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Can a lawyer force you to pay if he never discussed fees and if you never gave him authorization to work on your behalf?

Asked over 2 years ago - Chicago, IL

Ethics

I had a consultation with a lawyer, and fees were never discussed, I never signed anything, nor did I give him any permission to work on my behalf. He made multiple lengthy phone calls to other professionals (ones he referred me to) and charged me for it. Can he legally force me to pay these charges?

Additional information
We never once talked about fees. He sent me one bill over 2 years ago, with just the total on it. I thought it might be a mistake, since when would an hour and a half "free" consultation cost more than $1000? I am actually being summoned to court because of lack of payment.

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Attorney answers (2)

Elizabeth S Conan

Reputation Level 9

Answered over 2 years ago. Ethics / Professional Responsibility Lawyer in Orlando, FL.

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Did you respond to an advertisement for a free consultation? It sounds like you need to contact the attorney and ask him to clarify the basis of his charges, if you never gave him authority to do any work on your behalf nor signed any fee agreement. It sounds like a misunderstanding.

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Jonathan H Levy

Reputation Level 19

Answered over 2 years ago. International Law Attorney in Washington, DC.

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Consultations are usually free unless fees are discussed at some point. However, I can't tell what actually happened, so my colleague's advice is sound, ask the lawyer to explain the fee. He may just drop it.

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