(1)  A law practice that has given a bill in accordance with Division 6 (Billing) may apply to a costs assessor for an assessment of the whole or any part of the legal costs to which the bill relates.

(2)  If any legal costs have been paid without a bill, the law practice may nevertheless apply for a costs assessment.

(3)  An application for a costs assessment may be made even if the legal costs have been wholly or partly paid.

(4)  An application may not be made under this section unless at least 30 days have passed since –

(a) the bill was given or the request for payment was made; or

(b) the costs were paid, if neither a bill was given nor a request was made; or

(c) an application has been made under this Division by another person in respect of the legal costs.