Time (and Money!) - Saving Tips

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!