Attorney's Fees

[Tinky75]

What is the name of your state? Washington

I was looking for an attorney to handle a case for me. I spoke with one who said he could not tell me whether or not he could help unless he took a look at the paperwork regarding the case. I brought the paperwork in to him and it became obvious he could not help me with the case. A month later I receive a bill from him for a consultation fee. A month after that I receive another bill with an additional fee of $200 because he is charging me for the cost of suing me for the original consultation fee. Am I obligated to pay him since he never gave me any advice or performed any services for me?

[las365]

He did perform legal services for you. A consultation is a legal service.

I will say it was foolishness on his part that he didn't charge you the consult fee up front. If it wasn't a free consultation, you should have had to pay on the day you took the paperwork in.

[garrula lingua]

The Washington State Bar has info regarding fee arbitration and complaints re lawyers:

[url]http://www.wsba.org/public/complaints/default1.htm[/url]

The attorney should have made it clear how much the consultation fee was, prior to your meeting.
In my opinion, the fee isn't valid.
Read about fee arbitration on the Bar's website (also check and see if there are any disciplinary actions against the attorney).

Good luck.