Lawyer refuses to refund her fees

An avocat (barrister) was ordered by the Cour d’Appel (appeal court) to repay me her fees because she did no work, yet she has ignored this. What can be done, short of using a huissier, which may be costly? C.B.

Avocat Gerard Barron from Boulogne-sur-Mer said that, in principle, an appeal court judgment is directly enforceable. Usually a order demanding payment would be issued, which should be handed to a huissier for delivery.

He or she may request a small up-front payment to cover expenses, but this will ultimately be reimbursable by the defendant.

In the first instance, however, you could write to the bâtonnier (president) of the local barreau (bar) at which the lawyer practises and tell him or her that the lawyer has failed to pay despite the judgment. That would normally be enough to ensure speedy to ensure payment.