Before assisting a client we have to make sure there’s no conflict of interest. We will need some basic information about the client (full name, date of birth, contact information) and their situation (charges, other individuals involved, etc.) in order to check for conflicts in our system.

After the conflict inquiry clears, we will send a written Retainer Agreement for the client’s review and consideration. The Retainer Agreement will set out the hourly rate and required retainer, as well as particulars with respect to each party’s responsibilities.

Once retained, we will take care of requesting and obtaining disclosure (the police file) and any other information that the client is entitled to at the initial stage of the proceeding. We will also have a brief phone call for the purpose of determining if there is anything pressing that needs to be addressed immediately. Some clients may be eager to vary their release conditions as soon as they can, or may wish to have an in-person meeting right away to discuss the situation and ask questions, while others prefer waiting to have a sit-down meeting once more information on the allegation has been provided. 

When disclosure becomes available we will provide a copy to the client and will ask that they review it thoroughly and then schedule a time to meet to discuss. The client should come to the meeting prepared to discuss any comments, concerns, or questions they have arising from their review of the file.  We will explain to the client the options available and provide the client with an opinion and advice on how to move forward. 

Once the client decides on how they would like to move forward there will be a further discussion about the costs that will be involved to bring the matter to a conclusion.