Q: Can Maryland lawyers charge without a contract or written agreement?
My mother requested a legal letter from a Baltimore law firm in 2020 but failed to make a personal copy. She called them again last month to request a reprinted digital copy with letterhead and also to inquire about legal advice for expungement. We got the pdf letter and another lawyer shared an email with the expungement form we needed, requesting a follow up consultation. We were shocked at the bill since pricing was not communicated ahead of time and there was no contract or agreement. What options does she have to contest or reduce the bill?
A: They should not charge in this situation unless the fee agreement from when they were previously hired could be considered to cover the recent consultation.
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