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When your own lawyer becomes your opponent

What to do when the defender becomes the other side? Ex-national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann experienced this bizarre situation - again. This time, however, not because of an angry outburst in goal or an ill-considered interview, but because of an unpaid lawyer's bill. As reported by the Münchner Merkur (16.10.2025), the former footballer and his former defense lawyer argued before the Munich II civil court over around 14,000 euros - for a defense that Lehmann once urgently needed.

The lawyer had defended Lehmann in a trial in which the former goalkeeper had used a chainsaw to saw around his neighbor's garage - allegedly to get a better view of Lake Starnberg.

550 euros per hour? Lehmann says: Too much!

Lehmann only paid the lawyer part of the fee. The full bill of 24,000 euros seemed excessive to him - 550 euros per hour was "incomprehensible", his new legal counsel informed the court. According to his own statement, the defense lawyer had done far more than just appear in court: he had calmed down the neighbor, reduced the charges and reduced a claim for damages from 400,000 euros to 60,000 euros.

A pretty good result, you might think. But Lehmann apparently saw things differently - and did not even want to settle the already reduced claim.

Judge brings calm - settlement for 5000 euros

The civil court then suggested ending the eternal feud with a settlement. The judge's announcement was clear: 5,000 euros and an end to the dispute. The plaintiff lawyer agreed. Lehmann's side initially only wanted to pay 2,500 euros, but in the end at least agreed to a revocable settlement.

The judge still had one clear sentence for the record:
"There is no good lawyer's work for free."

Mad Jens remains true to himself - on and off the pitch

Lehmann, who once became known in England as "Mad Jens", seems to be cultivating this image even in retirement. First the chainsaw action, then months of wrangling over a bill. Even though the defender apparently did a good job, he was slow to pay. The fact that Lehmann didn't even show up in person for the appointment, but had everything handled digitally, fits the picture.

Critical commentary

Once again we see that those who can afford a lawyer often don't want to pay one in the end. The fact that Lehmann has demonstrably profited from the defense doesn't seem to bother him - the main thing is to haggle over every cent. Of course, fees of 550 euros an hour are not exactly a pittance. But anyone who calls a top lawyer must also expect top invoices. Getting help first and then publicly complaining about the price is not sporting - it's embarrassing.