Last updated: 16 June 2026
Legal123 and LawBase are both Australian online law firms, but they sell different things. Legal123 is a licensed Incorporated Legal Practice that sells individual, lawyer-drafted templates as one-time purchases, plus pay-as-you-go advice ($99 per 30-minute call) and fixed-fee custom drafting from $275. LawBase is a boutique Sydney commercial law firm that sells fixed-price document packages (from $1,200 plus GST), bespoke legal work on fixed-fee quotes, and an optional monthly membership from $349 per month.
If you mainly need standard legal documents at a known, one-time cost, Legal123 is the stronger fit. If you want an ongoing relationship with a dedicated lawyer for bespoke commercial matters, LawBase’s service and membership model may suit you better. This page lays out the differences honestly so you can decide.
We’ve helped over 10,200 Australian businesses since 2009, so we know what most small business owners actually need and what they don’t.
At a Glance
- Legal123 sells one-time, lawyer-drafted Australian templates ($39 to $299). LawBase sells lawyer-tailored fixed-price document packages (Employment Contracts $1,200, Website Legal $1,500, Shareholders Agreement $3,500, all plus GST), bespoke work on fixed-fee quotes, and a monthly membership.
- LawBase membership is $349/mo on the yearly plan ($4,188/yr) or $399/mo billed monthly ($4,788/yr), both on a minimum 12-month commitment. Legal123 has no subscription; a 30-minute advice call is $99 when you need it.
- Both are licensed Australian Incorporated Legal Practices. Legal123 has operated since 2009; LawBase since 2016.
- Legal123 is document-first: buy the template you need and own it instantly, with video walkthrough instructions and free legislation updates. LawBase is service-first: a lawyer tailors your documents or handles your matter end to end.
- For a handful of standard documents, Legal123 costs less. For ongoing, bespoke legal support across many matters, LawBase’s membership and fixed-fee service may be better value.
Key Differences: Legal123 vs LawBase
- Legal123 sells self-serve, one-time templates plus optional advice. LawBase sells lawyer-tailored document packages, bespoke legal services and an ongoing membership.
- Legal123 publishes fixed template prices and a $99 advice call. LawBase publishes membership pricing ($349 to $399/mo) and fixed-price document packages ($1,200 to $3,500 plus GST), and quotes other bespoke matters individually.
- Both are licensed Australian Incorporated Legal Practices regulated under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW). This is a comparison of models and cost, not legitimacy.
- Legal123 templates include video walkthrough instructions and free updates when Australian legislation changes. LawBase’s document packages are lawyer-prepared with one revision round, but do not include self-serve walkthroughs or free ongoing legislation updates.
- Legal123 is built for pay-as-you-need document buyers. LawBase is built for businesses wanting a dedicated lawyer and an ongoing relationship.
Table of Contents
Legal123 vs LawBase: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Legal123 | LawBase |
|---|---|---|
| Business type | Licensed Australian ILP | Licensed Australian ILP (boutique online commercial law firm, NSW) |
| Documents drafted by | Australian lawyers | Australian lawyers (tailored document packages and bespoke drafting) |
| Australian law compliant | Yes, all states and territories | Yes, NSW-based, serves clients Australia-wide |
| Pricing model | One-time purchase, pay as you need | Fixed-price document packages and fixed-fee matters, plus optional monthly membership |
| Free legislation updates | Yes | Not publicly stated |
| Video walkthrough instructions | Yes | No (bespoke service) |
| Phone and email support | Yes, from Australian lawyers | Yes, up to 60 minutes included with document packages |
| Legal advice option | Yes, $99 30-minute call, no subscription needed | Yes, unlimited 30-minute calls plus 2 strategy sessions in membership, or per-matter quote |
| Monthly membership | No, pay as you need | Yes, $349/mo (yearly plan) or $399/mo (monthly), 12-month minimum |
| Google rating | 4.9/5 on Google | 4.9/5 on Google |
| Custom document drafting | Yes, fixed fee from $275 | Yes, fixed-fee quote per matter |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes (technical issues) | Not publicly stated |
| Operating since | 2009 | 2016 |
| Self-serve template library | 30-plus focused Australian templates | No; lawyer-prepared document packages instead |
| Fixed-price document packages | Website Legal Package $199; templates from $39 | Website Legal $1,500, Employment Contracts $1,200, Shareholders Agreement $3,500 (plus GST) |
| Dedicated lawyer / ongoing relationship | Per matter, plus $99 Book-a-Call advice | Yes, assigned lawyer as your main contact |
The most important difference is how the documents are delivered. Legal123 sells instant, self-serve templates you complete yourself and own. LawBase sells lawyer-prepared document packages that are tailored to your business and delivered in 3 to 5 business days with one revision round, plus bespoke work and a membership. LawBase does not offer a self-serve, instant-download library.
