Attorneys' fees refer to the compensation that attorneys charge for legal services. Fee disputes are increasingly common between clients and lawyers.Some attorneys and law practices are willing to file lawsuits to recover unpaid attorney fees and unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses. In this article, we'll discuss why crafting effective fee agreements is essential to a successful attorneyclient relationship and summarize best practices. Although it is not possible to avoid every attorney-client fee dispute, it is important to start the representation with a written fee agreement. A complete, stepbystep guide for practicing attorneys to help them win and defeat attorneys' fees claims at trial. Make sure you know what amount your lawyer is charging. Can I Recover Attorney's Fees in my Lawsuit? In a civil lawsuit you may recover attorney's fees in limited circumstances. If you were charged the wrong amount, talking to the attorney can often clear up the situation.