The Unpaid Fees Action Checklist For Solo Lawyers
What to do when the invoice has been sent and the client has not paid
A practical checklist for solo lawyers dealing with overdue invoices, disputed fees, payment arrangements and fee recovery decisions.
You have done the work.
You have sent the invoice.
It is overdue.
Now What?
The Unpaid Fees Action Checklist For Solo Lawyers is a practical checklist for dealing with a particular unpaid account.
It helps you follow up professionally, work out why the client has not paid, stop the unpaid balance becoming larger and decide what to do next.
What It Covers
confirming who owes the money and how much is due;
checking your invoice, retainer and evidence;
following up personally and professionally;
identifying hardship, avoidance or a disputed debt;
monitoring instalment arrangements;
pausing work or ending the retainer where permitted;
assessing solvency and recovery prospects;
complaint, cross-claim, negligence and reputational risks;
formal demands, settlement, recovery or litigation;
closing the matter off or writing it off; and
learning from the unpaid bill for next time.
Who It Is For?
This checklist is for solo solicitors, consultant lawyers and principals of small law practices dealing with an overdue invoice or missed payment arrangement.
It is narrower than our broader Cash Flow, Clients & Getting Paid Kit.
This checklist starts when the invoice is already overdue and you need to decide what happens next.
Clear, Professional And Commercial
The checklist helps you ask the questions that matter:
Is the client unhappy with the work?
Is the debt disputed?
Can you prove the retainer, bill and entitlement to recover?
Is the client solvent?
Is recovery worth the emotional, practical and financial cost?
What would you advise your own client to do?
Because suing is one thing.
Recovering is another.
$99 AUD
Important Note
This is a practical law-practice management resource and is not legal advice.
Costs, billing, trust money, interest, ceasing to act and debt recovery requirements differ between jurisdictions.