 531 074
US-based Contact:
Alliccia Odeyemi
Senior Public Relations Manager
aodeyemi@bestlawyers.com
1 Estimates and projections, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, 2011 to 2031 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2698398/Best_Law_Firms___Australia_Legal_Market_Report.jpg?p=medium600
Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2482477/Best_Lawyers_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Final nail in the coffin for billable hours? Alternative billing goes mainstream, new legal market report reveals
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dar Global (LSE: DAR), the London-listed international luxury real estate developer, announced today the official launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah, marking its third prestigious collaboration with The Trump Organization in Saudi Arabia. Valued at over USD 1 billion, this landmark development, strategically located within the expansive Amaya development along King Abdulaziz Road, is poised to redefine luxury urban living in Jeddah's thriving real estate landscape, following the successful launch of Trump Tower Jeddah in December 2024.
Residential offerings include fully furnished 1, 2, and 3-bedroom Trump Executive Residences; premium 2, 3, and 4-bedroom Trump Park Residences; and exclusive 4-bedroom Trump Townhouses. Together with thoughtfully designed home offices, premium retail, and curated dining, the project redefines modern living by blending convenience and luxury into a single, connected destination. Optional rental management services further enhance the appeal for international owners seeking a turnkey ownership experience.
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, commented: "Expanding our presence in Saudi Arabia with Trump Plaza Jeddah underscores our commitment to world-class quality and iconic design. This project reflects the strength of our relationship with Dar Global and our confidence in Jeddah as a dynamic, globally relevant city. Trump Plaza Jeddah will set a new benchmark for integrated urban destinations."
Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, added: "The launch of Trump Plaza Jeddah represents a major milestone in our Saudi portfolio. This is not a single-use development, but a carefully curated urban ecosystem designed for global residents who want to live, work, and connect within the best address in Jeddah. Anchored by a private park and supported by world-class amenities, Trump Plaza Jeddah introduces a new model for modern city living in the Kingdom."
Central to the lifestyle offering is the exclusive 4,000-square-metre Vitality Club, with golf simulators, a spa, sports medicine and recovery facilities, swimming pools, dining, and high-performance wellness spaces. Destination retail and dining, including Trump Grill, Trump Daily, an artisan bakery, and a fitness pro shop, reinforce its positioning as a district day and night.
Located at the heart of the 1,000,000-square-metre Amaya development, Trump Plaza Jeddah anchors a new, highly integrated urban district that reflects the Kingdom's growing prominence as a global real estate destination, supported by foreign-ownership incentives, a 0% capital gains tax, and accelerated infrastructure investment.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
DAR GLOBAL AND THE TRUMP ORGANISATION EXPAND SAUDI PORTFOLIO WITH USD 1BN TRUMP PLAZA JEDDAH
