Challenging your lawyer’s bill

If you do not agree with your bill, the simplest option is to speak directly with your lawyer in order to reach an understanding. By negotiating directly with your lawyer, you may be able to have certain amounts reduced or make a payment plan.

Before you speak to your lawyer, take some time and look at your bill. This will allow you to identify any amounts you disagree with and to explain why.

When you speak with your lawyer, don’t hesitate to ask questions and to ask for explanations about any amounts you think are excessive. If they are not able to justify any amount that is on your bill, this might mean you can contest it.

Important

If you signed a fee agreement with your lawyer, make sure that your bill and the amounts claimed respect your initial agreement.

The professional order for lawyers is the Barreau du Quebec (the Quebec Bar). It offers two services to help you contest your lawyer’s bill: conciliation and arbitration.

Conciliation

Conciliation is a type of negotiation that can help you reach a settlement. It is done using a lawyer conciliator who works for the Barreau. The conciliator’s role is to help you reach a compromise with your lawyer. You usually have 45 days after receiving a bill in order to ask the Barreau du Quebec for conciliation. After 45 days, you cannot access the conciliation service.

Arbitration

If conciliation does not succeed, you have 30 days to ask the Barreau du Quebec for your case to be heard by an arbitrator. Arbitrators are expert lawyers who work for the Barreau. Their job is to reach an impartial decision. They can reduce the amount of your bill, cancel your bill, or order you to pay it, if they think it’s justified. Once the arbitrator makes their decision, it is final. This means that you cannot appeal an arbitrator’s decision.

Contesting a lawyer’s invoice (Barreau du Québec)