FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

+ What is my role, as the client?

At Sutherland Law, we will provide you with relevant legal advice on the different options available to move your matter forward and accomplish your specific goals and objectives. We will usually make a recommendation, but the final decision will be yours and we will carry out legal work on your behalf based on your instruction, while adhering to the Law Society of Ontario’s Professional Code of Conduct.

+ What does it mean to “retain a lawyer”?

If you retain a lawyer from Sutherland Law, it means that you have hired one of our lawyers to assist you with your legal matter. Once you have retained Sutherland Law, we will provide you with a retainer agreement which outlines the subject matter, terms and conditions of our services to you.

Sutherland Law will also require the payment of a retainer before providing legal services. A retainer is essentially a down-payment on the legal services we are to provide you with, which is held in trust by our firm for you. We will draw from the retainer as we perform legal services on your behalf and once it has been depleted, we may ask for an additional retainer for further work that we are required to perform on your behalf. If there are still retainer funds leftover after the legal matter is resolved, the remaining funds will be returned to you.

+ What experience does your law firm have?

Sutherland Law is a full-service law firm providing legal services in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, real estate, wills and estates, business law, tax law, debt collection, criminal law, construction law, labour and employment law, sports and entertainment law, and family law. Our firm is committed to obtaining the greatest possible outcomes for our clients’ matters, in every area of legal practice, while maintaining our clients’ peace of mind throughout the entire process.

+ How do I know if I have a case?

The Sutherland Law team knows that laws in Ontario are complex and continually changing, in every area of the law. If you are unsure about whether you have legal claim, our lawyers will carefully assess your case and provide clear guidance pertaining to your specific circumstances. Please contact us for a consultation.

+ Are there time limits on making a claim?

Yes. In Ontario, there are limits to the amount of time you may take prior to commencing your lawsuit. It is crucial that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible, so that you may avoid an expiration of the limitation period for your legal claim.

+ Will I have to go to court if I file a claim?

Not necessarily. Most legal claims end in settlement and are resolved outside of court. At Sutherland Law, we use our expertise and experience to resolve our clients’ claims fairly and in a timely manner, whether we are doing so inside or outside of the courtroom.

+ Is the information I tell my lawyer confidential?

The legal team at Sutherland Law always maintains strict client confidentiality, so that you can provide your lawyer with all of the information relevant to your matter without fear that the information will become public. It is important to note that the Law Society of Ontario’s Professional Code of Conduct outlines limited circumstances in which confidential information may be disclosed (see Section 3.3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct).

+ How do you bill?

Sutherland Law bills clients based off our set hourly rates, although some of the legal work we provide, such as notary services, are typically charged on a flat rate. Additionally, depending on the needs of our clients, we may follow a block set fees billing structure. Please consult us for your specific needs.