A few months ago I was considering hiring a lawyer for a personal matter, and I started searching for one. I spoke to one with the understanding I wasn't ready to hire one yet, but he offered to chat with me anyway so he could learn more about what i needed. I assumed he would try to sell me on his services and offer some generalized advice. He did both. We spoke for about 1 hour. He gave me some his opinions and some things to consider. For various reasons, I decided not to work with him for now. He called me to follow-up last week and started giving me his opinions again. I told him I wasn't going to hire him now. He then sent me a bill for $340 for his time. I have no agreement with him. I never signed a contract. We never even discussed hourly fees. Am I required to pay this? If not, how do I handle it? I realize he gave me some of his time and some input, but that's a lot of money for some advice I didn't specifically ask for or agree to.
2006-09-24 15:57:09 · 4 answers · asked by UpFromHere 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Unless you had an express agreement (written or oral) that the first consultation was without charge, you have to pay the bill. A free initial consultation is common practice but it is always done with that express understanding.
2006-09-24 16:24:05 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore him. He sounds like a jerk...ok a lawyer.
You must first sign a retainer agreement before they can start billing you.
$340 for an hour consultation is crazy! Very few lawyers charge more then $200 unless he's a very specific field with tons of experience.
Contact the local bar association where you live and file a complaint if he continues to bother you.
2006-09-25 10:45:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
No contract signed. No requirement to pay.
2006-09-24 23:05:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait and talk to him
2006-09-24 23:00:54 · answer #4 · answered by netnew 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