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Can my attorney withhold my judgment money in lieu of professional fees
Downey, CA
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Posted 11 months ago in Ethics / Professional Responsibility
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Attorney's ethics:
Can my attorney withhold my judgement monies in lieu of professional fees?
I dispute my attorney’s fees because he overcharged me. He failed to provide a detailed schedule of his and office work research. Overcharged for office visits and travel time. He had two appointments at the same courthouse for two different customers and he is charging me for the whole day in court. We had a small judgment in our favor and he is retaining the monies and wants to keep it all. - Is this your question? Add additional information Answers (3)
Gerald Gould Knapton
This attorney is licensed in California.
Posted 9 months ago.
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Question: Can my attorney withhold my judgement monies in lieu of professional fees?
Answer: The judgment is your money, although the attorney may have a lien against the judgment. Did you sign a document with a lien provision? Does it comply with the Fletcher v. Davis requirements for liens? Question on the other issues relating to the charges: Answer: You should consider filing a petition for arbitration of the fee dispute. Look at the web site www.LACBA.org If you are short on cash you can ask for a fee waiver from the Los Angeles County Bar Association. If the lawyer sent you a document titled "Notice of Client's Right To Arbitrate" be aware that you have only 30 days from the date you receive this to ask for fee arbitration. This is a good program that will help you sort out these problems. Good luck! 
Jonathan H Levy
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