Legal Question in Business Law in Montana

Is it legal for an attorney office to bill me for some email conversations even though a written letter of engagement was never signed or discussed?

Here's the short background:

This one attorney office contacted me first regarding a potential liquor license for sale. I replied to their email with several follow ups and ended the discussion telling them that I was going to take care of all the paperwork myself and not use their services. They sent a bill for the email correspondence.

Their website has a disclaimer saying " emails don't create attorney client relationship and written confirmation or signed letter of engagement is needed"

Am I correct?


Asked on 8/11/10, 9:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

Any attorney will say, from the facts you relate, you are correct. The attorney is the one contacting you, and an engagement letter was never signed. You should reply to the bill and dispute it. If they persist, report them to the Montana State Bar, which regulates attorney conduct. Consult with a good business attorney in your area for specific advice.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

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Answered on 8/17/10, 7:11 am


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