Billing Dispute With Attorney

Summary

Attorney may be overstepping the agreement by billing for hourly fees without it being specified. Discuss the issue with the attorney and consider reaching out to their law firm for assistance.

Full Conversation

I have a lawyer on a lawsuit case and its on a contigency base but i would pay out of pocket expenses like.filing fees n what not and now he trying to bill me for * dollars saying he has worked about * hoirs on the case at * an hour
Did you sign a written agreement with your lawyer outlining the terms of payment and services?
Ya doesnt say anything about paying him hourly
What does the agreement specifically state about the payment terms? It's important to understand the exact language to determine if the lawyer is acting within the agreement's boundaries.
Client shall pay attormey for all expenses exaples are filing fees sheriff costs etc. We have paid sheriff n filing fee already. Also contingent fee in the event no recovery is made attorney shall recieve no fee for services perfromed under contract however attorney should be reimbursed for his expenses .. but he hasnt done anything but one deposition
What state are you located in? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding your legal issue.
Nebraska
What is the exact wording in the agreement regarding the attorney's expenses? In Nebraska, attorneys can charge for their time as an expense, but it should be clearly stated in the agreement.
Client shall pay attorney for all expenses (examples of which are: telephone calls, travel, photocopies, securing recirs or documents, photographs, hospital records, medical reports, medical examinations, court costs, deposition, expert witness fees, sheriff costs, filing fees, and all other expenses incurred by attorney on behalf of client. Client shall advance additional expense money from time to time as well requested by attorney to pay expenses already incurred or anticipated expenses. Any unpaid expenses may be billed periodically by attorney and shall be oaid by client upon billing.
Does the agreement specify that the attorney's hourly rate is considered an "expense"?
No only only says hourly if we terminate him
What is the exact wording in the agreement regarding termination and hourly fees?
If client terminates attorneys employment before conclusion of the case or should terminate the case on clients own decision to do so, then client shall pay attorney fee based on attorneys hourly fee of * per hour for all work labor and services performed on the case before termination
Did you terminate the attorney's services or is the case still ongoing?
Ongoing
Based on the information provided, it seems your attorney might be overstepping the agreement. Have you discussed this issue with him directly?
Has not returned my email yet or call
What is the name of the law firm your attorney is associated with? It might be helpful to reach out to them directly regarding this issue.
McDermott wolf