How do I get you to represent me?
The first step is to book an appointment for an initial consultation with one of us. Please contact us by telephone or e-mail in order to do so.
The purpose of a consultation is to discuss your case, what we might do for you, and what the cost will be, should you decide to retain us.
We will prepare a written agreement on services and fees if you decide to retain one of us. Once the agreement is signed and any required retainer fee is paid, we can get started on your case or application.
Is there a fee for a consultation?
Yes. The fee is $350 for a consultation.
What is included in the consultation fee?
The consultation fee covers your initial meeting with the lawyer, who will take the time to discuss your situation in detail and provide initial advice.
If you choose to retain one of us to represent you, your lawyer will propose an agreement on fees and services specific to your situation.
Will the consultation fee be deducted from my total fee if I retain you?
The fee arrangement will be discussed during your consultation. If you retain one of us, the consultation fee may, in certain circumstances, be deducted from your total fee.
Do I still need to pay the consultation fee if I do not retain you or if you cannot help me?
Yes.
How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
Please contact us by telephone or e-mail to book a consultation.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Please be sure to bring with you:
- Proof of identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- All immigration-related documents you have
- Payment of the consultation fee (this fee can be paid by PayPal or cash)
You are welcome to bring a trusted friend or relative to assist you.
What if I don’t speak English or French?
If you are uncomfortable speaking in English or French, please bring a friend, family member or community member who can assist with translation. We also speak some Spanish.
What will happen at a consultation?
We will ask you questions in order to learn about your immigration situation. We will provide you with information about your legal options. This is also a chance for you to get to know us and to make sure you want to retain our services.
Following the consultation, we can start work on your case after concluding an agreement on services and fees. However, you are not under any obligation to retain us, and you can request additional time to think about whether or not to do so.
We also have the right to decline representation (and in certain circumstances we may be required to decline representation under the rules of the Barreau du Québec).
How long will my consultation be?
Your consultation will take as long as is necessary to provide you with an opinion about your case. Consultations vary depending on the complexity of each case, but you can expect that the consultation will last about one hour.
Do you represent clients who are living outside Montreal or Quebec?
Yes. We regularly represent clients from all across Canada and those located in other countries. Please note that all our meetings are conducted by either Zoom or by phone. We do not conduct in person meetings.
How much do your services cost?
We cannot always give an accurate estimate in advance because fees vary depending on the type of work and the complexity of the case.
The fee in your case will be discussed at an initial consultation. If you decide to retain one of us, the fee will be set out in your written agreement.
Do you charge by the hour?
We offer two kinds of fee arrangements: a fixed rate and an hourly fee.
A fixed rate is a set fee for a specific piece of work. The fee only covers the specific work agreed upon.
An hourly fee is a rate that we charge per hour of work completed.
We can agree to fixed rates with certain clients. However, sometimes an hourly fee is more appropriate, given the complexity of the matter.
Your agreement will be discussed at an initial consultation.
Do you require payment in advance?
In our fee arrangement, we often require payment of what lawyers call a “retainer” before we will start work on your case. The retainer is the amount you pay in advance to retain us as your lawyers. This amount usually covers a portion of our fees and any expected disbursements. The balance of the fee is due at an agreed-upon date, usually a few weeks before the work is completed.
Will there be any other expenses or disbursements?
You are responsible for paying expenses / disbursements for your case. These include costs for couriers, government application fees, and court filing fees.
Will there be tax?
All of our fees are subject to relevant taxes. If you are a resident of Quebec, we charge the required 14,975%.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes, we accept payment in installments in certain circumstances, and these arrangements will be set out in your agreement on services and fees.