The second important difference is cost structure. Legal123 lets you pay once per document and stop there. LawBase’s membership is a recurring monthly fee on a minimum 12-month commitment, designed for businesses that want a lawyer on call rather than a one-off purchase.
Pricing: Legal123 vs LawBase
Legal123 templates are priced individually, typically ranging from $39 to $299 depending on the document. You pay once and use the template as many times as you need. When you need actual legal advice, a 30-minute Book-a-Call with our Practice Director is $99, and custom document drafting is a fixed fee from $275. There are no monthly fees, no annual renewals, and no minimum commitment.
LawBase charges fixed fees per matter, quoted after a free initial call, and offers a monthly membership. The membership is $349 per month on the yearly plan ($4,188 per year, paid upfront) or $399 per month billed monthly ($4,788 per year), both on a minimum 12-month commitment. Membership includes unlimited 30-minute legal advice calls (subject to a fair use policy), two one-hour legal strategy sessions, and a 15% discount on fixed fees for any additional work such as drafting documents or written advice. Separately, LawBase sells three fixed-price document packages: Employment Contracts at $1,200, the Website Legal Package at $1,500, and a Shareholders Agreement Package at $3,500, all plus GST, each lawyer-tailored and delivered in 3 to 5 business days with one revision round.
Is Legal123 cheaper than LawBase?
For standard documents, usually yes. Legal123’s Website Legal Package is $199. LawBase’s equivalent Website Legal Package is $1,500 plus GST, because a lawyer tailors and delivers it for you rather than you completing a template yourself. Both are legitimate models, but for a business that just needs standard website legals, Legal123 is far cheaper.
Where LawBase can be better value is ongoing, varied legal work. If you expect to need a lawyer regularly across many different matters through the year, a membership with unlimited advice calls and discounted fixed fees may cost less than commissioning each piece of work separately. The right answer depends on how much legal help you actually use.
How much does LawBase cost?
LawBase membership is $349 per month on the yearly plan, billed as $4,188 per year paid upfront, or $399 per month billed monthly, which totals $4,788 per year. Both plans require a minimum 12-month commitment and exclude GST. Membership covers unlimited 30-minute advice calls, two one-hour strategy sessions, and a 15% discount on additional fixed-fee work. Outside the membership, LawBase sells three fixed-price document packages with prices published on its site: Employment Contracts at $1,200, the Website Legal Package at $1,500, and a Shareholders Agreement Package at $3,500, all plus GST. Other bespoke matters are quoted individually after a free initial call.
Example: Cost comparison for a typical small business
A freelance designer needs their website legals sorted, a contractor agreement for client work, and half an hour of advice on a tricky contract. With Legal123, that’s the Website Legal Package at $199, a Contractor Agreement template at $199, and a $99 Book-a-Call: $199 + $199 + $99 = $497, paid once. With LawBase, the comparable Website Legal Package is $1,500 plus GST on its own, lawyer-tailored and delivered in 3 to 5 business days, and ongoing advice would point you to membership from $4,188 per year. For a business that needs a few standard documents, Legal123 is far cheaper; for one that wants a lawyer to prepare everything and stay on call, LawBase is built for that. All prices exclude GST.
What Is LawBase?
LawBase is an Australian online (or “virtual”) commercial law firm based in Sydney, founded in December 2016 by Principal Catherine Higgins. It provides timely, practical and affordable commercial law services to business owners and entrepreneurs, working with clients across Australia by phone, email and video.
LawBase specialises in business law, contract law, corporate and commercial law, commercial leases, employment, debt recovery, data and privacy, intellectual property, and business sale and purchase. It works on a fixed-fee basis wherever possible, sells fixed-price document packages, quotes bespoke matters after a free initial call, and offers a monthly membership for ongoing support.
