Solicitor Sends Bill 10 Years Late
Now, it’s no secret that hitting billing targets has been tough recently and such circumstances might just lead desparate lawyers to scrape around for anything they think they can bill to bump up the monthly numbers. But this particular incident is the sort of thing that makes lawyers look bad and maybe a little silly. This week a questioner sent the following enquiry into thisismoney : Out of the blue a solicitor has sent us a letter asking for payment …
Now, it’s no secret that hitting billing targets has been tough recently and such circumstances might just lead desparate lawyers to scrape around for anything they think they can bill to bump up the monthly numbers. But this particular incident is the sort of thing that makes lawyers look bad and maybe a little silly. This week a questioner sent the following enquiry into thisismoney :
Out of the blue a solicitor has sent us a letter asking for payment for searches in relation to an aborted property purchase ten years ago.
There is no accompanying evidence and our records from that time are long gone. Do we have to pay?
(pic: by Ape Lad)
Why the bill was sent so late isn’t clear but we would feel pretty comfortable referring to the statute of limitations on this one. What do you think?
August 13, 2009
contract, 6 years – i’d say get lost
August 13, 2009
what firm?????
August 14, 2009
Not mine; however my old firm approached me this year about a straightforward civil matter I started off in 2002. I left in early 2004 assuming a trial in late 2005 at the latest. It was still going to trial in 2009. I found that pretty unbelieveable !
August 14, 2009
The client is not in breach of contract until they refuse to pay the bill so limitation will not apply.
Equally, limitiation does not begin to run on a debt until it is demanded.
August 14, 2009
Ummmm… please don’t give any advice in relation to limitation…
August 14, 2009
LA 1980 – An action founded on simple contract shall not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.