The first contact
A first call or message is not a retainer. Until we confirm in writing that we are acting for you, we are not your representative and we have not taken responsibility for any deadline. If a deadline is close, say so in your first message.
Send us the document that creates your next deadline: the claim, defence, notice, order, ticket, summons or hearing notice, with the date you received it.
Before we can accept the file
- Conflict checkWe need the full legal names of every party, including the other side, to make sure we have no conflict of interest.
- Scope and competenceWe confirm the matter is within paralegal scope and that we have the competence and capacity to handle it properly by the deadline.
- The full storyTell us the history honestly, including unfavourable facts, earlier advice, missed steps, prior settlements and related cases. Surprises later can damage the case.
- Retainer and depositWork begins once the written retainer is signed and any required deposit is received.
The written retainer
Scope
Exactly what work is included, what is excluded, and what depends on a later decision, such as going to trial.
Fees
Hourly, fixed-fee or staged fees, plus HST (13% in Ontario) and disbursements such as court filing fees, process servers and translations.
Trust funds
Any deposit is held in our trust account and applied to invoices as work is done, under the Law Society's trust accounting rules.
Ending the retainer
How the file is completed, how either side may end the relationship, how the file is transferred and how the final account is settled.
What we need from you
- Keep your phone number, email and address current, and read our messages promptly.
- Meet every deadline for instructions, documents, payment and attendance.
- Keep original records and do not edit messages, photographs or files. Screenshots should show the date and the other party's details.
- Do not contact the other party, witnesses, the prosecutor or the tribunal about the case contrary to our advice or a court order.
- Tell us right away about new evidence, contact about settlement, a new charge or order, a missed date or a change in your goals.
Advice, decisions and communication
We explain your options, risks and our recommendation. You make the decisions and give instructions, especially on whether to settle, plead or go to trial. Important instructions and settlement authority are confirmed in writing. We communicate in English or Persian, whichever you prefer, and send you copies of important documents filed or received.
When the file ends
When the matter is finished, we send a closing letter confirming the result and any remaining steps, such as payment deadlines or compliance with an order, return any original documents, and issue the final account. Trust money not needed for the account is returned.
Verifying a licence and raising concerns
You can verify any lawyer or paralegal in the Law Society of Ontario's public directory. If you have a question about service or an invoice, raise it with the office first; most concerns are resolved quickly. If a concern is not resolved, the Law Society accepts complaints about licensees and provides information on how to make one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first consultation free?
Contact the office for the current consultation arrangement. The fee, if any, is confirmed before the consultation.
Can I pay in instalments?
Payment arrangements can be discussed and, if agreed, are written into the retainer.
Can a family member speak for me?
We take instructions from the client. With your written authorization, we can share information with a family member, but decisions remain yours.
Official sources
This guide is general legal information about Ontario law as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Laws, forms and fees change; check the official sources before you act.