What’s publicly known about LawBase:
- Business model: Boutique online commercial law firm offering bespoke fixed-fee work plus a monthly membership
- Status: Incorporated Legal Practice under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW); head office in Sydney
- Founded: December 2016 by Catherine Higgins (Principal)
- Membership: $349/mo (yearly plan, $4,188/yr) or $399/mo (billed monthly, $4,788/yr), minimum 12 months
- Document packages: Fixed-price, lawyer-prepared – Employment Contracts $1,200, Website Legal $1,500, Shareholders Agreement $3,500 (plus GST); no self-serve template library
- Recognition: Named in the 2024 Australasian Lawyer Top Boutique Firms
Is LawBase a law firm?
Yes. LawBase is a genuine Australian Incorporated Legal Practice, set up under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), with its head office in Sydney. Its lawyers are admitted Australian solicitors and it handles client trust money under NSW Law Society rules. Both Legal123 and LawBase are real, licensed law firms, so the choice between them comes down to model and cost, not legitimacy.
What Is Legal123?
Legal123 is an Australian online law firm that has been providing lawyer-drafted legal templates and custom legal documents since 2009. Founded by Vanessa Emilio, Legal123 Pty Ltd (ABN 66 153 012 269) is a fully licensed Incorporated Legal Practice (ILP), registered with ASIC and regulated by the Law Society of NSW.
Legal123 has helped over 10,200 Australian businesses. Every template is drafted by qualified Australian lawyers, complies with current Australian federal legislation, and is valid across all states and territories.
Every template purchase includes video walkthrough instructions so you know exactly how to complete your document, plus phone and email support from our team of Australian lawyers for any template-related questions.
Templates are the first rung of the ladder, not the whole firm. When you need actual legal advice, a 30-minute Book-a-Call with Practice Director Vanessa Emilio is $99, with no subscription required. When a template doesn’t fit, custom drafting is a fixed fee from $275, quoted within 24 to 48 hours and typically delivered within 72 hours. Legal123 also offers fixed-fee Contract Review, Website Legal Review, Will Writing and Trademark Registration services, plus a 3-Month Legal Transformation program ($2,097) that audits, drafts and implements your business legals end to end with direct lawyer access throughout.
Is Legal123 a real law firm?
Yes. Legal123 Pty Ltd is a fully licensed Australian Incorporated Legal Practice. We are registered with ASIC, regulated by the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner and the Law Society of NSW, and have been operating since 2009. Our templates are drafted by practising Australian lawyers, not automated generators or international template libraries.
Key Differences Between Legal123 and LawBase
Do I need a one-time template or an ongoing membership?
This is the fundamental question. If you run a small business and need standard legal documents, like website terms, a contractor agreement, or an NDA, you probably need a few specific templates and the occasional question answered. That is exactly what Legal123 provides, at a one-time price, with a $99 advice call when something comes up.
A membership makes sense if you expect to need a lawyer regularly, across changing matters, and you value having a dedicated contact who already knows your business. That is LawBase’s model. For most small business owners who need two to five documents and rarely more, an ongoing monthly fee with a 12-month commitment is more than they need.
Does LawBase offer legal document templates?
Not as self-serve templates, but yes as packages. LawBase sells fixed-price document packages, the Employment Contracts Package at $1,200, the Website Legal Package at $1,500, and the Shareholders Agreement Package at $3,500, all plus GST, that a lawyer tailors to your business and delivers in 3 to 5 business days with one revision round. What it does not offer is a low-cost, instant-download template you complete yourself.
Legal123 takes the middle path: lawyer-drafted templates you can buy and use today, with video walkthrough instructions, plus a $99 advice call or fixed-fee custom drafting when a template is not enough. Every affected template is updated free when Australian legislation changes, with customers notified by email. For documents like privacy policies (affected by the Privacy Act 1988) that ongoing currency matters.
Which has better reviews: Legal123 or LawBase?
Legal123 has a 4.9/5 rating on Google and a 4.91/5 average from 400-plus post-purchase reviews. LawBase also displays a 4.9/5 Google rating on its website and was named in the 2024 Australasian Lawyer Top Boutique Firms.
Both firms are well regarded. The difference is what the reviews are for: Legal123’s reflect a high-volume template and support experience, while LawBase’s reflect bespoke service relationships with a smaller, boutique client base.
