Client dropped the F bomb in an email about a higher than expected bill that was totally reasonable for the work performed. Any advice for responding diplomatically while letting them know that it’s not cool?

likefunnyhelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Would not address the f bomb.

likesmart

Agree 100%

like

Billing issue=partner’s problem.

likesmart

Came here to say this.

like
Recent IconRecent

Real question is why do you even care about the F bomb?

like

I mean, I treat my clients with respect and professionalism. I guess I expect the same and think it’s inappropriate. I know shit happens but it rubs me the wrong way.

like

Ignore the f bomb, explain the bill, move on.

likesmart

Use an f bomb of your own, see whose the stronger one

likefunnysmart

At least 14 points

likefunny

Respond like the F bomb never existed!

likesmartfunny

Email him back that you will look into it and bill him .1 for that email

likefunny

No, as an associate, you do. It’s not your job and the partner writes off that crap.

like

Address as you would a golden retriever

likefunny

Distract him with a tennis ball!

funnylike

Was it “why the f is this bill so high?” or “f you”? If the former, who really cares. If the latter, then yes it’s not cool. Either way as everyone else said, don’t address it at all.

like

You should find out where he lives, then ring his door bell, slap him in the face, then throw a printed copy of the bill at his face. Anything less is an insult to your honor.

You could also meet him in an early meeting out of town. Signed, your obedient servant.

likefunny

If you’re in NYC you could offer him a duel in Weehawken Hamilton/Burr style.

likefunny

(currently looking for laterally opportunities in NYC with the hope that this duel thing is a possibility)

likefunny

As long as the bill has a break down there’s no need to respond and it’s unreasonable to explain further.

likefunnyhelpful

As others have said, no need to respond if narratives and expenses are clearly laid out and squeaky clean and you don’t feel comfortable not taking any form of action atp to ensure you get paid - forward it to the originating or supervising partner.

like

How is the F bomb relevant? It's "not cool" for them to swear in an email?

like

You send a client a bill and he responds there’s no fucking way this costs that much. Just rubs me the wrong way when all my communications have been professional. I could be being overly sensitive, but it pissed me off that he responded that way

You should see emails biglaw gets from PE clients.

likefunny

You should see emails in-house lawyers get from PE!

funny

Not your job - why do you think it’s your responsibility to respond? Where is the partner?

like

Clutches pearls. Exits right.

funnylike

Was the client a lawyer (eg in house counsel) or a non lawyer? If non lawyer, sophisticated or no? Response may depend on the answer

like

As other’s said, it’s the partner’s problem. But if you address it for some reason, you’ve can offer to walk them through it. They presumably know your rates, and you itemized the breakdown and should be prepared to explain those.

Ultimately, many non-lawyer clients are generally idiots who think everything can be done quickly and easily at no cost, so this sort of thing will happen from time to time if you don’t give estimates

like

"So, buddy, you don't like your bill? Well, I got a photo of you here, and I gotta say, that is NOT a legally approved use of farming equipment. So do you pay up, or so I share the photo?"

likefunny

😂

like

I must be jaded from working in litigation but that’s just a regular Monday for me

like

I’ll get used to it. As I’ve gotten more senior billing disputes are the bane of my existence.

Like Tom Segura once said, you have to come over the top. But it's tough when the client came right out of the gate with the F bomb, but I'm sure you can get creative.

likefunny

First of all, try not to be so sensitive about language like this. Ignore it. Next use empathy.

Try to put yourself in their shoes. Clients want to be pleased and never surprised. It is the lawyer’s job to manage expectations. If the client was told that the work would be performed within a certain budget range and the bill that exceeded that range irrespective of its reasonableness, or if budget was not discussed at all, that’s on you, the team serving the client. As others have suggested, it is the role of the client responsible / relationship lawyer to address this with the client.

likehelpful

Related Posts

Plan to buy a place and currently trying to pick a real estate agent. Some realtors require to sign an exclusive service contract. Should we go with someone that doesn’t require a contract?

like

In BGC Verification i was supposed to upload 8 documents, but after the last page i was not able to submit , the submit button was not working.Now i am not able to login again.it was one time access given
2 documents are still pending.Will there be any problem or will they sent another link later ?
@KPMG

like

Why associate consent is necessary if he/she is got SA project?

like

If I have access to both to buy through Fidelity, any reason to choose IVV vs VOO? Why do you pick one over the other?

like

Anyone who gave data analyst interview in UBS , have you received offer yet or waiting ?

like

Any vaccancies in supply chain management / procurement ?

Experience 4.5 years
E2E vendor Management

like

I have a meeting tomorrow to sit down and network with an MD mentor. Anyone have any good conversation topics/ questions? Trying not to appear green and naive...

like

Am I crazy for trying to plan my engagement around Jewish holidays? I want my wedding to be in the fall

like

If I️ find Audit kind of boring (planning, RMM etc), would it be a bad idea to switch to transaction services? Interested in TS but not sure if I’d be setting myself up for failure

like

Mercury implementation is delayed.... Wonder what is going to happen in October when it is implemented.... They won't give us off another week... Thoughts?

like

Am I the only person who gets skeptical when a recruiter calls, like did my law firm send you to see if I’m interested in making a move? 🤨 I may be paranoid, though. Lol

like

Which company pays better salary - EY GDS or EY India? Also, can someone give Pros and Cons of both?

like

Anyone know about Centerline Partners? Interviewing....

like

Is there a corporate way to bring up to senior leaders that an IC is causing issues across multiple teams because they are demanding and also doesn’t collaborate well? The IC gives vague “direction” then says they are too busy to clarify. They also refuse to use our project management/ collaboration tools.

like

Cringe for today!
Two things,
1. Why can't you say this as a "Text" post.
2. What's your point?

