When was the last time you checked the small print on your bills and invoices?
Most firms are (relatively) good at reviewing their terms of business and client care letter. Bill wording often gets forgotten.
Here is a sample template solicitors bill. Hope it helps!
Template solicitors bill and invoice wording
Payment
We accept the following methods of payment:
- Cheques made payable to [name of the firm]
- Bank payments to the following account: [Bank name; account number and sort code]. Please ensure you quote the invoice number in the description
- Debit Card/Credit card in person or over the telephone
- Please note that we do not accept [cash payments] OR [cash payments in excess of £50/£200/£500]
Interest
Interest is payable [e.g. thirty days] from delivery of this invoice:
- For non-contentious work at the rate currently payable on judgment debts pursuant to the Solicitors’ (Non-contentious Business) Remuneration Order 2009.
- For contentious work at [e.g. 4%] above the Bank of England base rate at the date of the bill
Complaining about your bill
If you are unhappy with your bill you can make a complaint to our Complaints Manager [insert named contact details] in accordance with our Complaints Handling Procedure (available on request).
If we do not resolve your complaint, you may have the right to complain to the Legal Ombudsman (LeO). Our Complaints Handling Procedure sets out how to contact LeO and the timescales for doing so.
Challenging your bill
You also have a right to challenge your bill in the Court through a statutory procedure called “assessment”, under ss70, 71 and 72 of the Solicitors Act 1974.
The Court will not usually order a bill to be assessed if:
- The bill has already been paid
- After 12 months from delivery
- If a judgement has been obtained for the recovery of the costs in the bill.
