Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Retainer?
There are two parts to a retainer.
The first part is known as a legal services agreement. It is in letter form and details the work to be done for you and what the costs will be. It will also identify the key issues to be dealt with in your case. Effectively, it is a type of contract between you and your lawyer. This is provided shortly after your first consultation appointment where an up-front deposit will be discussed.
The second part of a retainer is the fee you pay to your lawyer to start working on your behalf. The money is held in trust until work has been undertaken and billed to you. Once that happens, the lawyer is permitted to use the retainer funds held in trust to pay your account. Once services end, if there are retainer funds left, then those funds are returned to you.
The amount of retainer will depend on what type of service you require, and payment plans are a possibility in some cases.
How Do You Bill?
Detailed bills are provided setting out the dates of service, the amount of time spent and a description of the legal work performed. Disbursements incurred on your behalf are itemized.
Bills are ordinarily rendered shortly after the services have been provided, or according to arrangements made in the Retainer agreement.
A client may request account updates at any time.
Do I Receive Copies?
Copies of important documents for your legal matter, including your Legal Services Agreement, bills, correspondence and Court documents will be forwarded to you upon request to keep you informed about developments in your case. Ordinarily, these types of documents are contained in your file.
Will I Receive Progress Reports?
We believe in working together and making sure that you are actively involved and kept up to date about the progress of your case.
We work with you to resolve your case in a reasonable, timely and cost-effective manner. Reports will be provided which will keep you informed about the progress on your case. Informational letters will be sent to notify you and prepare you for upcoming steps in your case.
Do You Do Any Legal Aid Work?
Our office previously accepted clients with a certificate from Legal Aid Ontario but is not able to do so at this time. Please check back with us in the future.