Ontario legal information · Sources appear with each important rule
Know who operates the practice and who is accountable for the file
Before retaining a firm, confirm the responsible lawyer, office and contact information, the practice areas actually accepted, and whether another lawyer or legal professional will perform parts of the work.
This website does not use an unverified lawyer biography, result, review, award, location or client count as proof. Legal representation begins only after the responsible lawyer and terms are identified in writing.
A good consultation should turn the story into the right legal questions
Bring the event date, insurer letters, policy details, medical milestones and a short description of what has changed. The first conversation should identify possible claim routes, urgent evidence, timing concerns and whether the practice is a fit.
Questions worth asking
- Who will be responsible for my file?
- Which claims or insurance systems may apply?
- What needs attention now, and what can wait?
- How will decisions and settlement authority remain with me?
- How often will I receive a meaningful update?
The legal work should have a purpose you can understand
Gathering records is not the strategy by itself. The file should connect evidence to responsibility, insurance coverage, medical causation, function and financial loss. You should know which question is being answered and what decision is approaching.
For a serious or multi-system claim, ask how the firm coordinates accident benefits, a civil action, disability income and potential repayment claims without double counting or losing sight of the person’s recovery.
Read the fee, disbursement and termination terms before signing
Ontario contingency-fee rules require prescribed disclosure, including a consumer guide, and require lawyers who market contingency work to disclose their general maximum contingency-fee percentage.2
Before retaining a lawyer, obtain the firm’s maximum percentage and review the treatment of costs and disbursements, taxes, termination terms and settlement reporting.
What to expect from a personal injury lawyer.
The lawyer should be able to explain the work, the uncertainties and the choices without promising a result. Responsibility, communication and complete fee terms should be clear before representation begins.
- Explain the claim plan and the evidence needed to support it.
- Identify who will supervise the work and how updates will be handled.
- Put the scope, fees, expenses and responsibilities in writing.
Sources and legal references
The numbered footnotes link to the official sources used on this page.
View 3 sources
- Law Society of Ontario — Lawyer and Paralegal Directory
Verify practising status and business contact information for Ontario licensees.
Back to footnote ↑ - Law Society of Ontario — Contingency fee FAQs
Ontario disclosure, consumer-guide and maximum-fee requirements.
Back to footnote ↑ - Law Society of Ontario — Finding a lawyer or paralegal
Public guidance on verifying a legal professional and using referral services.
Back to footnote ↑