Organize records for a fee concern

Build a private document trail that someone else can understand.

This original checklist is an editorial organization aid. For the official process, see the State Bar's fee-dispute guide. That guide describes reviewing the fee agreement, performance, and supporting records.

A useful private folder

• Fee agreement and dated written changes.
• Invoices in date order, with invoice numbers preserved.
• Payment receipts and a separate payment log.
• The specific questions you sent and the responses you received.
• Relevant work product, with a short explanation of why it relates to the charge.

Use a clear index

For each item, record a document ID, date, title, page count, and the question it helps answer. Keep a missing item on a separate list. Do not fill a missing record with an assumption about what occurred.

Keep disputes distinct

Describe the charge and the concern precisely. Avoid turning disagreement over cost into an unsupported accusation. The appropriate process depends on the issue and the current program's scope.

Billing-question worksheet · Prepare for a lawyer consultation