In an extraordinary case of legal billing misconduct, Sydney solicitor Keith Redenbach has been compelled by the New South Wales Supreme Court to reimburse millions to Broken Hill City Council after submitting invoices for physically impossible working hours, including multiple 36-hour workdays.
Justice Elisabeth Peden delivered a scathing verdict against Mr. Redenbach, formerly of Norton Rose Fulbright and currently operating Redenbach Legal, finding him personally liable for systematic overcharging during his representation of the council in litigation concerning the Broken Hill Civic Centre from December 2017 through January 2023.
The court uncovered six separate instances where Redenbach billed for more than 24 hours within a single day, including a remarkable three-day period in May 2019 where he claimed to have worked 103 hours. Most astonishing was an invoice submitted for a 36-hour continuous work period, defying biological limitations.
Compounding the fraudulent billing practices, Redenbach’s firm repeatedly increased hourly rates without council authorization—escalating from $390 to $480 per hour, eventually reaching $750 per hour. These excessive charges ballooned legal costs to approximately $10 million for litigation that ultimately settled for just $1.5 million.
When confronted during cross-examination, Redenbach offered implausible explanations including ‘operator errors’ with handwritten timesheets and alleged ‘time zone issues’ during international travel. He further attempted to justify his actions by referencing personal circumstances, including hospitalization and the death of his dog.
Justice Peden dismissed these explanations as inadequate, ordering Redenbach to personally restore $1.5 million to the council from his private funds, with his legal firms liable for an additional $750,000. The council was awarded a further $504,698 in compensation due to misleading fee estimates provided by Redenbach’s firm.
The ruling establishes significant precedent regarding legal billing transparency and accountability, particularly concerning public bodies engaging external legal counsel.