Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

What is the process of an attorney suing a former client for unpaid legal fees?


Asked on 4/20/11, 3:07 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

1. Attorney files lawsuit against client for allegedly unpaid legal fees.

2. Client retains another attorney and files cross-complaint against attorney #1 for malpractice.

Or, at client's option,

2. Client files with county bar association for fee arbitration under state bar rules, the results of which are binding on the attorney but not on the client.

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Answered on 4/20/11, 3:13 pm
Roy Hoffman Law Offices of Roy A. Hoffman

Before attorney can sue client, attorney must give client a Notice of Client's Right to Arbitration, then, 30-days later, attorney files lawsuit. The Notice of Client's Right to Arbitration must be a form approved by a local bar association, or the State Bar of California.

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Answered on 4/20/11, 4:30 pm
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

Mr. Hoffman is correct.

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Answered on 4/22/11, 7:12 pm


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