Update the costs disclosure after a significant change to the estimate
Key facts
- Human involvement
- YellowClose supervision
- How AI is used
- From the current disclosure, the revised scope and the time records the lawyer marks, list each change in the work, the previous estimate and the new estimate, and the points the client needs in order to decide how the matter continues. The tool does not send the update.
- What the lawyer must review
- The lawyer decides whether the change is a significant change under section 174(1)(b), writes the update, includes a sufficient explanation of the impact on the costs payable, and takes reasonable steps to be satisfied the client has understood and consented.
- Written for / version
- US
Open a jurisdiction version of this task to see which instruments apply: US
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | From the current disclosure, the revised scope and the time records the lawyer marks, list each change in the work, the previous estimate and the new estimate, and the points the client needs in order to decide how the matter continues. The tool does not send the update. |
| Lawyer | Set the scope, supervise the work closely, verify every part relied on, resolve omissions and exceptions, and approve the exact output. |
Checklist
- Compare the new estimate with the last written disclosure, excluding GST and disbursements when testing the thresholds.
- Confirm the update explains the impact on the costs payable, not only the new total.
- Confirm the update is in writing and is sent when or as soon as practicable after the change.
- In Queensland, use the substantial-change test in section 315 rather than the Uniform Law wording.
Sources
- Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) s 174, disclosure obligations · 2026-10-22
- Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 (NSW), compilation in force at 28 February 2025, rr 71, 72, 72A, 72B, 74 and 75 · 2026-10-22
- Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld) s 315, ongoing obligation to disclose · 2026-10-22
- Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld) s 308, detailed disclosure of costs · 2026-10-22
These are suggested working checks. Confirm the required checking with the responsible lawyer before work starts; the checking approach does not establish permission to use AI.