# Write past-due fee reminders to a law firm client

A three-step escalation of reminders for unpaid legal fees that protects the client relationship and follows the ethics rules on collections and withdrawal.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Advanced
- Tags: Write, Plan, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-past-due-fee-reminders-to-a-law-firm-client

## Prompt

```text
Write a sequence of past-due payment reminders to a client of my law firm.

**Client type:** [individual / small business / corporate]
**Matter status:** [active / closed]
**Amount past due and invoice dates:** [DETAILS]
**What the engagement letter says about payment, late fees, and withdrawal:** [PASTE THE CLAUSES]
**Trust funds on hand for this client:** [AMOUNT - and whether the engagement letter allows applying them]
**Payment options we offer:** [card, payment plan, ACH]
**Upcoming deadlines in the matter:** [DATES - or "none"]

Write three messages:
1. Friendly reminder (around 15 days past due): a neutral tone, invoice details, payment link, and an offer to talk about questions on the bill.
2. Firm follow-up (around 45 days): restate the engagement letter terms, propose a payment plan, and ask for a response by a date.
3. Final notice (around 75 days): state the consequences allowed by the engagement letter. If the matter is active, explain that the firm may seek to withdraw, without threatening to harm the client's case, and note any court permission withdrawal may require.

Rules:
- Never threaten to hold the client's file or original documents hostage, report them to authorities, or neglect their matter; check my state's rules on retaining liens.
- Do not apply trust funds to fees unless the engagement letter and state rules allow it and the fees are earned and billed.
- Do not disclose confidential information to anyone other than the client.
- Mention fee dispute arbitration if my state requires notice before suing for fees [CONFIRM].

Also give me a short phone script and a note on when to stop work versus keep protecting the client's interests. This is general guidance; review with the responsible attorney before sending.
```

## What to fill in

- individual / small business / corporate
- active / closed
- DETAILS
- PASTE THE CLAUSES
- card, payment plan, ACH
- DATES - or "none"
- CONFIRM

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.