If there is an initial determination that the grievance comes under this office's jurisdiction, an investigation will be commenced. If the grievance does not allege potential misconduct, you may be referred to another agency. In some cases they do, however, and in those cases where the attorney is found to have acted unethically, discipline will result. Most fee disputes result from a lack of understanding by the client on the basis for the fee and the factors that go into the charge made by a lawyer for services. The lawyer is often at fault because he or she fails to make the client aware of what is involved.
Clients are often reluctant or embarrassed to discuss fees with their lawyer.
They should not be, and such discussion is encouraged. Where the lawyer and client are not able to reach an understanding in a dispute over fees, the matter, like any other dispute over the value of services, may be resolved by court action. The State Bar of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Bar Association also operate fee arbitration committees. These committees have established procedures that frequently lead to a resolution of the dispute. They will send information explaining their procedures.