Complaint about my own lawyer’s fees, where do I go?

Lawyers must give clear information about fees under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 and the Conduct and Client Care Rules, including how the fee is calculated, and must tell you if costs are likely to substantially exceed an estimate. Start by raising the issue in writing and asking for a breakdown of the time and the basis of the charges. If you are not satisfied, you can lodge a complaint about the fee with the New Zealand Law Society Lawyers Complaints Service, which can consider whether the fee was fair and reasonable. Keep the original estimate, engagement letter and correspondence. You may withhold payment of the disputed amount, but seek advice, because lawyers can have rights over funds held.