Consolidated practice directions

___________________________________________________________ 
1. 
This Practice Direction deals with the procedure for applications for a 
costs assessment made out of time under s 295(7) of the 
Legal Profession 
Act 2008 
(the Act)
. 
2. 
A client or third party payer, who is not a 'sophisticated client', may 
apply for a costs assessment out of time. 
3. 
For the definition of 'sophisticated client' refer to s 252 of the Act.
 
4. 
An application for a costs assessment is made out of time if it is made 
more than 12 months after: 
(a) the bill was given in accordance with div 7 of the Act or the request 
for payment was made to the client or third party payer; or 
(b) the costs were paid if neither a bill was given nor a request was 
made. 
5. 
When applying for a costs assessment that is out of time, the client or 
third party payer must also file a chambers summons to be heard before 
the Master of the Supreme Court.
6. 
The chambers summons should be filed with an affidavit from the client 
or third party supporting the application to allow the costs assessment 
to be dealt with after the 12 month period. 
7. 
The affidavit should include details of: 
(a) the delay; 
(b) the reasons for the delay; 
(c) whether there is evidence that suggests that the bill may be 
excessive;
(d) whether the legal practice has indicated that it would oppose the 
application; and 
(e) why it would be just and fair for the assessment to be dealt with 
after the 12 month period. 
8. 
The Master will determine whether it is just and fair for the assessment 
to be dealt with after the 12 month period. 

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4. General Division - Civil 
 
Supreme Court of Western Australia 
Consolidated Practice Direction
4.8
Payment into Court 
4.8.1
Monies paid into Court to be deposited with the Public 
Trustee for investment