Full Answer
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.
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.)
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 …
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).
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.
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.
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.
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...
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:
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.
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 .
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.