Suing a client for non-payment of legal fees can, and often does,result in a counterclaim for malpractice.

   Try to avoid fee disputes by reaching an agreement prior to rendering services.  Your agreement should be documented in a letter to the client, along with your proposed billing method. Remember to periodically submit itemized bills.

   If the client does not pay, find out why before the bill is too large consider any alternatives other than a collection action.

   If a suit for fees appears to be the only recourse, consider the following:
 

• Is the amount at issue worth the risk of a malpractice claim?
• Did the client receiv ' e a good result in the underlying representation?
• Has a third-party_ attorney reviewed your work and found it above criticism?
• Would the judgement be collectible?
• Have you considered alternatives to a lawsuit, such as a fee dispute resolution service?
   

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