For clients
Finding legal help
What options do I have if I cannot afford a lawyer?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, start with Legal Aid Ontario and community legal clinics to ask what help you may qualify for.
Guides
40 guidesPractical answers for clients and lawyers.
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For lawyers
Practice growth
How can I attract more suitable clients without relying entirely on paid advertising?
Help people recognize when your service fits their problem.
For clients
Finding legal help
How can I check whether a lawyer is licensed and in good standing?
Check the lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario's public directory before hiring them for Ontario work.
For clients
Finding legal help
How do I choose the right lawyer for my legal problem?
Start with the problem you want help with, where it happened and any deadline.
For lawyers
Scope & pricing
What should I do when a client requests work outside the agreed scope?
Explain how the new request differs from the agreed work and discuss the options before going ahead.
For lawyers
Professional responsibilities
When does an initial consultation create a lawyer–client relationship?
Be clear about your role before giving substantive advice, and confirm what happens after the consultation.
For clients
Fees & scope
How much does hiring a lawyer in Ontario cost?
Ask for a written price or estimate before you agree to the work.
For clients
Employment
I have been dismissed from my job—what should I check before accepting a severance offer?
Before signing a severance offer or release, ask an employment lawyer to explain your options and what you would give up.
For clients
Getting prepared
What documents should I prepare before speaking to a lawyer?
Start with a short timeline, key names and any deadline.
For clients
Employment
Should I have a lawyer review my employment contract before signing?
Consider having an employment lawyer review the complete offer before you sign.
For lawyers
Client intake
How can I turn more initial enquiries into paying clients without pressuring them?
Make the next step clear without pushing the person to commit.
For lawyers
Practice growth
What should I check before joining an online legal marketplace?
Try the client journey and read the current terms before joining.
For clients
Getting prepared
What should I ask during my first consultation with a lawyer?
Use your first conversation to ask what your options are, what needs attention now and what help will cost.
For clients
Fees & scope
What is the difference between a fixed fee, an hourly fee and a retainer?
Ask the lawyer to explain the fee arrangement in plain language.
For lawyers
Scope & pricing
What should a fixed-fee service include—and clearly exclude?
Describe the result the client will receive and the work needed to provide it.
For clients
Fees & scope
Can I hire a lawyer for just one task instead of my entire case?
Ask whether a lawyer can help with a specific task, such as reviewing an agreement or preparing you for a hearing.
For lawyers
Practice operations
How can I keep clients informed without spending my entire day answering messages?
Agree how and when you will update the client, then make each update useful.
For clients
Housing
My landlord wants me to leave—what should I do before moving out?
Keep the notice or message and ask a qualified adviser what it means before assuming you must move out.
For clients
Fees & scope
What should I do if I am unhappy with my lawyer's bill or service?
Ask the lawyer for a clear explanation of the bill or service issue, preferably in writing.
For lawyers
Client intake
What information should I collect before accepting a new client?
Collect the information you need to assess the work, urgency and possible conflicts before asking for the full story.
For lawyers
Professional responsibilities
What advertising, testimonial and referral rules should I check before promoting my practice online?
Check that every claim is accurate, can be supported and helps the reader make an informed choice.
For lawyers
Practice growth
How do I create an online lawyer profile that builds trust and generates enquiries?
Write your profile for a person who may be worried and unfamiliar with legal services.
For lawyers
Professional responsibilities
How should I check for conflicts when an enquiry arrives through a marketplace?
Use your firm's conflict-check process before accepting the work or collecting unnecessary confidential detail.
For lawyers
Practice growth
How can I measure whether a marketplace subscription is worth its cost?
Decide what value would justify the subscription, then compare that with actual use over time.
For clients
Privacy & communication
Is an online legal consultation suitable for my situation, and how is my information protected?
Ask the lawyer whether an online meeting suits the help you need.
For lawyers
Money & records
How should online client payments, processing fees and trust funds be handled?
Before taking an online payment, confirm what the money is for and how it must be handled.
For clients
Family
How are parenting arrangements and child support decided after separation?
Ask a family lawyer about arrangements that meet your child's needs and the law that applies to your family.
For clients
Wills & estates
What is a power of attorney, and when do I need one?
Speak to a lawyer about who should make decisions if you need help managing your affairs.
For lawyers
Scope & pricing
How should I price fixed-fee legal services without underestimating the work?
Define the task before choosing a fixed fee.
For clients
Property
What does a real estate lawyer do when I buy or sell a home?
Contact a real estate lawyer early and share the purchase or sale agreement and important dates.
For clients
Disputes
Someone owes me money—should I negotiate, use mediation or go to Small Claims Court?
Gather the agreement, invoices and payment records, then ask an adviser about realistic ways to recover the money.
For lawyers
Professional responsibilities
How can I verify a client's identity when working remotely?
First establish which identification and verification requirements apply to the work.
For lawyers
Privacy & technology
How can I use AI while protecting confidentiality and checking the accuracy of its output?
Use AI for a defined supporting task, then check the result yourself.
For lawyers
Scope & pricing
What should my retainer agreement say about scope, fees, communication and ending the engagement?
Explain the work, fees and responsibilities in a written agreement the client can understand.
For lawyers
Privacy & technology
How can I securely exchange documents and conduct online consultations?
Choose an appropriate way to share information, confirm recipients and explain the process to the client.
For clients
Family
What is the difference between separation and divorce in Ontario?
Start by getting advice about the decisions you need to make now: safety, children, money and housing.
For clients
Business
What legal documents do I need when starting a small business?
Start by explaining what your business will do, who owns it and who you will deal with.
For lawyers
Practice operations
How can a solo lawyer manage enquiries, appointments, documents and deadlines more efficiently?
Create a simple routine from enquiry to closure, with a clear owner for every next step.
For lawyers
Money & records
How should I handle unused retainers, refunds and disputed invoices?
Review the agreement, work done and accounting records, then explain clearly what is owed or should be returned.
For clients
Wills & estates
Do I need a will, and what happens if I die without one?
Talk to an estates lawyer about making a will that reflects your wishes and family circumstances.
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