A committed Junior lawyer, but beware of billing surprises and unprofessional communication
Edited to add: Faizan’s response misrepresents key facts. There was no earlier fee dispute — only one, at the very end. He was required to set a fixed fee to close the matter, which he did, and that amount was included in the settlement. After everything was finalized, he attempted to raise the fee anyway, citing time from earlier in the process. That’s not unpaid work — that’s disorganized billing and a breach of a clear agreement. I stand fully by my review.
I discovered Faizan through an Advokat Facebook page. Although he was dedicated and called after hours to update me, his billing and communication issues overshadowed this.
Most of the settlement was self-negotiated by me, with Faizan’s involvement focused on the initial proposal (reflecting my exact ask) and closing work (managing then releasing my settlement). He recommended offering a fixed legal fee to the other side, based on his time estimate, to facilitate settlement. I agreed without hesitation and incorporated his suggested fee (they were paying my legal fees). However, after the settlement was finalized, he sought to increase his fee and deduct the difference from my share, despite our prior understanding. This was the second time the terms shifted post-agreement, which was disappointing. It was more about the principle than the increase.
Additionally, he attempted to add a new condition - with me, not the other party - a move that felt unnecessary and was not even requested by the other party. It suggested a cautious approach more focused on limiting his own liability than on protecting my interest and safeguarding my settlement.
The most challenging part was the handling. Unfortunately, the communication became somewhat emotional, including remarks that I found unprofessional (I was ‘petty’ for not immediately rolling over and accepting his new legal fee, despite the incorporated figure that he’s requested days earlier and me staying professional). Had the dialogue remained respectful, I likely would not have left a review.
Faizan appears to be an early-career lawyer, and some aspects of the process reflect this. Personally, next time I need a lawyer, I will be looking for someone who is more strategic and driven for my case. I’d be cautious if you value clear billing and professional communication.
I do regret needing to leave this review, but - after reflecting for some days - I feel it is necessary based on the unnecessary communication break down at the end.
Reply from Faadvokater
Kære Clara
Tak for din anmeldelse.
Jeg tillader dog mig at korrigere nogle faktuelle misforståelse i din anmeldelse så andre læsere kan få det korrekte billede af sagsforløbet:
1. Fakturering og aftale
Der er faktureret i overensstemmelse med den indgået aftale. Der er ikke blevet faktureret mere end aftalt, tværtimod så er der anvendt tid på sagen som du ikke er blevet faktureret for, selvom der i henhold til aftale godt kunne ske fakturering herfor. Det er du også klar over.
Yderligere at det også vigtigt at anføre, at du – efter den første opkrævning, som du nu er uenig i – selv valgte at fortsætte samarbejdet med mig. Det stemmer dårligt overens med ideen om, at tilliden skulle være brudt allerede dengang eller at der blev faktureret for meget.
2. Udkast og juridisk arbejde
Det er ikke korrekt, at mit udkast blot gengav dit eget. Du havde nogle ønsker, men det juridiske indhold blev udarbejdet af mig således at det kunne stå som en gyldig aftale.
3. Forhandling og frigivelse af beløb
Det er ikke korrekt, at der blev tilføjet vilkår efter forliget. Som ansvarlig advokat var det min pligt at sikre at parterne var enige om, at alle betingelser for forliget var opfyldt, før jeg frigav midler. Dette handler ikke om unødig forsigtighed, men om at undgå evt. senere komplikationer.