R14 000 for a lawyer's letter and a couple of emails

<p>I received a lawyers letter from a third party, claiming damages for defamation. Obviously I was rattled, and I looked for a lawyer that could reply. I choose Harry cause he was close to my home. I met with him for an hour, where I discussed the case, I forwarded him 2 emails and he said that he would reply. He also asked that I deposit R10 000 in trust for him to start the case, and that should it only be a letter or so, I can be refunded the rest.</p> <p> </p> <p>2 letters further (no contact visits), and 4 emails, the matter was settled. I asked him to please produce me with an invoice as I would like to get an idea about the expenses, and the money that need to be paid back. I emailed him 4 times, whereupon he produced an invoice for R14 000 (he even charged me for his time to make up the invoice). His "consultation" of one hour was about R3750, and then the statement that he took during that time (2 pages written) he charged R2000. He charged R100 per email page he had to read (5 mins per page) etc.</p> <p> </p> <p>Just make 100% sure about the costs for this before you sign, we have learned a hard lesson in this. Ask for a breakdown in advance.</p>