I had a 30 min meeting with Zelma Rudstein to see if they will be 1. A reasonable lawyer to deal with 2. Capable of handling my case in a timely manner After the meeting I received the cost agreement in which they are legally bind to provide along with a request to pay them trust $2000 in order to proceed, I assumed that until I sign the cost agreement and paid the required sum that I will be safe from their feeding frenzy as put by the Legal Services Commissioner Victoria. When I told them that I will not be going ahead, they sent me an invoice for Professional Fee of $840, coincidentally a full figure that is exempt from the cost disclosure requirements according to the Law Institute Victoria. One of the items on the bill was described as A lengthy letter, a letter that was attached with the cost agreement, a classic non descriptive item that I read as charge as many hours as I need to make up the costs I require. It was a basic 6 page template letter with general information. If it really did take as long to write this letter as they claim, perhaps they need to improve their efficiencies. Rudstein Kron Lawyers invoice states We reserve the right to charge interest from the period beginning 7 days after the date we give you this bill However the Legal Profession Act 2004 entitles a law practice to charge interest on legal costs unpaid for 30 days after the practice has given a bill of costs. In this invoice, They also used a classic behavioural psychology trick and discounted the invoice if paid within 7 days. The amount discounted was still unrealistic, perhaps this tactic works for their firm from time to time. The idea of this tactic is that it looks like the customer is saving money, when in fact the clever trick is hiding overcharging practices. I emailed them a formula showing that their cost is 4.5 time over the reasonable rate. They did not contest this formula, instead diverting my attention to other matters. I personally find this business practice deceptive and greedy. Alarm bells rang when I was quoted $1000 to $2000 in the cost agreement for a potential case closure and at the same time was required to pre-pay the full amount so that they can write out their own cheque before undoubtedly requesting me to transfer more of my wealth into their wealth. Could it be that they saw this stage was only the beginning of their feeding frenzy? They made no comment of the likelihood either way, not verbally anyways. They just couldnt understand how I would imagine that our initial meeting would be free of charge, stating I did not advise that my time is being donated. Imaging we had to pay the sales person every time we walked into a shop to ask a question about a product. They charge at the top end of the scale at $400 per hour and does not have the business etiquette in winning customer. Simply dollar driven in my opinion. I personally refuse to deal with such a lawyer who is focused on their own interest and not mine. Wake up from your lawyer bubble, Im a potential customer who makes your firm money... have some respect.