Re: Lawyers collecting debts owed

Posted by ValleyLady (152.163.253.37) on June 18, 2003 at 22:30:51:

In Reply to: Lawyers collecting debts owed posted by Pat on June 17, 2003 at 11:30:02:

My significant other is a solo attorney, and yes, this is a big problem. (Why else would I be here all the time attempting to fix OUR credit problems) What I have learned is #1: Get a signed fee agreement ALWAYS. #2 Get a large enough retainer to cover the first 3 months of expenses related to the case. If they won't pay that amount don't take the case, your going to get stiffed on your fees. #3 Keep up to date, accurate billing records, and send them monthly, even if the client has another arrangement, that way they see how much they are racking up with every silly phone call. #4 Keep those Withdrawal of Appearance forms handy, if they don't pay, cut your losses. It will also have the effect of warning other lawyers about a non-paying client; when they check the docket entries and see a few Withdrawal of Appearances, it's a red flag. #5 Sue. Here in PA this is fairly easy if you keep accurate records and your fee agreement is very clear. The client can make an issue of it if they want, and it will then go to the fee dispute committee of the county bar association. Again, accurate billing is the key. NEVER take a criminal case without cash upfront, no checks, no sob stories.
This is where my SO went wrong; he would feel sorry for people and do the work for them, but once their legal problem was resolved, they would forget all about him. Never mind that he has rent to pay and a family to feed too. But they didn't mind calling at all hours of the day and night including Christmas Day. If all of his clients had paid their legal fees they rang up (one of them owes around $35K) we would not be in the financial trouble we are in.
Best to All,
ValleyLady

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