In California, there are two ways that you can enter into a attorney-client relationship: through an express or implied contract. An express contract is just that, an expressly stated agreement for legal services. However, it does not sound like your relationship developed this way. You may have created an implied attorney-client relationship. If you sought and received legal advice from the attorney, then you likely established a relationship. In contrast, if you contacted the attorney to see if the attorney would represent you in a matter, and the emails and phone calls exchanged involved you explaining your situation, it may be seen as only the attorney undertaking investigatory measures to determine whether to represent your legal rights. When determining whether an attorney client relationship exists, the court will consider the nature and scope of the contact and the type of relationship. Without having more information about what you two discussed through your communication, it is difficult to say whether you established an attorney-client relationship. I suggest you contact the California Bar Association for additional information about the particular facts of your case, http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/MemberServices/FeeArbitration.aspx 0