Such discussion will often eliminate or lead to a solution of the problem. Fee disputes generally are handled by a separate Bar procedure since they usually do not involve questions of ethics or professional conduct. The appropriate Committee is the Resolution of Fee Dispute Committee. Most fee disputes result from a lack of understanding by the client of the basis for the charges and of what goes into the charges for a lawyer's services. The lawyer may be at fault because of a failure to make the client aware of what is involved.
Clients are often reluctant or embarrassed to discuss fees with their lawyers.
They should not be. Under the Rules, the lawyer has an obligation to discuss fees with the client. When the client and the lawyer are unable to reach an understanding and there is a controversy over fees, the matter, like any other dispute over the value of goods or services, may be resolved in a court of law. However, if there is a dispute over fees in addition of unprofessional conduct, a petition may be filed with the Bar. The Resolution of Fee Dispute Committee will handle this type of dispute.