5 Best Bankruptcy Lawyers in Sydney When Debt Gets Serious
Good financial advisors teach you one thing fast: money problems rarely improve by hiding from them. When debts and creditor pressure start piling up, the best bankruptcy lawyer in Sydney can help you work out your next sensible move.
The right lawyer can explain restructuring, creditor negotiations, bankruptcy, and what each option could mean for your assets or business.
We reviewed several Sydney firms that handle personal bankruptcy, corporate insolvency, or both. Consider this your shortlist before the financial paperwork starts looking like it needs its own postcode.
How much does it cost to hire a bankruptcy lawyer in Sydney?
In Sydney, bankruptcy lawyers generally charge $300 to $1,000+ per hour, plus GST. Junior solicitors often sit around $300–$400 per hour, while senior associates may charge $400–$700 per hour.
Partners or accredited specialists can cost $600–$1,000+ per hour. They’re usually brought in for complex corporate insolvency or high-value personal matters.
Fixed-fee packages for debt or personal insolvency agreements commonly start at $3,000–$5,000+. These can suit people trying to formalise a repayment arrangement and avoid standard bankruptcy.
Court work costs more. Defending a sequestration order may run around $2,200–$6,600 per day, particularly when a barrister is involved.
Final fees depend on the lawyer’s seniority, the complexity of your debts and assets, negotiations required, and whether the matter ends up in court.
1. Roser Lawyers
Address: Suite 404, Level 4, 74 Pitt Street
Contact: (02) 9232 3792 | 0415 172 477 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
If bankruptcy law feels like alphabet soup with court deadlines attached, Roser Lawyers brings some welcome clarity.
Principal Raymond Roser previously worked as an insolvency practitioner across hundreds of corporate and personal matters, so he understands the process from more than one side.
The firm handles bankruptcy, debt recovery, creditor enforcement, and asset tracing. They also have experience handling voidable transactions and Section 66G property matters.
They can advise bankrupt individuals, trustees, creditors, and spouses with property interests, which gives them a fairly broad insolvency toolkit.
We particularly like that the team handles public examinations in-house where appropriate rather than automatically briefing counsel. That can make the process feel a little less like assembling an expensive legal Avengers team.
The catch is that Roser primarily acts for creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.
If you’re a debtor wanting strongly borrower-focused representation, it’s worth checking that their approach suits your situation before signing on.
Customer Reviews
“The professionalism, understanding and empathy of Roser Lawyers was outstanding”
Nothing like having the complete strength of such a capable firm on your side. From initial brief to completion, the professionalism, understanding and empathy of Roser Lawyers was outstanding. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a trusted approach to usually complex situations.
— Nicholas Hastings | Google Review
“Outstanding in their attention to detail, responsiveness and professionalism”
From my experience, Roser Lawyers have been outstanding in their attention to detail, responsiveness and professionalism.
I have worked with the firm on various legal matters over the years, and they always exceed expectations. They are always available to answer questions and address any concerns.
What sets this law firm apart is their personalised approach. They take the time to get to know their clients and understand their unique needs.
Overall, I highly recommend Roser Lawyers to anyone who needs legal services.
— Terence Dean | Google Review
2. OpenLegal
Address: Level 28/161 Castlereagh Street
Contact: 1300 337 997
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM
OpenLegal is a good fit if your bankruptcy problem involves a business. The firm handles corporate and personal insolvency alongside debt recovery, banking disputes, and other commercial litigation.
We like that they lean on fixed fees and legal project management, because surprise legal bills aren’t part of any recovery plan. That setup makes costs easier to discuss before the work piles up.
Their wider litigation toolkit is useful too. They cover Personal Property Securities issues, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.
In short, they’re built for messy business disputes where insolvency is only one part of the headache.
The main drawback is its focus. OpenLegal is geared heavily towards SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs. Someone with straightforward household debt may prefer a more consumer-focused bankruptcy specialist.
Customer Reviews
“If you’re looking for a lawyer you can trust”
We’ve worked with Open Legal on a few cases now, and the experience has been outstanding. Phil has been a phenomenal professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. He explains things clearly, gives practical advice, and genuinely cares about getting the best outcome for his clients.
Highly recommend Phil and the team at Open Legal if you’re looking for a lawyer you can trust. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Ivan Lloret | Google Review
“Have my best interests legally as a priority”
I cannot recommend Phil enough. He listened to my concerns, he knew what I needed, he kept to his word, and made it so pleasant to work with him and his team. I can tell he was genuinely there to help me and had my best interests legally as a priority. His team is also responsive, efficient and overall, quick turnaround.
