Statement Of Client’s Rights

• You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer’s office.
• You are entitled to a lawyer capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the lawyer-client relationship at any time.
• You are entitled to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
• You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from your lawyer at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory.
• You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner.
• You are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of documents. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the advancement of your matter.
• You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your lawyer, including whether or not to settle your matter.
• You have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
• You are entitled to have your lawyer conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Law Society of Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
• You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.

Statement Of Client’s Responsibilities

• Clients should treat their lawyer and the law firm’s staff respectfully.
• Clients should be open and honest regarding the facts of their legal issue, even if clients feel that the details are not flattering or may be harmful to their case.
• Clients and lawyers must adhere to the fee arrangement that they agreed upon, including paying legal fees and other expenses on time.
• Even if clients choose to discharge the lawyer and hire a different one, they must honour the fees charged by the initial lawyer.
• Clients should understand that their lawyer may have other clients who have equally pressing priorities.
• Clients should provide up-to-date contact information, including changes in mailing address, email address or telephone number.
• Clients should understand that their lawyer does not have to honour unlawful or illegitimate goals and that the lawyer will not advocate or propose
• positions that are unprofessional or contrary to law or the Law Society of Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
• The lawyer may decline to accept a matter if they have previous personal or professional commitments that will prohibit them from devoting adequate time to represent the client competently and diligently.
• A lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if the lawyer determines that the cause of the client is without merit, a conflict of interest would exist or a suitable working relationship with the client is not likely.
• Client must provide Dol & Co with a valid designated representative or group email address to be added to the email distribution and notification lists.
• Client must notify Dol & Co promptly in the event of any change/update for that representative or group email address.