Sample Billing Language for Attorneys to Reduce Payment Delays
Clearly defining all expectations and responsibilities related to fees, billing and payments during client intake can go a long way toward preventing chargebacks and payment disputes down the road.
In this article, we’ll share a few examples of sample billing language for attorneys that can help reduce late and non-payments and make sure you get paid for your hard work.
Sample Billing Language for Attorneys: 3 Essential Examples
To be confident that you and your new clients are on the same page from the initial conversation, there are a few topics you should consider covering either in your attorney fee agreement or elsewhere in your client intake paperwork.
Attorney’s Billing Obligations
Let your clients know when they can expect invoices from your firm and what information will be included on those invoices.
Example: Attorney will provide Client, at monthly intervals, an itemized statement setting forth in reasonable detail all services by Attorney on behalf of Client, and any costs that have been incurred and/or advanced by Attorney on behalf of Client in the above-referenced matter. The invoice will also show the application of prepaid fees to the monthly invoice, and any resulting balances of prepaid fees and/or unpaid fees.
Client’s Payment Obligations
Outline the expectations regarding when the client is required to submit payment as well as the forms of payment your firm accepts.
Example: Your legal fees are due and payable [ex: upon receipt of the billing] to be paid no later than [ex: the last day of the month] and may be satisfied with any of the following payment options:
a) By the application of funds held in the firm’s trust account for prepayment of fees, which the firm shall be entitled to transfer upon invoicing
b) By paying by paper check or ACH/eCheck (automated deduction from Client’s designated checking account)
c) By the use of a credit card in person or online via the firm’s payment portal, provided that Client understands that by clicking “Submit Payment” the Client agrees to pay the entire payment amount for the bill selected, and authorizes the firm to charge Client’s designated payment method for the payment amount.
d) By paying in cash at the offices of the firm, at which time a written receipt will be generated for you
For Client’s convenience, Attorney has created a portal through LawPay, a safe and secure credit card portal designed for lawyers, allowing Client to pay bills and replenish retainers online.
Promise to Pay Provision A Promise to Pay clause helps guarantee the client understands and agrees to their contractual obligation to pay your firm for the services performed.
Example: Once services are engaged, Client recognizes that they are contractually bound to Attorney for their entire fee. All fees paid are nonrefundable and must be paid in full. Client understands that fees paid through the use of a debit card, credit card, or other electronic means cannot be revoked or reversed in any manner by the client after legal services are performed. Refunds, when appropriate, shall be paid by check or other electronic funds transfer from Attorney to Client.
There are two keys to maximizing your accounts receivable at the end of the year. The first is making a commitment to discuss all expectations related to fees, billing and payments during client intake. The second is using a secure legal payment solution like LawPay to make it easy for clients to pay. With LawPay, you can offer a convenient payment experience that helps you get paid faster.
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