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. The tool does not calculate or opine on what portion of any fee is "earned" or "unearned" — that determination is yours, based on your records, and you bear sole responsibility for it.

Letter Inputs

Sender (You)

Your name *

Your role / capacity

Individual former client Principal of entity Other

If you signed the engagement personally, choose "Individual former client." If you signed on behalf of a business entity, choose "Principal of entity" and fill in the entity name below.

Entity name (corporate client; optional)

Custom role label (only if "Other" selected)

Mailing address *

Phone

Recipient (Former Firm)

Firm name *

Firm address *

Primary recipient attorney *

CC'd attorneys (one per line)

Recommended: include all attorneys who appeared in your matter, plus any managing or supervising attorney identified on the firm's letterhead or website.

Engagement & Fees

Retainer / fee paid (USD) *

Date paid *

Payment method (optional)

Helps the firm locate the payment in its records and speeds compliance.

Date representation ended *

The date of withdrawal, termination, or other end of the engagement, however it occurred.

Services performed by the firm (be specific) *

Describe what the firm actually did, in concrete terms. Phrases like "minimal," "none," or a specific itemization (intake call, single email, draft never finalized) all work. Avoid editorializing; keep it factual.

Were the services performed proportional to the fees retained? *

No (retained fee far exceeds work performed) Partial (some work performed; portion remains unearned) Yes (full fee earned)

If "Yes," this letter is probably not the right tool. Rule 1.16(d) only obligates refund of the unearned portion of an advance fee.

Specific refund amount demanded (USD) *

The unearned portion you are demanding back. If you are demanding the full retainer, this equals the retainer amount above.

Matter (Optional)

Matter caption

Case number

Court

Active bankruptcy case? *

Yes — § 329 fee-review block applies No — non-bankruptcy or pre-filing only

If a bankruptcy case is currently pending and the firm represented the debtor "in connection with" that case, 11 U.S.C. § 329 is in play. The letter will include § 329 framing only if "Yes" is selected.

Authority & Deadline

State (drives the rule citations) *

For any state not listed, the default ABA Model Rules text is used. Most states have adopted Rules 1.5 and 1.16(d) verbatim or with minor variations. Verify the rule text for your state at the bar's site before sending.

Compliance deadline *

Default = 14 business days from today. Adjust if your jurisdiction or specific facts call for shorter.

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Where this fits in the broader methodology

Fee disgorgement doctrineDoctrine — Rule 1.5 & § 329 overview
Multi-surface accountability roadmapFramework — five-stage sequence
Preservation / litigation-hold letter generatorStage 1 — sent first
Client-file demand letter generatorStage 2 — sibling tool (file production)
BBB consumer-protection complaintStage 4 — if demand is ignored
State bar disciplinary referralStage 5 — final-track guidance
section329.orgNetwork sibling — § 329 deep-dive