at 17:28 on July 14, 2007, EST.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Steven Seagal is suing a law firm that once represented him, accusing it of charging him excessive fees, according to court papers.

The actor hired Loeb and Loeb in April 2002 when he testified before a federal grand jury and in the criminal trial of his former business associate Julius Nasso, the lawsuit says.

Nasso produced films with Seagal in the 1990s and was accused of trying to extort money from the actor after they dissolved their partnership, according to the suit.

Loeb and Loeb charged Seagal nearly $1.1 million, according to the court papers, filed Thursday.

Seagal paid about $500,000 but became skeptical and obtained a legal audit that determined he was "substantially overcharged," according to the lawsuit. Seagal is seeking at least $450,000 in general damages.

Loeb and Loeb maintains Seagal still owes the firm $575,400, the lawsuit said.

Representatives of Loeb and Loeb did not return calls seeking comment Saturday.

Seagal, 56, is best known for his martial-arts moves in films such as "Under Siege" and "Exit Wounds."


©The Canadian Press, 2007

law firms charging excessive fees
nah, dont believe it