Clever Legal Counsel
Engagement terms
This page explains when we issue engagement terms and what they will cover. It is not itself a costs agreement, a costs disclosure, or a quote.
Nothing here is an engagement
Clever Legal Counsel does not act on any matter without written engagement terms. Nothing on this site is an offer to act, and no lawyer–client relationship is created by using this site, by building a scope, or by emailing us.
When you receive them
After a scoping conversation — free and without obligation — and once we have confirmed that we can act, which includes a conflict check, and the scope is agreed. You will have your engagement terms in writing before any work starts.
What they will set out
- The scope of work: what we are doing, and what we are not.
- The fee for that scope, and when it is payable. Fees are fixed and invoiced in advance; a retainer operates as a fee credit applied against work done.
- Who will do the work.
- How third-party disbursements are handled. These are charged at cost.
- How either of us may end the engagement.
- Your rights under the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014 (Vic), including costs disclosure, your right to negotiate a costs agreement, your right to a bill and to request an itemised bill, and your right to complain to the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner.
What the prices on this site are — and are not
Prices are currency-neutral and indicative, exclusive of GST or VAT. Third-party disbursements are charged at cost. Engagement terms apply.
These are indicative "from" figures subject to scope confirmation. They are not a quote and they are not a costs disclosure. Your engagement terms carry the fee for your matter.
AI-assisted work
Some of what we do is AI-assisted. AI-assisted work product is reviewed and signed off by a lawyer before it is delivered. Your engagement terms will say where AI is used on your matter.
Complaints
If something goes wrong, tell us first — we would rather fix it. If that does not resolve it, you can complain to the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner. Our complaints process is set out at cleverlegal.com.au/complaints; Clever Legal Counsel and the Clever Legal claims practice are the same legal entity, and the same process covers both.
Regulation
Clever Legal may operate through various lawyers and separate and distinct legal entities. Legal services in the UK are provided to clients by Campbell Unsworth. Campbell reserves the right to assign rights (as agent or principal) and account for services provided by other entities. Clever Legal and Campbell are registered with the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner. Further details of your rights under the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014 (Vic) are set out in your engagement terms. Being regulated in Australia, Campbell is an authorised non-SRA foreign lawyer permitted to practise in England. We are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in England.