When briefing counsel, the CSO considers whether counsel’s chambers have adopted the NSW Bar Associations Best Practice Guidelines.
The CSO briefs in accordance with the NSW Government Equitable Briefing Policy for Women Barristers.
To be added to the Crown Solicitor’s Counsel Database, please download and complete the Counsel Database Addition form (DOCX, 195.6 KB) and email it, along with a one-page CV, to crownsol@cso.nsw.gov.au.
The Attorney General sets rates for legal representation, including for junior and senior counsel. These rates are regularly updated.
Briefs to Senior Counsel are governed by Premier’s Memorandum C2018-06.
The Attorney General’s rates for senior counsel are the maximum rates payable. There is no entitlement to the maximum rate.
Rates for engagement of junior counsel are set by the Crown Solicitor. For consistency, the Crown Solicitor has applied the Attorney General’s rates as the maximum payable to junior counsel in all matters. There is no entitlement to the maximum rate.
The CSO will generally pay the maximum rates set out in the table below to junior counsel:
| Year of appointment | Daily Rate | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $1,000 | $135 |
| Year 2 | $1,200 | $160 |
| Year 3 | $1,300 | $175 |
| Year 4 | $1,400 | $185 |
| Year 5 | $1,500 | $200 |
| Year 6 | $1,600 | $215 |
| Year 7 | $1,700 | $225 |
| Year 8 | $1,800 | $240 |
| Year 9 | $1,900 | $255 |
| Year 10 | $2,000 | $265 |
| > 10 Years | $2,365* | $315.40 |
* The daily maximum is rounded to nearest dollar.
22 Jul 2024