Pay Their Bill
It is not necessarily professional misconduct to:
- inform a client of the cost of pursuing a matter – for example, explaining to the client that legal fees will increase if a matter goes to trial.
- explain to a client the consequences of not paying their bill – for example, the lawyer or limited licensee may tell the client that they will withdraw or not complete further work if a bill is not paid.
However, it may be professional misconduct if the lawyer or limited licensee:
- tries to change the previously-agreed terms of your fee arrangement right before a trial.
- threatens to withdraw without payment of further funds when a trial is too close to provide reasonable notice (see the Won’t Take My Matter or Fired Me as Client pathway for more information).
If you believe the conduct of the lawyer or limited licensee was unprofessional, submit a complaint.
Common Questions
See the File Transfer pathway for more information.
See the Changes To or Information About My Bill pathway for more information.