Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Michigan

Attorney Fee Agreements

I hired an attorney and we agreed verbally on a fee. I paid fee that day. No contract was signed. He is now sueing me for ''incurred attorney fees''. Can he do this? Is there any Michigan law governing attorney/client fee agreements and not having one. Where can I find such law?

Thank you


Asked on 2/15/06, 12:25 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Attorney Fee Agreements

The only fee agreements governed by a rule involve fees in personal injury actions. Those fees are governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.121. Otherwise, there are no set rules. It will be your word against his. If you feel that he is jamming you, then fight the case. William S. Stern

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Answered on 2/15/06, 7:12 am
Rochelle Guznack Law Offices of Rochelle E. Guznack, PLLC

Re: Attorney Fee Agreements

Absent a contingent fee agreement (the type used in a personal injury case), there are two ways to retain an attorney: Hourly or flat fee. If you paid an attorney a flat fee for legal work, then you should not owe more money unless there are unusual circumstances. On the other hand, if he or she was charging by the hour, then you may still owe money which includes the hourly fee and any costs advanced by the attorney. You may also owe the attorney for costs incurred or advanced even in a flat fee case.

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Answered on 2/15/06, 8:34 am


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