Many prospective clients hiring an attorney or legal adviser for the first time do not understand how legal fees are paid, retained, earned, returned, and refunded. Oftentimes, this confusion leads to unnecessary animosity between attorney and client. This animosity can be avoided if the distinctions are clearly explained at the onset and the process remains transparent throughout the course of the services provided.
IBCCS TAX OÜ, is committed to a high level of client service. This includes clearly communicating the costs associated with the services provided and the process we use to facilitate the payment of fees. Below, please find our explanation for the process and the distinction between the return of unearned legal fees and refunds.
Hiring IBCCS TAX OÜ: Retainer Fee
Most clients hire IBCCS TAX OÜ, through a Retainer Fee Agreement. This means that monies are paid to IBCCS TAX OÜ in advance of service. The amount paid in advance is dependent upon the service that is going to be rendered and the circumstances the client is presently facing.
The fees paid in advance are not earned in advance. Rather, they are retained by IBCCS TAX OÜ in a client trust account. While in the client trust account, they remain the client’s money, to be withdrawn upon request. In a retainer fee agreement, IBCCS TAX OÜ earns fees upon working on a client’s matter. These fees accrue at different rates depending on who is performing the service—an Assistant, Account manager, Senior Account Manager, Lawyer, Tax Advisor, Consultant—or for costs that accrue in servicing the client (e.g., filing fees, research fees, mileage, etc.). Every month, IBCCS TAX OÜ will send an invoice of its fees and costs for the client to review and correct, if necessary. If there are no changes, IBCCS TAX OÜ will then debit monies from the client’s trust account to pay the monthly charges.
Final Invoices and Reimbursed Retainer Fees
If the client’s matter is completed and there are outstanding fees and costs, and no monies in the client’s trust account, the client may receive a final invoice from IBCCS TAX OÜ of these final fees and costs. Alternatively, if the client’s matter is completed and all outstanding fees and costs are paid, and monies still remain in the client’s trust account, those monies are considered unearned fees. In the event of case completion, IBCCS TAX OÜ promptly returns all the remaining unearned fees to the client.
Refunds vs. Reimbursements
Refunds are separate from the normal, above process of paying, retaining, earning, and returning legal fees. Rather, refunds are typically the result of an after-the-fact fee dispute, accounting error, or a statement from the client conveying displeasure with the quality of legal services provided.
IBCCS TAX OÜ processes all written requests for refunds. Our firm will review the entire contents of the client’s physical, electronic, and billing files when processing the request. Within thirty (30) days, our firm will send a written response either denying the request, requesting more information, or granting the request. The decision as to the response remains completely within the discretion of IBCCS TAX OÜ.
Ultimately, the attorneys and staff at IBCCS TAX OÜ would like to avoid the need of ever having to consider a refund. We are always aiming to be as transparent as possible. So we encourage our clients to ask their questions or communicate their concerns to our office immediately. We will then try to answer or address it immediately. Such a process also permits our firm to continue to grow and improve its services.
So, please keep the above in mind as you make your decision to use our services.