Court Orders Client to Pay Dhs40,000 in Outstanding Legal Fees to Law Firm

The Dubai Civil Court has ordered a client to pay Dhs40,000 in outstanding legal fees to a law firm for its representation in a commercial dispute, along with 5 per cent annual legal interest from the date the lawsuit was filed until full settlement.

However, the court rejected the law firm’s request for an additional Dhs3,420 claimed as reimbursement for court fees and legal notices.

The dispute arose from a legal fee agreement signed in October 2022, under which the law firm agreed to represent the defendant in a commercial case before the Court of First Instance for a total fee of Dhs80,000.

The agreed payment was divided into two instalments — the first payable upon filing the case and the second after the issuance of the initial judgment.

The court found that the law firm had carried out the required legal procedures and represented the client until the judgment was issued in her favour. It ruled that there was no evidence of negligence or failure to fulfil professional obligations.

The judgment emphasised that a lawyer’s duty is to exercise due care and diligence while handling a case, rather than guaranteeing a specific outcome in litigation.

The court also noted that the client failed to attend court hearings and did not submit any evidence proving payment of the outstanding fees or provide a clearance certificate. As a result, she remained liable for the unpaid balance of Dhs40,000 under the fee agreement.

Regarding the additional Dhs3,420 claim, the court ruled that the expenses arose from a procedure undertaken by the law firm that could have been completed through the case management office. Since the underlying claim was dismissed due to that procedural issue, the client could not be held responsible for those costs.

The court ordered the defendant to pay the outstanding legal fees with 5 per cent annual interest calculated from the date of filing the lawsuit in May 2026 until full payment. She was also ordered to bear court fees and expenses, while all other claims were dismissed.

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