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matthewelvey
matthewelvey asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 1 decade ago

Do I have a legal right to a detailed bill from attorneys I hired?

I hired lawyers to prosecute a class action case (in California) and they're refusing to provide time records, etc. Retainer agreement doesn't specify. It doesn't have an arbitration clause.

Update:

Ralph, Rick: thanks. Others: it's class action; I'm the lead plaintiff, but it's on contingency; the attorneys are trying to get a settlement legal fee of almost $2 million approved over my objection, but I don't have a 'bill', per se.

I'll try the AG or bar; I don't want to wait for the fee hearing. The judge (Walker) asked for a detailed accounting months ago, but he hasn't received one either, at least not according to the docket.

Update 2:

Can you point me toward a citeable source for this: "You have the right to a detailed billing from anyone who renders a service to or for you."? State B&P code, I would guess.

4 Answers

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  • rickinnocal
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    If you decline to pay all or any part of their bill, the matter will go to a fee hearing. At that hearing they will be required to justify their charges.

    The California RPC does not specifically require an itemized statement, but the Bar committee's that hear fee disputes will not uphold any fees that the member cannot justify by a detailed breakdown.

    Richard

  • Ralph T
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    You have the right to a detailed billing from anyone who renders a service to or for you.

    You also may have the right to sue for a copy of the time records and charges.

    Check with the state bar association of your state or the attorney general office.

    You can dispute the charges until a detailed billing is produced.

  • keswickian
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I had to use a lawyer for dispute with the government and she gave me a detailed bill for everything she did ,faxed or spent money on.

  • Betsy
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    You are entitled to a detailed bill for ANY bill you are expected to pay.

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