Template tool, not legal advice. This is a free document-generation utility provided by the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631). The tool reproduces template language only. The content, accuracy, and use of any letter generated are solely the user's responsibility. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. State and local bar fee-dispute program details change; verify the contact and procedure on the bar's official site before sending.

Letter Inputs

Sender (You)

Your name *

Your role / title

If you signed the engagement personally, use a phrase like "individual former client." If a business entity signed, use "principal of [Entity]" and fill in Entity below.

Entity name (corporate client; optional)

Mailing address *

Phone

Recipient (Firm)

Firm name *

Firm address *

Primary attorney *

Matter

Matter caption (optional)

Case number (optional)

Court (optional)

Billing Detail

Total amount billed (USD) *

Total amount paid (USD) *

Date of the billing / invoice *

Services performed — start date

Services performed — end date

Description of services as billed *

Description of services actually rendered *

Stick to facts you observed or have records of. The contrast between this field and the prior field is the heart of the objection.

Specific Objections

Basis for the objection (check all that apply) *

Fees exceeded the scope of representation as agreed Hourly rate billed differs from the rate agreed in writing Tasks billed were not authorized by the client Time entries appear inflated relative to work observed Costs and expenses are not properly itemized Fees retained for work not completed

Other (optional, free text)

Bankruptcy Posture

Is the underlying matter currently in active bankruptcy? *

Yes No

If yes, the letter will preserve notice of intent to file an 11 U.S.C. § 329 fee-review motion. If no, that section is omitted.

State (Fee-Dispute Program Routing)

State *

If your state is not listed, the generic version cites "your state or local bar association's fee-dispute resolution or fee-arbitration program" and instructs you to fill in the specific program name. Verify program contact details on the bar's official site before sending.

Deadline

Response deadline *

Default = 21 calendar days from today (a common cushion before invoking a fee-dispute program).

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Where this fits in the broader methodology

Fee disgorgement doctrine (§ 329)Doctrine — bankruptcy-court fee review
Fee disputes overviewDoctrine — § 329 / Rule 2017 background
Refund of unearned fees generatorSibling tool — different domain (work not performed)
Client-file demand letter generatorSibling tool — Rule 1.16(d) file production
Multi-surface accountability roadmapFramework — five-stage sequence
section329.orgNetwork sibling — § 329 fee-review motion
Bar complaint generatorStage 5 — escalation if dispute is unresolved

One more reminder: Template tool, not legal advice. The Open Bankruptcy Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631) providing free informational tools. Consult a licensed attorney before sending any legal correspondence. The accuracy and content of any letter generated by this tool are solely the user's responsibility. State and local bar fee-dispute resolution programs vary in scope, cost, and bindingness; always confirm current program rules with the administering bar before invoking the program.