#10
During RepresentationMedium Risk
The invoice the lawyer sends is blank or the amount doesn't match
Invoice Fraud
Why It's Dangerous
A legitimate legal fee invoice should clearly state the amount, the services rendered, and the date. A blank invoice, a mismatched amount, or no invoice at all indicates the fee never entered the firm's formal accounting system — a form of misconduct.
Real Case
After repeatedly asking for an invoice, a client received one that was blank — no amount or description of services filled in. When the client complained, the firm shifted blame, claiming the invoice was the lawyer's personal act rather than the firm's.
* This case has been anonymized. Details have been adjusted to protect privacy.
What To Do
1
Demand an official invoice immediately after payment2
Check that the amount, description, and date on the invoice match the contract3
Refuse blank invoices or ones with mismatched amounts and demand a corrected one4
Keep all original invoices and proof of payment