How Fees Work — Trust Accounts, Payment & the Fixed Fee Process
Your Money Is Held in Trust — Not in the Firm's Account
When you pay a fixed fee to Civic Law, that money is deposited into a solicitor trust account — a separate, regulated bank account that exists solely to hold client funds. This is a legal requirement under the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld). Your money stays your money until the work is actually done.
Why Civic Law Requires Payment Before Work Begins
Requiring fee-in-trust is standard practice in criminal defence. Having the fee secured in trust means Sacha can focus on preparing your matter, not chasing payment. There is no risk of work being paused because of a billing dispute.
Payment Plans
Where time permits, payment plans may be available so you can spread the cost of the fixed fee over an agreed period. Instalments are deposited into trust as received. There is no interest or surcharge for paying by instalments. Payment plans are assessed case-by-case depending on the court timeline.
What If the Scope Changes?
If a matter turns out to be more complex than expected, Sacha will explain what has changed and provide a revised fee proposal. No additional work is undertaken until you agree. If the matter resolves more simply, any unearned portion is refunded.