By: Stephanie McDonald and Baljinder (Bal) Singh Tiwana
Booking a consultation is a vital first step towards understanding your legal situation. It provides clarity, identifies your options, and helps you determine the best path moving forward. This guide explains exactly what to expect when you book a consultation with our firm.
Before the Consultation
Once your consultation is scheduled, we will ask you to provide relevant documents, along with your full name, address, and contact information.
Don’t worry if you don’t have every document. Send us whatever you have, and we can discuss any missing information during the consultation.
Before we meet, we will carefully review all materials you send. We assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and consider potential next steps. This preparation allows us to use our time together efficiently and focus on what matters most.
During the Consultation
At the start of the call, we briefly introduce ourselves and outline how the meeting will proceed. We then ask targeted questions to fill in any gaps not addressed in your documents and to fully understand your situation.
We take a thoughtful and sympathetic approach. We ask open-ended questions, listen without judgment, and ensure you have the time and space to explain your circumstances in your own words.
We also discuss your goals. Whether your priority is negotiating a better severance package, preserving your employment, resolving a workplace dispute, or simply understanding your legal position, knowing what matters most to you allows us to tailor our advice accordingly.
Throughout the consultation, we explain the law as it applies to your circumstances. Depending on your situation, this may include your potential common law notice entitlement, Employment Insurance (EI), benefits continuation, minimum entitlements under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), human rights considerations, accommodation obligations, or other legal issues relevant to your case.
Most importantly, we provide an honest assessment of your matter. If we believe you have a strong claim, we will explain why. If we see challenges or limitations, we will discuss those openly as well. Our goal is to provide practical, straightforward advice so you can make informed decisions.
Retainer
Before the consultation ends, we outline the retainer options available to you. This includes whether we would handle your matter on an hourly basis, contingency, or offer alternative fee structures, depending on the circumstances.
No Pressure
There is no obligation to retain us following your consultation. We encourage you to take the time you need to consider your options and decide whether moving forward is the right choice for you.
Choosing a lawyer is an important decision, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident before making that commitment.
After the Consultation
You will receive an invoice for the consultation promptly after the meeting. We accept payment by e-transfer only.
If appropriate, we will follow up with you regarding next steps.
If You Decide to Retain Us
If you choose to move forward, we will provide a formal retainer agreement along with a client verification request. Please let us know if you have any questions prior to signing the retainer agreement.
Client verification is required due to the remote nature of our practice and is mandated by the Law Society of Ontario to help prevent fraud.
Conclusion
A consultation is designed to give you clarity, direction, and confidence in your next steps. Whether you decide to retain us or not, our goal is for you to leave with a better understanding of your legal rights, your available options, and the next steps that make the most sense for your situation.
DISCLAIMER: This article/blog is provided for educational/informational purposes only. This blog does not constitute legal advice. Do not rely on any advice before speaking with a lawyer. This blog does not form a solicitor-client relationship.
