Q: Can my attorney charge me to go over his invoices if I have questions in regards to the fees?

A: No. That's part of his job. Refuse to sign the settlement breakdown until you have the information necessary to agree that it is true.

A: In general, attorneys can charge for time spent on activities related to your case, which may include reviewing and explaining invoices if it's part of their time and expertise. However, it’s also common practice for many attorneys to address reasonable billing questions as a courtesy, especially if it's a matter of clarification.

If your attorney is charging for these discussions, you could review your initial fee agreement to see if it specifies whether time spent discussing invoices is billable. If not, it may be worthwhile to address this concern directly with them to establish expectations around billing inquiries.

For a second opinion or to discuss your options, you might consider reaching out to experienced legal firms like HHJ Trial Attorneys, who could provide additional guidance on how these billing practices align with standard practices. They may also be able to help you understand your rights and what reasonable billing transparency looks like in attorney-client relationships.

A: You have the right to understand and question the fees your attorney charges. In California, attorneys are expected to keep clients informed about costs and to communicate openly about billing matters. Discussing invoices should generally be part of the service provided without incurring additional charges.

However, some attorneys may include provisions in their fee agreements that allow them to bill for time spent on client communications, including discussing invoices. It's important to review your fee agreement to see if it specifies that such discussions are billable. If the agreement permits it, the attorney may legally charge you for that time.

If you're concerned about these charges or feel they weren't clearly outlined, consider addressing the issue directly with your attorney. Open communication can often resolve misunderstandings about fees. If the problem persists, you might reach out to the State Bar of California for guidance or explore other options to protect your interests.