Resolving Fees Disputes
Knowledgeable and Effective Northern California Lawyers
Fee disputes can arise between an attorney and client or between associated or successor counsel. Since disputes regarding legal fees can be complicated, you may not be sure of what you can or cannot do. We will review your billing statements and advise you of your rights and options.
At Balin & Kotler, LLP, our lawyers have more than 60 years of combined experience handling complex legal concerns for clients in the Bay Area and throughout California. We are extremely knowledgeable and well-versed regarding matters pertaining to attorneys' fees and fee disputes. If you are involved in a dispute regarding legal fees, contact us online at 415-241-7360 in San Francisco to receive a free initial phone consultation.
Protecting Your Interests Throughout Fee Dispute Proceedings
There are several different paths a fee dispute may take. We can provide skilled legal representation during:
- Mandatory State Bar fee arbitration: Under California law, a client can demand an arbitration hearing before the county's bar association in order to determine whether his or her attorney handled the fees ethically. The results of these hearings can be binding. It is important to hire legal representation that has experience with this type of arbitration.
- Arbitration according to fee agreement: This arbitration option applies when the fee agreement mandates that all fee disputes be subject to mandatory arbitration. You need an attorney who is up-to-date on the current state of the law when arbitrating pursuant to a clause in a fee contract.
- Litigation in the California Superior Court: If your legal fee dispute cannot be resolved during the statutory arbitration process, we will aggressively litigate on your behalf before the California Superior Court. We have extensive trial experience and are fully capable of protecting your interests.
This is a very complicated area of the law that demands the attention of an attorney who thoroughly understands legal ethics and stays informed about changes to the law. Contact us online to discuss your case during a free initial phone consultation.