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what constitutes a "retainer"

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annegg

Member
What is the name of your state? California


What events between an attorney and a prospective client must take place for an attorney to be considered "Retained" by the prospective client ?

Our attorney is supposed to be paid by a legal referral company that we pay into monthly for certain basic legal services. Above these basic services (phone consult, letter) if we "need to retain" the attorney we work that out with them but are assured a discount rate.
Service fees were never discussed between the attorney and ourselves at any point prior to services over a 3 month time period.
We have received a bill for services anyway. He claims we did retain him when we asked him to perform a service (,that according to our referral company, he was already authorized to and paid to perform under our contract,) so after we asked for this he could start charging us.
In addition, he claims he made over 2 dozen phone calls on our behalf and says we need to come up with a phone log to contest his claim or pay him.
 
Last edited:


moburkes

Senior Member
You worked with him for 3 months, but you don't believe that you hired him? Huh? Those prepaid legal services provide very limited access to any attorney. They do, however, as you stated, give discounts. Why don't you want to pay him for services rendered?
 

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