how to obtain a refund from a fired attorney

by Ms. Lura Glover 4 min read

You may want to get a refund from your attorney. In this case, you must write a letter. Here is a sample letter format that you can send your lawyer to break up the relationship with him and make a request to refund your retainer fee.

Full Answer

How do I get a refund from my attorney?

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. Once you fire him, he must prepare and give you a written accounting of the funds and a refund check.

Can I fire my lawyer and get my money back?

Apr 09, 2015 · If the work is not performed -- regardless of the reason for non-performance -- then the lawyer owes the client a refund. That means whether you fire your attorney, or your attorney quits, you may be entitled to a refund for any paid-for services not yet rendered. (Learn more about When an Attorney Must -- or May -- Withdraw Mid-Case.)

How to get a retainer fee refund from a lawyer?

Jul 29, 2009 · If it was a refundable retainer that was an advance, sort of security deposit for fees for specific services that didn't get incurred, then yes, you should get a refund. If your fee agreement says the lawyer charges an hourly rate to be billed against the retainer, that's a conclusive indicator that the payment is an advance payment or a security deposit that is …

How do I Fire my attorney?

Name of your Attorney… Full Address of attorney… Subject: Requesting to refund retainer fee. Dear sir, I, (Your name here), became a client for you on [Write the date of meeting/agreement here). I have paid retainer fee. Still, now no action is taken from your end to resolve my issue, (Write the exact issue here).

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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.

Pamela Koslyn

It depends, what does your fee agreement say about those fees? If it was a refundable retainer that was an advance, sort of security deposit for fees for specific services that didn't get incurred, then yes, you should get a refund.

Robert Lee Marshall

In addition to my colleague's answer, your attorney is entitled to fair compensation for the services performed. If you paid five thousand dollars and the attorney put in ten hours of work valued at $300 per hour, you'd be entitled to get back two thousand...

When and Why to Fire Your Attorney

In most cases, clients have the ability to fire their attorneys at will. But you should not fire your attorney before giving careful thought to the timing and your reasons for doing so. Consider other possible solutions and the possible ramifications. Before taking any action, ask yourself these questions:

Steps to Take to End Your Lawyer's Representation of Your Case

Once you've definitely decided to change attorneys, there are still a few things you should do before notifying him or her of the change.

What is retainer fee and why you need to write a letter to get refund

Retainer fee is the fee you paid for your attorney who is typically a lawyer. What if you have paid fee to your lawyer who did not serve the purpose ? You may want to get a refund from your attorney. In this case, you must write a letter .

Sample Letter format to request retainer fee refund

I, _________ (Your name here), became a client for you on _________ [Write the date of meeting / agreement here). I have paid retainer fee. Still now no action is taken from your end to resolve my issue, __________ (Write the exact issue here). Now I want to close this client agreement and don't require your service in this matter.

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