how can i get my money back from an attorney

How to Demand a Refund From an Attorney

• The Lawyer-Client Agreement Controls. It is important to read and understand the fee agreement that you sign with your attorney before he begins working on your behalf.
• Contingency Agreements. ...
• Hourly Fee Contract. ...
• Bar Association Assistance. ...

Full Answer

Can I get my money back from my lawyer?

Jun 19, 2020 · There is no guarantee that you can get your money back from a lawyer. However, if your attorney has wrongfully kept some or all of your retainer or financial settlement, your state bar association might be able to help. The more work you are willing to do, the more likely you are to shake loose your money from your attorney’s possession.

Can I get a refund if my lawyer quits?

Often, the attorney asks that you pay a sum upfront, which goes into his trust fund and from which he can draw what is due in hourly fees as they are incurred. This is called a retainer. If you fire a lawyer to whom you have paid a retainer, you are entitled to a refund of whatever money remains of the retainer after the lawyer is paid for his services up through the time you fired him.

Can I fire my lawyer and get my money back?

You certainly can speak with your attorney and explain how you feel. If the attorney is not sympathetic or unable to represent you then perhaps you can work out an arrangement for a refund and be able to obtain substitute counsel.

What should I do if my attorney refuses to return my fees?

If they still won't bend than report them to the Board of Responsibilities which will cause them some headaches. After that file a civil suit stating your cause You can get your money back. The lawyer has to show where your money went such as billing per hour, court appearances. They probably didn't even register as your attorney

What to do if you disagree with your attorney?

Bar Association Assistance. If you and your former attorney disagree on the amount of refund you are due, you can usually get help. State and local agencies that regulate attorney conduct in each state, called bar associations, often offer fee arbitration services.

What happens if you lose a contingency agreement?

In a contingency arrangement, you pay no fees up front, and if you lose, you owe your attorney nothing. If you win, however, the attorney retains a set percentage as his fee. Since you do not give the lawyer any money up front, you cannot demand a refund if you fire the attorney before trial. On the other hand, if you replace him with another attorney and continue the litigation, he may and probably will claim part of any attorney fees won by your new counsel.

Why is it important to read the fee agreement?

It is important to read and understand the fee agreement that you sign with your attorney before he begins working on your behalf. You'll also need to read it when you are ending the relationship. It holds the key to determining whether your lawyer owes you money.

2 attorney answers

You are obviously overwrought, however, remember, this too will pass with time. Since you don't say what you're charged with, its difficult to help you. However, first, you CAN get your money back from an attorney who hasn't yet done anything on your case. However, I suspect you will find that he/she has done more than you...

Jonathan H Levy

You certainly can speak with your attorney and explain how you feel. If the attorney is not sympathetic or unable to represent you then perhaps you can work out an arrangement for a refund and be able to obtain substitute counsel.

How long does it take to get an accounting of a case?

It’s reasonable to expect an accounting of the financial side of your case within 30 days of the end of the attorney-client relationship, so if you don’t have it by then, ask your attorney for a detailed accounting, and make sure to put the request in writing.

What to do if you disagree with a final accounting?

If you disagree with the final accounting, and especially if you think you’re owed a refund, you should first contact the attorney, explain why you think you were overcharged, and attempt to amicably resolve the dispute. Again, be sure to document the details of any dispute or demand in writing, whether as part of a letter to your attorney, or as a “memorandum” to yourself.

What is representation fee?

All states adhere to the following principle where this aspect of the attorney-client relationship is concerned: Representation fees paid to a lawyer in advance (whether that money is described as a retainer, a deposit, or something else) belong to the client until the lawyer actually does the work to earn the money.