How to politely request late payment from a law firm client

Late payment from a law firm client usually comes down to their process, not bad faith. Here's who pays, when, what tends to hold payment up, and a polite reminder you can send today.

Who pays, and when

The partner or office manager who engaged you approves. The firm's accounts team pays. Many pay monthly, and larger firms run fixed payment cycles.

Why payment runs late

Partners approve invoices between client work, so sign-off can lag.

Tips for chasing a law firm client

Ask for the accounts team's email and copy your contact.
Be precise and professional. Lawyers notice wording.
Reference the engagement letter or agreed scope.

Example reminder email

Subject: Quick reminder: invoice [number] Hi [first name], I hope all's well. Invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [date]. If it's already on its way, thank you, and please ignore this. This covers the work agreed in our engagement. Has the invoice been approved by the partner who engaged me? You can pay here: [payment link] Thanks, [Your name]

Write your reminders

Fill in the invoice to get four emails for a law firm client, from a heads-up to a final notice, with the dates to send them. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Your reminders will appear here.

Want these sent for you?

We're building a tool that sends these reminders automatically from your own Gmail when a Stripe invoice goes overdue, all in one email thread, and stops the moment it's paid. It isn't ready yet. Planned price: $19 a month.