This policy explains how fees, retainers and refunds work at True Ontario Legal Defence. If you retain us, your written retainer agreement sets out the fee arrangement for your matter and takes priority over this general summary.
Free consultation
Your initial consultation is free. You will never be charged for it, and there is nothing to refund.
Money held in trust
Retainer funds you pay before work is done are held in our trust account, as required by the Law Society of Ontario. We transfer funds from trust only for work that has been done and billed, or for disbursements paid on your behalf. Any unused balance in trust is refunded to you when your matter ends or when our retainer is terminated.
Flat and block fees
For many traffic and criminal matters we quote a flat or block fee that covers a defined stage of the case, including unlimited court appearances where the retainer says so. A block fee is earned as the work in that stage is carried out. If the retainer ends before a stage is complete, we refund the part of the fee that has not been earned, based on the work done to that point.
Disbursements
Out-of-pocket costs paid to others on your behalf, such as court filing fees, transcripts, records searches or expert reports, cannot be refunded once they have been paid.
Ending the retainer
You may end our retainer at any time by telling us in writing. We may also withdraw in the circumstances permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct. In either case we will send a final account and refund any unearned fees and unused trust funds.
How to request a refund
- Contact us by email or in writing with your name, file number and the amount you believe is owed.
- We will review your file and respond within [10] business days.
- Approved refunds are paid by the method you originally used, or by cheque or e-transfer, within [30] days.
If you disagree with an account
Please raise any concern with us first; most questions can be resolved quickly. You also have the right to ask the Superior Court of Justice to review (assess) our account under the Solicitors Act, and you may contact the Law Society of Ontario.
Contact
True Ontario Legal Defence, 2305 Stanfield Rd #22, Mississauga, ON L4Y 1S1 · +1 (416) 508-0398 · canadianlawyer@gmail.com