Attorney Fee Disputes

When a lawyer’s invoice doesn’t match the work you expected—or the promises you were given—the frustration runs deeper than dollars and cents. You hired counsel to solve problems with integrity and precision; instead, you’re staring at charges that feel opaque, inflated, or simply wrong. That disconnect isn’t just financial. It’s a breach of trust that leaves capable professionals feeling blindsided and boxed in: pay a bill that doesn’t add up, or take on another legal battle you never wanted. At McGonigle Law, we step into that gap. With over 40 years of litigation and fee-dispute experience in Los Angeles and across California, we bring clarity, leverage, and a steady hand to resolve billing conflicts—quietly when possible, aggressively when necessary. 

Fee disputes often surface after months of mounting invoices, shifting strategies, or uneven communication. Clients see vague line items, surprise surcharges, or hours that don’t square with actual progress. Sometimes the problem is more fundamental: a contingency agreement that morphed into hourly work, a retainer drained without notice, or “administrative” fees that were never part of the deal. Whatever the cause, our job is to convert confusion into facts: what the engagement letter says, what work was performed, what the market regards as reasonable, and where the billing records fall short of professional standards. 

At their core, fee disputes are about accountability. California’s ethics rules require fees to be fair and reasonable under the circumstances; billing must track real work, reflect agreed-upon rates, and be communicated plainly. When a bill violates those principles—through padding, opacity, or misrepresentation—clients have the right to challenge it. We start by auditing the engagement agreement and complete billing history, aligning time entries with case events, filings, and results. Then we quantify what was reasonable, what was not, and what a fair adjustment looks like. In many matters, a strong, well-documented demand is enough to prompt meaningful reductions or refunds. When it isn’t, we’re prepared to arbitrate, mediate, or litigate. 

Common Triggers We See in Fee Disputes 

• Undisclosed or shifting fee structures (hourly vs. contingency, hybrid arrangements, or changed rates mid-matter). 

• Block billing and vague entries that hide who did what, for how long, and why. 

• Overstaffing and “learning curve” charges passed to the client without consent or benefit. 

• Duplicate or administrative charges (clerical tasks billed as attorney time; unexplained “processing” fees). 

• Unapproved costs and vendors (experts, e-discovery, travel) added after the fact. 

You’ve worked hard to earn your position, your reputation, and your resources. You shouldn’t have to accept a bill simply because it arrived on letterhead. Our approach is deliberately practical: de-escalate where we can, document relentlessly, and push for resolution that makes economic sense. If candid negotiation fails, we pursue fee arbitration or court remedies with the same trial-ready focus that defines our malpractice and business litigation practice. 

Stand Up for Fair and Transparent Legal Fees 

Unexpected or unfair legal fees can derail budgets and erode confidence—especially when they arrive at the end of a difficult matter. Professionals come to us because they want this handled efficiently, discreetly, and correctly. We translate billing jargon into plain English, isolate the gaps between value and charges, and insist on transparency. Our clients regain control: they know what they agreed to, what they received, and what they should (and should not) pay. 

What Are Fee Disputes? 

A fee dispute is any conflict between client and counsel over what is owed, why it is owed, or whether the amount is reasonable. Sometimes the disagreement is narrow—a single invoice that ballooned. Sometimes it’s systemic—months of block billing, unexplained rate increases, or hours that outpace results. We do the detailed work: cross-referencing time entries with pleadings, hearing dates, discovery activity, and settlement milestones to evaluate whether charges reflect actual, necessary legal work. 

California’s professional rules prohibit unreasonable or unconscionable fees and require clear communication about rates, scope, and costs. Many disputes can be resolved by applying those standards to the paper trail. Where a firm’s practices stray—poor supervision, vague staffing, or fees untethered to results—we build a record that supports reductions, reimbursement, or fee forfeiture. 

Understanding Unfair Billing—and Your Protections 

You’re entitled to a written engagement that explains how you’ll be charged, periodic bills that make sense, and timely notice when strategy or scope changes the cost profile. If those basics are missing, you’re not overreacting—you’re exercising your rights. We routinely guide clients through fee arbitration programs, private mediation, or direct negotiation, selecting the forum that fits the dispute’s size, sensitivity, and urgency. Our aim is practical justice: restore fairness without creating a second litigation headache. 

How to Recognize an Unfair Legal Fee 

• Sparse or generic descriptions (“legal services rendered”) instead of task-specific entries. 

• Surprise add-ons (research platforms, postage, “admin fees”) never disclosed up front. 

• Double-billing or recycled work (the same task billed twice; prior work copied at full freight). 

• Senior-rate charges for junior tasks (routine filings, scheduling, or clerical work at attorney rates). 

• Rate increases mid-matter without written consent or updated engagement terms. 

Spotting red flags is the first step; proving them is the next. We assemble the evidence—engagement letters, invoices, emails, drafts, docket activity—and compare it to accepted billing norms. Then we press for accountability, drawing a straight line from the agreement you signed to the bill you received. 

Why Professionals Need a Fee Dispute Lawyer 

Time is your scarcest resource. Fee fights consume it—unless you put the problem in experienced hands. We remove the burden by managing all communications, setting firm deadlines, and presenting a documented proposal for resolution. If opposing counsel won’t engage in good faith, we escalate strategically, mindful of cost-benefit at every turn. Our clients value that balance: decisive when needed, discreet when that protects relationships or ongoing matters. 

Our Approach to Resolution 

We begin with a comprehensive review and a candid assessment of likely outcomes. If a negotiated reduction or refund is achievable, we pursue it swiftly. If arbitration or litigation is the right path, we leverage four decades of advocacy to position your case for success. Throughout, you’ll have clear updates, practical options, and a firm grip on the economics. The goal is simple: you pay for the value you received—nothing more. 

Take Control of Your Financial Future 

Unfair legal fees should never be the hidden cost of seeking justice. If you’re staring at a bill that doesn’t add up, you don’t have to choose between overpaying and starting a war. There’s a middle path—one grounded in facts, ethics, and leverage. Call (800) 713-5260 or contact McGonigle Law for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your invoices, your agreement, and your options—and move decisively to protect your rights and your bottom line.