— Michelle W | Google Review
3. Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers Sydney
Address: The Chambers, Suite 1507, Level 15, 370 Pitt Street
Contact: (02) 8029 9922 | 1300 553 343 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM
RCM is the kind of firm I’d look at when the debt problem has a messy backstory.
Their personal insolvency team doesn’t just ask whether bankruptcy is looming; they check whether bad advice, dodgy agreements, or personal guarantees might change the legal picture.
The firm can negotiate with creditors and advise on Temporary Debt Protection, Debt Agreements, and Personal Insolvency Agreements. That gives clients a few more doors to try before assuming bankruptcy is the only one left open.
We like that broader strategy, especially for failed-business or guarantee-related debt where the paperwork can get complicated fast.
It feels less like putting out one financial fire and more like checking who left the matches nearby.
The downside is the upfront consultation cost: $550 for up to an hour. And since documents aren’t reviewed beforehand, very paperwork-heavy cases may need extra time or follow-up advice.
Customer Reviews
“Made what could have been a stressful experience much easier”
Amanda was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. She explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and made what could have been a stressful experience much easier. I always felt like she had my best interests at heart. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Amanda to anyone looking for a reliable and approachable lawyer. Thank you again for all your help!
— Luke | Google Review
“Navigating me through a complex legal situation”
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sam for his outstanding support and advice throughout my legal journey. Sam proved to be an invaluable asset, playing a crucial role in navigating me through a complex legal situation. I highly recommend Sam and his services to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable solicitor. His commitment to his clients is truly commendable, making the legal process more manageable and less daunting.
— Monica Triffitt | Google Review
4. T&S Law Firm
Address: Level 1/64 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown
Contact: 1300 2 DEFEND (333 363) | [email protected]
Hours: 24/7 contact availability
T&S Law Firm is handy if your debt problem decides to become urgent outside normal office hours. The firm advertises 24/7 contact availability and offers a confidential, obligation-free initial consultation.
Their civil litigation team handles bankruptcy, insolvency, debt recovery, and financial-services recovery.
We like that they lean toward mediation and negotiation first, rather than treating court as the opening move. That approach can make sense when there’s still room to resolve a dispute before costs and pressure climb.
Still, insolvency deadlines can be unforgiving, so early legal advice matters when enforcement is already underway.
The main drawback is specialisation. T&S is a broad general practice covering criminal, family, commercial, property, and conveyancing work, so bankruptcy isn’t its sole focus.
Customer Reviews
“Made a stressful process much easier”
We had a great experience with T&S Law Firm. They were incredibly patient and took the time to guide us through every step of our legal matters. No question was ever too much trouble, and they always made sure we understood our options. Their support and professionalism made a stressful process much easier. Highly recommend!
— Bassimah Kowaider | Google Review
“Worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome”
My lawyer was professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout my court case. They kept me informed every step of the way and worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome. I’m truly grateful for their dedication. Highly recommend, thank you!
— Naz Jay | Google Review
5. Rockliffs Lawyers
Address: Suite 14, Level 26, 44 Market Street
Contact: (02) 9299 4912 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5:30 PM
Rockliffs Lawyers is a handy option when debt trouble spills across both personal and business finances.
Their insolvency team advises on bankruptcy, personal insolvency arrangements, and statutory demands. They can also handle winding-up matters and company restructuring processes.
We like that the firm covers both sides of the insolvency fence rather than treating personal and corporate problems as completely separate worlds.
They even advise on tax issues connected with personal insolvency, which can matter when the numbers start breeding paperwork.
The team’s broader experience includes debt recovery, enforcement, bankruptcy proceedings, insolvency, and litigation. That gives it a fairly practical toolkit for matters that don’t fit neatly into one legal box.
The trade-off is specialisation. Rockliffs is a full-service firm, so bankruptcy is one part of a much wider practice rather than its sole focus.
Customer Reviews
“She was able to recover all the outstanding debts for us”
We are very pleased with the outcome. Michelle Rockliff has been really professional and responsive. She was able to recover all the outstanding debts for us. We will not hesitate to recommend her and her practice to others.
— Caroline Bi | Google Review
“Provided me with high-quality advice, service and representation throughout my legal proceedings”
Rockliffs Lawyers provided me with high-quality advice, service and representation throughout my legal proceedings. This was a positive experience and led to a successful outcome. Their fees are very reasonable, and I would highly recommend them
— Wayne Brilley | Google Review