Check the lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario's public directory before hiring them for Ontario work. Match their full name and firm details, then read the current licence information and any restrictions. If something is unclear, ask the regulator before proceeding.
Understand the situation and prepare
Use independently verified contact details to confirm that the person communicating with you is the lawyer you found. Be cautious if someone sends an unexpected request for money or changes bank details at the last minute. A profile badge or an old screenshot of a licence entry is not a substitute for a current check.
Check identity, current status and fit separately
A name, profile photograph or platform badge is not the same as a current regulator record. Use the regulator's official directory and compare professional details. Then ask whether the lawyer handles your type of work and can meet your needs. A valid licence does not by itself establish availability, specialization or a suitable scope.
A practical example
Illustrative example: A person contacts you using a name you recognize from a profile. Instead of relying on the message, obtain contact details independently and confirm who is acting. If payment instructions change unexpectedly, verify through a trusted route before sending money; a familiar display name is not sufficient verification.
Questions to settle before the next step
Ask who will provide the service and whether another team member will be involved. Clarify the office and communication route you should use. If details do not match, pause and seek clarification through the regulator or the firm's verified contact information rather than sending identity documents into an unverified conversation.
Your next steps
- Search the official regulator directory.
- Compare the name and firm details with the person contacting you.
- Read any status or restriction information.
- Verify unexpected payment instructions independently.
How LegalMart can help
Find help that fits
LegalMart profiles and service offerings help you identify the professional behind a service and the work they offer. Use those details as a starting point for your directory check, and ask who will actually handle your matter before you accept.
Keep the work connected
After your lawyer accepts the engagement, use the agreed shared service room for messages, documents and the next recorded action. Your lawyer may separately use private Workplace matter tools; you do not need a firm login, and sharing in one place does not automatically copy records into the other.
Use LegalMart for your next step
Have a question about a feature or its availability? Raise a question with support and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What to keep in mind
LegalMart is not the regulator and does not guarantee continuous licence monitoring. Check current status independently. Platform access must not be treated as LSO endorsement or proof that a lawyer is right for every matter.
Helpful sources
Read more from these official sources. Rules and services can change; check the current information before acting.