Matter Complexity Estimator
This is a free tool that estimates the complexity tier, likely hours, and fee range for a new matter across Australian practice areas. Answer 10-15 structured questions about the matter, and the estimator returns a low, likely, and high scenario with a recommended scoping approach.
What this tool does
Fixed-fee quoting and scope-creep control depend on consistent complexity assessment at intake. This tool is built around the complexity factors that actually move hours in AU practice — number of parties, jurisdictional overlap, document volume, urgency, emotional intensity, and regulatory touchpoints — not generic "hours-per-matter" averages that ignore the variables that matter.
How to use it
- Choose the matter type (family, commercial, property, estates, etc.)
- Answer 10-15 structured questions about the specific matter
- Review the complexity tier (Routine, Standard, Complex, High Complexity)
- See the low / likely / high hours estimate and corresponding fee range
- Use the suggested scoping clauses to build your client engagement letter
What you'll learn
- Which complexity factors most reliably drive hours in your practice area
- The typical hours and fee range for a matter of this profile
- Where scope creep is most likely to occur and how to pre-empt it
- How to write a scoping clause that holds up when scope changes
Interactive tool coming soon
The interactive Matter Complexity Estimator is currently in development. In the meantime, start a free Quillio trial — the time savings are real and measurable on your own matters within the first week.
Start free trialTool FAQs
Is this a quote?
No. It is an internal scoping aid. Final quotes should be based on your own experience, the specific facts of the matter, and your firm's rate card — not a generic estimator.
Which practice areas are supported?
Family, commercial (transactional and disputes), property, wills and estates, employment, and personal injury. Additional practice areas will be added as we validate the complexity factors for each.
Does it account for regional vs metro practice?
Yes. Regional matters often carry a different complexity profile — longer travel, smaller counterparties, different court list dynamics — and the estimator adjusts for this.
How does it handle fixed-fee vs time-billed matters?
The tool outputs hours and a fee range based on your rate card. For fixed-fee matters, use the "likely" estimate plus your risk margin. For time-billed matters, use the full range as a communication tool with the client.
Can it help me decide when to refuse a matter?
The "High Complexity" tier includes a check for whether the matter exceeds your firm's usual scope. If so, the tool recommends either a co-counsel arrangement or declining the matter — both are legitimate options under the ASCR competence provisions.
Is this data stored?
No. The tool runs in your browser. Nothing is logged or sent to Quillio servers.
Test the savings on your own work
Quillio does real-time complexity scoring inside the matter open workflow, using the actual documents you upload rather than a generic questionnaire. The free trial shows complexity scoring that updates as the matter evolves.
This tool is a scoping aid, not a fixed quote. Actual hours and fees depend on factors specific to each matter. Client engagement letters should always be reviewed by the supervising solicitor before issue.
Stop estimating. Start measuring.
The free trial is the fastest way to know whether AI saves you the hours this calculator estimates. No credit card, no sales call — sign up and measure the difference in your first week.
Start your free trial