​If you have never faced issues requiring representation by a lawyer, you might wonder how such a collaboration unfolds and how a lawyer can effectively represent your interests.

 

Legal representation generally takes place in several stages:

 

Initial meeting

 

During this meeting, you will explain your situation in detail and, if possible, provide the relevant documents. If the case is straightforward, the lawyer may be able to give you a legal opinion and advice on how to proceed right away. Together, you will identify the goals to be achieved.

 

Analysis of the facts, evidence, and development of strategy

 

At this stage, the lawyer will carefully examine the elements of your file in order to assess its strengths, weaknesses, and likelihood of success.

 

They will provide you with a realistic opinion on the issues at stake, without sugar-coating the situation. If the case does not present reasonable chances of success, the lawyer will inform you honestly, to help you avoid unnecessary expenses. In other cases, they will propose a strategy tailored to your objectives.

 

Sometimes, the chances of success are not clear. The situation can be nuanced: some elements in the file may work in your favor, while others may work against you. The available evidence, witness testimony, or even the unpredictable behavior of other parties can influence the outcome of the dispute.

 

The lawyer will analyze the facts, applicable laws, and the evidence in your possession, and will develop an action plan. This may include obtaining additional documents or testimony, conducting expert assessments, holding examinations, or other means of proof.

 

Once the plan is established, the case will move forward accordingly. However, this is not a fixed plan—it may be adjusted as new facts emerge or as the situation evolves.

 

Financial considerations and amicable settlement

 

The lawyer will also assess the options for an amicable settlement. Often, negotiating with the opposing party can lead to a satisfactory outcome more quickly and at a lower cost. In some situations, simply informing the other party of the possible legal consequences can be enough to break the deadlock.

 

In other cases, no settlement is possible, and it becomes necessary to initiate proceedings before the courts.

 

Mandate duration and cost of services

 

In some cases, a single consultation is sufficient. You briefly present your issue, the lawyer provides a legal opinion, and you leave with the information you need. You are then billed only for that one-time consultation.

 

In other situations, you will collaborate with the lawyer over a longer period - sometimes several months or years. This is often the case in civil, family, or housing matters, or for services such as drafting contracts, incorporating a business, etc.

 

In such situations, a professional services agreement will be signed. You will thus mandate our law firm to represent you. This agreement provides for billing based on an hourly rate, depending on the actual time spent on your case. Invoiced will be sent to you periodically, and you will be expected to pay them.

 

A retainer will be required before work begins, to secure payment of fees. The hourly rate varies depending on the nature of the file, its complexity, the experience of the lawyer in charge, and other factors. This rate will be communicated to you during the initial meeting. 

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