What to do if I requested a free consultation with a lawyer and meet with him but he billed me for that one visit when I told him that I wouldn’t not retain him?

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What to do if I requested a free consultation with a lawyer and meet with him but he billed me for that one visit when I told him that I wouldn’t not retain him?

Do I have to pay this?

Asked on June 1, 2015 under Business Law, Wisconsin

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

If he told you the consultation would be free and did not put some limitation on that--such as, "it's only free if you retain me"--then he can't charge you. Proving this may be difficult, however, if there is nothing in writing, including nothing on his website about free consultations. You may wish to pay the bill if it's small, but then file a complaint with the state bar association; or you could call the state bar, explain what happened, and see if they can help you resolve the matter. It is likely not worth getting caught up in litigation (e.g. being sued by the lawyer or his collections agency) over a single visit's bill.


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