Smith’s Lawyers vs Maurice Blackburn compared on fees, specialists and offices (2026)
On our October 2026 scoring of Smith’s Lawyers vs Maurice Blackburn, Smith’s Lawyers scores 45/100 (66th in Queensland) and Maurice Blackburn scores 97/100 (1st). Only Maurice Blackburn has a QLS Accredited Specialist, and both have offices in Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Scores count public records, not case results.
Written and fact-checked by Marshall Fenech, Editor. Firm facts checked 20 October 2026. How we rank firms.
At a glance
|
Smith’s Lawyers66th in Queensland |
45/100 |
|---|---|
|
Maurice Blackburn1st in Queensland |
97/100 |
|
Both in |
Greater Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast |
Facts checked 20 Oct 2026.
Smith’s Lawyers vs Maurice Blackburn side by side
Every fact below comes live from each firm’s checked profile. Swap either firm, or add a third, with the lists.
Smith’s Lawyers vs Maurice Blackburn, side by side
| Fact | Smith’s Lawyers | Maurice Blackburn |
|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 100) | 45/100 | 97/100 |
| Best for | Clients worried about adverse costs. The 'No Win. No Fee. No Catch' promise says the firm covers the other side's costs if a court case is lost. | Regional and remote Queensland access. 16 QLD offices including Mackay, Gladstone and Gympie, plus Mount Isa by appointment. |
| Has a QLS Accredited Specialist | Not published | Yes |
| Published fee terms | All claims run on a no win, no fee basis under the firm's 'No Win. No Fee. No Catch'® promise: if a case goes…All claims run on a no win, no fee basis under the firm's 'No Win. No Fee. No Catch'® promise: if a case goes to court and is unsuccessful, 'we'll cover the costs – so you won't pay a cent to us or anyone else'. The firm says it does not charge a fixed percentage. If successful, the client pays 'for the actual work done', noting Queensland's 50% cap. Fees and costs are deducted from the settlement. Free advice offered 7 days a week. | No Win, No Fee cost agreements are offered in practice areas including road, work and public place injury, med…No Win, No Fee cost agreements are offered in practice areas including road, work and public place injury, medical negligence, abuse, superannuation and dust diseases, 'only when we believe your case is reasonably likely to be successful'. No Win, No Fee covers professional fees only. 'In most cases' disbursements such as court filing fees or medical reports 'must be paid whether you win or lose', except in class actions and dust disease matters where disbursements are payable only if successful. A written estimate and Costs Agreement are provided before work starts. Free claim check offered. |
| Doyle's Guide | Not listed | Leading 2026 |
| Google rating | 4.6 (59) | 4.7 (373) |
| Queensland offices | Brisbane City +2 offices | Brisbane +15 offices |
| Claim types | 7 of 8 Abuse claims, Car accident (CTP), Dust diseases, Motorcycle accident, Public liability, TPD & superannuation, Workers compensation | 8 of 8 Abuse claims, Car accident (CTP), Dust diseases, Medical negligence, Motorcycle accident, Public liability, TPD & superannuation, Workers compensation |
| Firm type | Independent Queensland firm | National firm |
| Founded | 1996 | 1919 |
| Facts checked | 20 October 2026 | 20 October 2026 |
Facts come from each firm’s profile, with sources and check dates. How scores work.
Key differences between Smith’s Lawyers and Maurice Blackburn
Which firm suits which need
No firm suits everyone. For each common need, this shows which of the two firms meets it, from checked public records:
|
If you want |
Consider |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
A QLS Accredited Specialist in Personal Injuries Law |
Checked on the QLS register |
|
|
A Doyle’s Guide 2025 or 2026 listing |
Doyle’s Queensland plaintiff lists |
|
|
Fee terms you can read before you call |
Both firms |
Published on the firm’s website |
|
More Queensland offices to meet in |
16 offices against 3 |
|
|
Medical negligence claims |
Listed by Maurice Blackburn only |
|
|
An independent Queensland-owned firm |
Not part of a national or listed group |
|
|
The longer-established firm |
Founded 1919 |
About Smith’s Lawyers
Smith's Lawyers is a Queensland compensation law firm founded in 1996 by Greg Smith, its Founder and Principal Lawyer. The firm says Greg Smith, a University of Queensland law graduate, started it after his own experience of the compensation system. See the full Smith’s Lawyers profile.
About Maurice Blackburn
Maurice Blackburn is a national plaintiff law firm. It says Maurice Blackburn started the firm in 1919. See the full Maurice Blackburn profile.
How we compared them
Both firms are scored out of 100 on the same public records: a QLS Accredited Specialist (25 points), Doyle’s Guide listings (up to 20), Google rating (up to 20), fee terms published on the firm’s website (15), claim types (up to 10) and Queensland offices (up to 10). Neither firm paid to appear, and we take no referral fees. Read the full method.
Frequently asked questions
