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Description

Legal Fees: Drafting the Engagement Letter, Invoicing and Collection

Secure your fee arrangements to prevent disputes and late collection

  • 0.43 days — 3 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

The fee agreement is signed in haste. The calculation method remains vague and invoices are issued long after the work has been carried out. The client disputes the amount, the matter drags on and the firm ends up funding cash flow it does not have. Add to this the recurring questions around retainers and disbursements, handled case by case.

This three-hour session covers the full fee cycle, from the information given to the client through to collection of the receivable. It addresses the drafting of the engagement letter, the invoicing rhythm, structured follow-up and the routes available to settle a fee dispute. Each participant leaves with an annotated engagement letter template.

Learning objectives

  • Draft an engagement letter that is clear on the calculation method and on disbursements
  • Inform the client of the expected cost and of how it may evolve during the matter
  • Organise the invoicing of retainers and work performed as the matter progresses
  • Put in place a structured follow-up procedure for unpaid invoices
  • Identify the available routes for settling a fee dispute

What makes this programme different

An engagement letter template is annotated clause by clause during the session
The most frequently disputed clauses are analysed using real wording
Each participant builds their own follow-up calendar and letter templates

Programme

1Setting and Formalising the Fee

Agreeing the rules before the first piece of work

  • Fee structures and criteria for setting them
  • Informing the client of the expected cost
  • Essential provisions of the engagement letter
  • Treatment of expenses and disbursements

2Invoicing at the Right Time

Turning work performed into invoices

  • Retainers and interim funding requests during the matter
  • Describing the work performed on the invoice
  • Mandatory invoice particulars and value added tax treatment
  • Monitoring collections and the firm's cash position

3Collecting Fees and Handling Disputes

Acting before the receivable ages

  • Structured amicable follow-up and evidence of the steps taken
  • Dialogue with a dissatisfied client
  • Routes for settling a fee dispute
  • Preventing non-payment from the opening of the matter

Who is it for

Associates and partners in law firms, together with legal secretaries and firm administration managers.

Prerequisites

Working within a law firm in the UAE or being responsible for its administrative management

Dates & locations

12 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.