Our recommendation
Match the product to the need. If your legal needs arrive stage by stage and centre on documents, Legal123 is built for that: lawyer-drafted templates to start, a $99 Book-a-Call when a question comes up, and fixed-fee custom drafting from $275 when a template doesn’t fit, all at published prices. If you want a dedicated lawyer on call across many matters and you will use that support regularly, LawBase’s membership and bespoke service is designed for that. Buy the model that matches how often you actually need a lawyer.
When LawBase Might Be the Better Choice
LawBase may be the better choice if:
- You want a dedicated lawyer who knows your business and acts as a single point of contact across all your matters.
- You expect to need legal help regularly throughout the year and would value unlimited advice calls and discounted fixed fees under a membership.
- Your work is bespoke or complex, like commercial leases, a business sale or purchase, debt recovery or a dispute, where a template would not be appropriate.
- You prefer a lawyer to draft and review everything for your specific circumstances rather than completing a template yourself.
For most Australian small businesses that need standard legal documents, like website terms, contractor agreements, NDAs or privacy policies, at a one-time cost, Legal123 is the more affordable and direct choice. But we’d rather you choose the right solution for your situation than buy from us when a full-service firm suits you better.
Not sure which option suits you? Contact us before you buy. We’re happy to tell you honestly whether our templates fit your needs or whether you’d be better served by an ongoing legal relationship elsewhere.
FAQ: Legal123 vs LawBase
Is Legal123 a real law firm?
Yes. Legal123 Pty Ltd (ABN 66 153 012 269) is a fully licensed Australian Incorporated Legal Practice. We are registered with ASIC, regulated by the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner and the Law Society of NSW, and have been operating since 2009.
Are Legal123 templates legally valid in Australia?
Yes. Every Legal123 template is drafted by qualified Australian lawyers, complies with current Australian federal legislation, and is valid across all Australian states and territories. Templates are updated free of charge when relevant legislation changes.
Does Legal123 offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. Legal123 offers a money-back guarantee for unresolvable technical issues with template access or delivery. If you’re unsure whether a template suits your situation, contact us before purchasing, and we’ll advise you on the right product.
Is LawBase a law firm?
Yes. LawBase is a genuine Australian Incorporated Legal Practice set up under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), with its head office in Sydney and admitted Australian solicitors. Both Legal123 and LawBase are real, licensed law firms, so the choice between them is about model and cost, not legitimacy.
How much does LawBase membership cost?
LawBase membership is $349 per month on the yearly plan, billed as $4,188 per year paid upfront, or $399 per month billed monthly, which totals $4,788 per year. Both plans require a minimum 12-month commitment and exclude GST. Membership includes unlimited 30-minute advice calls (under a fair use policy), two one-hour strategy sessions, and a 15% discount on additional fixed-fee work. By comparison, Legal123 has no subscription and charges $99 for a 30-minute advice call when you need one.
Does LawBase sell legal document templates?
Not as self-serve templates, but yes as packages. LawBase sells fixed-price document packages: the Employment Contracts Package at $1,200, the Website Legal Package at $1,500, and the Shareholders Agreement Package at $3,500, all plus GST, each lawyer-tailored and delivered in 3 to 5 business days with one revision round. What it does not sell is an instant-download template you complete yourself. If you want that, Legal123 sells Australian-law templates from $39.
What is the difference between Legal123 and LawBase?
Both are licensed Australian Incorporated Legal Practices. Legal123 sells individual, lawyer-drafted templates as one-time purchases, plus a $99 30-minute advice call and fixed-fee custom drafting from $275, with no subscription. LawBase sells lawyer-tailored fixed-price document packages (from $1,200 plus GST), bespoke commercial law work on fixed-fee quotes, and a monthly membership from $349 per month. Legal123 is document-first and pay-as-you-need with instant templates; LawBase is service-first, preparing documents and advice for you.
Can I cancel a LawBase membership?
LawBase membership has a minimum 12-month commitment, so it is not a month-to-month arrangement you can cancel at any time; check LawBase’s solicitor-client agreement for the exact terms. Legal123 does not use subscriptions, so there is nothing to cancel: you buy templates or advice only when you need them.
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Browse our full range of legal templates or start with our most popular product, the Website Legal Package (Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Disclaimer for your website).
Not sure which template you need? Contact us before you buy. Our team of Australian lawyers can answer your questions about product suitability and help you choose the right template for your situation. And if you want actual legal advice before deciding, a 30-minute Book-a-Call is $99.
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