User’s Guide: Lawyer 1.0

Time (and Money!) - Saving Tips

Since you’re paying for your lawyer’s time, generally the less time you use, the lower the fees you pay. These hints can help you can keep costs down, while getting the most out of your time with your lawyer.

Pick the right lawyer

·            Choose a lawyer who practices the right type of law.  No one is expert at everything.

·            Look them up.  Use: https://www.canlii.org/en/ to see if the lawyer has a successful track record.  Never bet on a horse who’s never won a race.

·            Don’t pick the cheapest.  They’re cheap because they’re worth it.

·            Pick a lawyer you’ll trust – and listen to.  Only a fool buys a dog and barks himself.

 Before meeting the lawyer

·            Write out a chronology of events.

·            Assemble your papers and documents and put them in order—don’t forget to include electronic documents like e-mail messages.

·            If you hand your lawyer a bunch of loose, disorganized documents, we will read every one, and charge hundreds of dollars an hour to do it.

·            Write out the names & contact information of people involved in the case.

·            Write out the names & contact information of anyone who might have information – witnesses, friends, relatives, etc.

·            Outline your questions, thoughts, and issues in writing.

·            When possible, type out notes for the lawyer, rather than hand over pages of difficult-to-read handwriting.

·            If you have documents (e.g. records, photo’s, etc. – SCAN THEM).  Email pdfs.  We will charge you if we spend the time scanning.

 Talking to the lawyer

·            Stick to the facts.

·            Tell the lawyer all the facts, good and bad. We can’t help if you hide problems.

·            Ask questions if you do not understand the advice you are given.

·            Ask what you can do to speed up the case and reduce your costs.

 After You Have Talked to Your Lawyer

·            Try not to call your lawyer more often than necessary.  We charge for every call.

·            E-mail whenever possible. It’s efficient, means you and the lawyer can deal with the matter in your own time, and makes a written record of your message.

·            Always cc the lawyer’s assistant.  If we’re busy, the assistant can often help, or tell us you need a quick reply.

·            Always reply promptly to the lawyer and assistant.  Every time we follow up (“Still haven’t heard back”) – we charge you for that!