Deciding whether to sue a client for unpaid fees and expenses requires a careful and in-depth analysis of the risks and benefits of bringing such a claim. Attorneys should be wary of the risk of a malpractice counterclaim, as well as the financial risks associated with a collection suit.
How to Collect Court-Awarded Attorney Fees Step 1: Understand Your Judgment. Step 2: Locate the Debtor and Their Assets. Step 3: Determine the Best Method of Collection. Step 4: Initiate the Collection Process. Step 5: Enforce the Collection. Step 6: Address Any Challenges. Step 7: Complete the Collection and Close the Case.
To recover unpaid awarded attorney fees in California, you may need to file a motion with the court to enforce the judgment or order for attorney fees. This typically involves completing and filing a Request for Order form, specifically requesting enforcement of the attorney fees award.
If your lawyer charges you more than the expected litigation costs for your area, then they are overcharging you. This could include expert witness fees, deposition costs, court reporter fees, and miscellaneous expenses.
The American Rule California follows the “American Rule” when it comes to attorney's fees. This means that both parties in a lawsuit are responsible for paying their own attorney's bills.
Sheikhpour, the California Court of Appeal addressed, and resolved, an issue that may seem self-evident: an attorney cannot sue his or her own current clients, and a client cannot waive actual conflicts in that circumstance.