Legal Question in Business Law in California

Firm disputes portion of consultant bill and will not pay portion not in dispute

A client on a recent project is disputing the amount of hours that I billed. They agree that they owe me some money for the contract, but not the entire amount. They say that they will not even pay me the amount that they owe me unless I sign a waiver of my rights for the portion of the bill that is in dispute. Is this legal? Are there any punitive that can be levied against this firm?


Asked on 3/14/02, 2:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: Firm disputes portion of consultant bill and will not pay portion not in dis

Not "legal" probably not punitive, would have to sue him on the agreement.

J. Selik

www.4thelaw.com

1-800-894-2889

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Answered on 3/14/02, 2:52 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Firm disputes portion of consultant bill and will not pay portion not in dis

Contract law doesn't usually resort to terms as dire as 'legal' and 'illegal' to describe the propriety of actions taken by parties to influence negotiations. The action of withholding part payment is not usually punishable but may result in additional compensatory damages.

It is hard to give you specific advice without knowing the disputed and undisputed amounts, the strength of your evidence as to the correct billable hours, contract terms including arbitration and attorney fee clauses (if any), your need for cash versus desire to get the full amount, your long-term relationship with the client, and on and on.

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Answered on 3/25/02, 6:11 pm


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