As reported by the ABA Journal and Lawyerist, an Iowa lawyer was suspended for 30 days for keeping a $2,500 minimum fee on a criminal law matter.
According to the article, the lawyer only completed 3.7 hours of work – including 1 hour spent doing an accounting. The case against the client was ultimately dismissed and the client wanted some money back.
I don’t have more facts beyond the article. I have read plenty of ethics opinions where non-refundable fees got lawyers in hot water or worse. My question: why use one? It doesn’t seem worth the risk.
Here are my other thoughts:
- Don’t be a jerk
- Don’t charge more than your services are worth
- Don’t mess with the disciplinary committee
- Solo lawyers can have a hard time making a living
I feel a little bad for the lawyer. $2,500 is a pretty reasonable retainer. My dentist charges more for less. Doctors charge more for less. Lawyers seem to get the low end of the proverbial stick.
What are your thoughts?
-This post was written by Joseph M. Flanders and lawyer in Apple Valley, MN.