Post Photo
likefunnyhelpful

Help,I started a new career n the events industry and I think I have to quit! The person I report to is so disorganized and there are no other managers in the office to direct day to day operations of our department. On day 2 I was asked to go to a job site and perform a 12 hour day without any training, safety equipment or tools. On day 3 I was asked back to site to do general labor! I ended cutting my hand on an exacto knife and there was no first aid! Is this normal?

like

How much should Software Engineers make in year if you have 4-5 years of experience in the Bay Area?

like

Just realized excel has a new feature to analyze data in excel. Do you think this will impact the need/want for data analysts? Will the compensation go down or do you think it’ll have no impact?

like

Itna bada bada emails send karte hey we did things in 2022 blah blah
Employee ke liye kya kiya kuch nahi🍌

likefunny

U.S freelancers:

I was assigned a project for a big brand a year ago through a recruitment agency, the brand now contacting me for another project & asking for a quote. What’s the common practice here?

I did sign a contract with the agency and in the freelance handbook it states out that within certain period of time any future projects from the same client needs to go through with the agency. But I don’t want them to take half of my pay check. Help!

like

Additional Posts in Law

How do firms calculate how much parental leave to provide, either paid or unpaid. Or do they just pick a number, like “yeah they can get to know their kid in a few weeks and I couldn’t possibly have that attorney out for 12 weeks?” I’m at a small firm, no FMLA or state requirement. We get four weeks paid and four weeks unpaid. Would like to push for more but not sure how to argue costs side of it.

like

Bit of a niche topic: I’ve been in TS/SCI processing for a Science/Tech/Weapons analyst position with the CIA for 3 yrs since I finished grad school in chemistry, but CIA positions are sort of set it and forget it since they can take so long. I’ve since been focused on a Patent Attorney track and am with a firm that will support me taking the patent bar/law school. If I get through processing and go to the CIA for some time, do you think would I be accepted back into patent law later on?

like

Work is an emotional rollercoaster - change my mind.

like

Do you guys talk to chambers for the firm interview?

likehelpful

What amount of money would it take for your current firm to retain you?

I’ll start - the balance of my student loans.

X-post

like

How do you approach a firm recruiting you when you weren't looking to move? It would be similar work, but I could negotiate a significant salary boost which would help my family reach financial goals faster. I like everything about my firm, but the pay is on the low side. I've never interviewed when I wasn't eager to leave my current job, and I'm uncertain how to discuss that with the recruiter & interviewer. I want to leverage it, but don't want to sound greedy.

like

I had a zoom interview with three partners last Thursday. I thought it went super well, but haven't heard anything yet. Should I follow up with the in-firm recruiter, if so, when? This is for a position in a highly ranked but regional (mountain state) firm. Thanks!

like

Technical question: if I work for a firm in State A, am barred in State A, but live and work remotely in State B, where my firm has no presence, am I breaking any rules in State B?

likehelpful

What productivity hacks do you employ? I like to shut off my email for 25 min intervals to focus on real work. It’s like a sprint of focus without being “unavailable” too long.

like

I am legitimately worried that Trump might take the country down or start a civil war. This is legitimately weighing on me. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

likefunny

Best small carry on? They keep shrinking the acceptable luggage size and half of the models out there don't qualify

likehelpful

Insight on Venable?

like

Does anyone have a drink or two while working late some nights? I’ve gotten into the habit of having a glass of scotch on a Thursday or Friday night while working. Not saying it’s a bad thing, just curious if others do it.

like

Workout before (4:30 am) or after (6:30ish) work?

like

Any entertaining stories about opposing counsel just losing their mind on you in court or over the phone? How do you respond to opposing counsel who is being rude, unreasonable, or verbally abusive?

like

I joined fishbowl a month ago and while I’ve seen a couple contentious debates but I must say I’m pleasantly surprised at how respectfully ppl comment on this app even when disagreeing. Usually anonymity on the internet brings out the absolute worst in ppl; they type things anonymously that they would NEVER say in person smh. But I really haven’t seen horrible comments here. I wonder what makes this app diff frm others?

like

Ngl this crisis just affirmed my decision about not wanting to have kids. Serious props to the parents attempting to simultaneously bill and homeschool their kids.

like

Does anyone know of recruiting firms with a focus on Anti-money laundering? I’m foreign educated and newly admitted NY attorney with CAMS certification but living in Miami lol. I’m here, because my husband practices in SoFlo. Any recommendations? I don’t have any experience but have CAMS.

like

How many bonuses come around in a year at the average law firm? Number of occurrences more importantly, but y’all can provide amount too if you like

like

Idk, maybe it’s time we bring these engineers and techs down. If my 🧠 links to a 💻 , all of my non-billable work will come to light. 😤

Post Photo
like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal