So you have a problem you think you need to talk to a lawyer about. How do you hire a lawyer?
Every lawyer or firm may have different procedures. Generally, however, when you identify someone you want to hire, a lawyer will need the following:
- Names of anyone involved to avoid a conflict of interest
- A retainer deposit/financial retainer
- A signed retainer agreement
- Identification
But before you get to this stage, you need to know a lawyer to hire. How does one go about this?
Family and friends may have been in your shoes. Ask for a referral, but not legal advice.
Your employer may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The Law Society has a referral service.
And where the best information can be found: the Internet*.
Some lawyers offer a free consultation. Expect to have to make an appointment (on-line or through reception). You may be offered a few minutes for the lawyer to know if the firm practices in the area of law you are inquiring about. It could be a formal 30 minute free consultation or an informal 10 minute call. EAPs offer 15, 30 or 45 minutes for a free consultation.
If a longer or more detailed consultation is required and if SullivanLaw believes it may be of assistance and practices in the area of law you are calling about – we offer about an hour for a $200 consultation for summary advice without further obligation. This is an investment by the client ($200) and the lawyer (a reduced hourly rate) to understand the legal terrain the client is on. Email [email protected] for more information.
When You Call a Lawyer
Be prepared to concisely explain what you are calling about. The prospective lawyer will need names — yours and anyone involved in the matter.
Be prepared to answer the nature of the issue you are calling about. If there is a court process started, you should know at what stage yours is at and whether there is a court date scheduled. Is it a motion, trial, or a case conference? Is it tomorrow, next week or in 5 months?
Have a pen and paper handy. Make notes of the name of the lawyer and the firm you are calling.
Have a list of questions you want to ask. You will want to know if the lawyer can take on the case, what the retainer process is, and the rate the lawyer charges. You will want to ask how much in total your matter will cost. Unless it’s a fixed rate matter (sometimes residential real estate, Wills, and incorporations are structured to be at a fixed rate but not always), there will be no way of knowing the expense. Don’t write down the lowest amount within a range if one is offered. “A case like yours can range from $6,000 to $22,000 or more” does not mean the case will come in at $6,000.
Most firms require some amount of a deposit to apply against future work or disbursements. A retainer deposit in a lawyer’s trust account belongs to the client and it will be used by the lawyer for purposes of the retainer, like fees, disbursements and other authorized expenses. Lawyers live by very strict rules when it comes to dealing with other people’s money they control in their trust accounts.
A legal representation agreement will explain how the lawyer or firm will manage your file and its billing rates and practices.
The Law Society of Ontario requires lawyers obtain and validate ID.
We look forward to hearing from you.
*sarcasm
We’re not cowardly clock-watchers when it comes to the paid consultation. You need answers. We need to know what’s what to get you those answers.