Law Office Dispute
Part 1
Westlaw provides an online platform to offer legal research and advice to clients at a fee. However, legal conflict and cases have risen on issues of payment. Law firms pursue legal actions against the client for payment. The case of Barnes and Thornburg v. The LIT Group is a perfect example of a law firm taking legal action against a client on lack of payment. The LIT Group was sued by Barnes and Thornburg legal firm in Los Angeles Superior Court on December 6, 2016. The complainant alleged that their firm had not being paid an excess of $300,000 for legal services offered.
Steps were taken against a client that fails to make payment
A law firm needs to follow a defined process in claiming for legal fees not paid. First, the firm needs to determine the damages and likelihood of recovery. This step enables the firm to determine the worthiness claim (Cummmisford, 2001). Consequently, the law firm makes the demand formal by writing a formal demand letter including all details of the fees not claimed. Furthermore, the law firm files a lawsuit to seek pre-judgment relief. This step entails filling and serving a complainant in court. Moreover, the law firm obtains and enforces the judgment. The judgment gives the way to the collection of money owed.
Part 2
Thoughts on “Attorney Fee Dispute Assistance” program
The Attorney Fee Dispute Assistance (AFDA) presents a platform to address legal fees dispute existing between an Attorney and a client. The AFDA is impartial as it considers both sides of the Attorney and client with equality and fairness in deciding the disputes. The arbitrations by the AFDA gives just recommendation to ensure that the attorney charges a fair amount and the client is not overcharged.
References
Cummisford, M. R. (2001). Resolving Fee Disputes and Legal Malpractice Claims Using ADR. Marq. L. Rev., 85, 97
