If there is disagreement regarding the amount of a bill, both lawyers and clients have the right to have a lawyer’s bill reviewed by a BC Supreme Court Registrar, under the Legal Profession Act, SBC 1998, c. 9, s. 70.
This is also called 'taxation of lawyers bills'. A bill means a lawyer’s written statement to a client of fees, charges and disbursements. Only final bills may be reviewed.
Usually, a fee review must be filed no later than three months after the bill was paid or, if unpaid, within one year after it was sent to the client. A chambers application is required to obtain an order to extend the time. If the lawyer initiates the proceeding, the bill must be 30 days old or more.
References
- Legal Profession Act, SBC 1998, c. 9, s. 70 – BC Laws
- Complaints About Lawyers' Fees – Law Society of BC
- Legal Profession Act Hearings – BC Courts
- Legal Profession Act Review Package – BC Courts
- "Legal Profession Act Proceedings Before the Registrar" By the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, Practice Before the Registrar – on-site at Courthouse Libraries
- Costs, Taxation and Lawyers Liens – Courthouse Libraries