ABDO & ABDO

The parties to this proceeding were ABDO & ABDO, the applicants, and the respondent, whose identity is not specified in the provided text. The dispute concerned an application for an order under section 47 of the *Legal Profession Act 2004* (NSW) to set aside a costs agreement. The matter was heard by Foster J in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the costs agreement between the applicants and the respondent was void or otherwise unenforceable due to alleged breaches of the *Legal Profession Act 2004* (NSW) and the *Legal Profession Regulation 2005* (NSW). Specifically, the applicants contended that the agreement failed to comply with the requirements for a valid costs agreement as stipulated by the relevant legislation.

Foster J considered the provisions of the *Legal Profession Act 2004* (NSW) and the *Legal Profession Regulation 2005* (NSW) concerning the formation and content of costs agreements. The Court's reasoning focused on whether the agreement, as presented, met the statutory requirements for clarity, disclosure, and fairness. The principles applied involved an interpretation of the legislative framework governing the solicitor-client relationship and the enforceability of costs agreements.

The Court ultimately made orders in favour of the applicants, setting aside the costs agreement.