Lawyer in CA is taking more in fees than invoice

[Lawyerwantsextrafees]

What is the name of your state?
CA

Hello,

Just joined this forum after settling my lemon law case. The lawyer took my case on contingency and charges a 10% fee on assets plus legal fees. It has just concluded and I got my settlement check in the mail a few days ago. On my settlement agreement, I was paid for a full refund of the vehicle plus $15000 in legal fees. The invoice for the legal fees was around $12500. When I contacted my lawyer, he said that $15000 was a “reasonable” amount of money spent on the case and that they could apply a multiplyer on my case to have legal fees equal $15000. What I am wondering is if it’s advisible to take them to small claims court to recover the money over the price of invoice for my case?

Thanks for reading.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state?
CA

Hello,

Just joined this forum after settling my lemon law case. The lawyer took my case on contingency and charges a 10% fee on assets plus legal fees. It has just concluded and I got my settlement check in the mail a few days ago. On my settlement agreement, I was paid for a full refund of the vehicle plus $15000 in legal fees. The invoice for the legal fees was around $12500. When I contacted my lawyer, he said that $15000 was a “reasonable” amount of money spent on the case and that they could apply a multiplyer on my case to have legal fees equal $15000. What I am wondering is if it’s advisible to take them to small claims court to recover the money over the price of invoice for my case?

Thanks for reading.

You want the extra $2500 from the $15,000? I think it fair to demand it of your attorney, if the attorney fees in your case only equal $12,500.

I suggest before thinking of suing, you ask your attorney to explain why he deserves more than his invoice shows he deserves.

 

[LdiJ]

You want the extra $2500 from the $15,000? I think it fair to demand it of your attorney, if the attorney fees in your case only equal $12,500.

I suggest before thinking of suing, you ask your attorney to explain why he deserves more than his invoice shows he deserves.

The state BAR Association should have a fee dispute section. I suggest talking to those people.

 

[quincy]

The state BAR Association should have a fee dispute section. I suggest talking to those people.

If nothing comes from a face-to-face meeting with the attorney, that could be the next step - although it would be through the local Bar Association (if there is one) rather than the State Bar.

 

[Lawyerwantsextrafees]

Would sending a letter be sufficient? My attorney works about 2 hours from where I live.

 

[quincy]

Would sending a letter be sufficient? My attorney works about 2 hours from where I live.

A letter should work. I suggest you send your letter certified mail, return receipt requested.

Here is a link to the California Bar with information on "Lawyer Fee Disputes:"
http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Free-Legal-Information/Legal-Guides/Lawyer-Fee-Dispute