Client Refusing to Pay for Professional Services

[SecExpert]

An attorney has decided he paid enough and decided to not pay his final invoice of several thousand dollars. Every effort to collect failed and now I have filed a complaint with the State Bar. I'm waiting to hear from them.

Questions:
1. What can the Bar do to provide incentive to pay?

2. Is this a criminal case for Theft of Services.

[aaron]

Your invoice for what goods or services? What reasons have been given for nonpayment?

[SecExpert]

Expert witness services. He has never stated why he would not pay. He has not returned calls or answer emails since conclusion of the case. My mistake was to accept payments against the invoices before trial. He agreed to a promisorry note to continue payments but "forgot" to bring it to the court house at trial. This was a civil trial which he was doing on a contingency. Unfortunately, the case paid very little in damages and he was out a great deal of money.

In conversations the day prior to trial he said that the bill was "just too high". When asked to provide feedback on which part he had an issue with he declined. I have a signed contract with him regarding services and expenses which he honored for three prior payments in full of prior invoices. In the end he was left holding the bill for 10 depositions etc.

[Security Consultant]

I think you made a classic mistake many consultants who perform litigation support and expert witness services make. Always charge a retainer and work off of the retainer. Never perform any work without a balance in the retainer. Your contract should state so. Contact me and I'll give you a sample contract and a book suggestion.