It may be a different matter entirely if the client is a one-timer, exhibits a pattern of irresponsibility, or otherwise does not seem to have good cause for late payment. Especially in the case of a long-term attorney-client relationship, try to give enough slack for the client to get back onto the right side of things. If a client is facing a temporary hardship, it may be best to give some leeway. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Lawyers frequently struggle to collect from clients. What happens if a client cannot pay their lawyer/bill? It’s often best to make sure that clients receive hard copies so an email can work, but put an invoice in the mail too, and follow up as necessary. Make sure to inform clients of when they will receive invoices, and deliver them promptly. Make sure to sort out all payment matters before taking on any client, so that you can focus on delivering top-notch counsel. Representation should be untinged by concerns about billing. Attorneys bill clients by the hour (and for smaller intervals thereof). This is the most versatile arrangement, common in a range of different legal spheres. Here, the client pays a set amount, often up front, in exchange for help with the specific matter. That means that attorneys are only paid if they are successful and that clients do not pay for cases that fail.įlat fees are common with short and directed legal matters like divorces or bankruptcies. Popular with plaintiff’s attorneys who bring lawsuits in civil court, contingency fees are taken out of an eventual winning or settlement. Service costs are first deducted from the retainer if this is depleted, then the client will again be billed. In this arrangement, the attorney takes some payment up front, which serves as a down payment for future work. In general, attorneys operate on one of four bases:

Agree on a service arrangementīilling in the legal world is not always cut-and-dry. Like any invoice, this one should also provide complete contact information for both the client and attorney, including full names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Payment due date and penalties for late payment.

The subtotal for all services, taxes due, and total balance due.

Billing rate by service, and the total due for each service provided.

This invoice is a record of work and a formal request for payment. The attorney would track the time spent on various services provided on their client’s behalf whether it would be a contingency case or all fees would need to be paid in advance depending upon the type of case. A lawyer/attorney legal invoice is a document that would be used to bill a client for legal services rendered.

Invoice format word template