Charles Russell is suing a man listed as living in a mobile home for unpaid legal fees stemming from a divorce case. The firm has issued a claim through Stephenson Harwood against Alistair Currey for 'unpaid' fees amounting to nearly £100,000.

The claim form, issued in the High Court in September last year, alleges that Charles Russell issued Currey with three bills for legal services between 9 November, 2004, and 7 February, 2005, amounting to a total of £96,181.46, and that they remain unpaid.

In addition to suing for the unpaid bills, Charles Russell is also claiming interest of 12% per year on the outstanding amount – totalling £8,491.72 – as well as a court fee of £900 and solicitors' costs of £110, bringing the total cost of the claim to £105,683.

The fees stem from a 2004 Court of Appeal case relating to Currey's divorce proceedings which began in 2001, and involved substantial property assets and inherited wealth.

The case was originally handled by Stephenson Harwood, but transferred to Charles Russell when the firm took on its family team in 2004.

Commercial litigation partner Kenneth Duncan at Stephenson Harwood submitted the claim for unpaid fees.

One matrimonial partner at a London law firm told Legal Week: "It is always safest to organise payment as you go along, or to facilitate a bank loan. It is never a good idea to work without any cover, as it often ensures unpleasantness on the day."

Neither Stephenson Harwood nor Charles Russell would make any comment, as legal proceedings are still ongoing.