Attorney Fee Disputes: Chris resolves attorney fee disputes effectively and efficiently. He has served as a fee arbitrator and fee mediator for two decades. He has taught and written extensively about fee agreements and fee disputes, sharing his knowledge and experience gained as Co-Chairman of the Attorney Fee Dispute Committee of the Orange County Bar Association, and as a member of the Fee Arbitration Committee of the California State Bar. He understands the basics and the nuances of the law, and uses that knowledge to get optimal results for his clients. Chris has represented and advised attorneys seeking payment of fees, clients seeking to recover fees from opponents, and clients resisting payment of excessive fees.
Recently Mr. Blank served as an EXPERT WITNESS in an attorney fee arbitration matter involving disputed fees in excess of $500,000.00. Mr. Blank’s testimony covered statutory and ethical requirements for fee agreements and invoices, as well as the quality and value of services provided in defending against a bank’s multi-million dollar claim on a commercial guaranty. Mr. Blank has extensive experience in the area of “sham guaranties” as well as fee agreements and fee disputes.