Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California
Legal fees
What is the law regarding a lawyer providing a monthly statement listing his costs?
I retained an attorney 11 months ago and have only received 1 statement at the first of the year. The money was supposedly put into a trust account to be drawn upon as needed for the case. He has asked for more money as the case proceeded and the case has been over for a couple of months. I have nothing that shows what he did, or why it cost so much. Even if he sends a final statement, how do I know it is true.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Legal fees
There is no actual law, but the State Bar regulates attorneys, and does not like to hear "stories" such as yours.
I would contact the State Bar of California, either by toll free phone call, or by the website, and register a complaint against the attorney.
He has probably charged you an hourly rate, and you should have signed a retainer agreement, and should (hopefully) have retained a copy of that. He should have drawn his fees from the trust fund as earned.
The State Bar will investigate, and help you reach a satisfactory conclusion.
E-mail, or call, if you need more.
Good luck!
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