We encourage our clients to discuss our billing practices as well as their expectations. We provide flexible fee arrangements to suit the specific needs of our clients. When billing for professional services we take into account many factors, including, the time and effort spent on your behalf, the difficulty and importance of the matter, the results obtained and special circumstances such as urgency.
Hourly Rate
We have a schedule of varying hourly rates for lawyers and other professional staff. The rates are based on experience, training and level of professional development.
Fixed Fee
Although work is typically billed at an hourly rate, specific services, such as the purchase or sale of a property, the incorporation of a company or the preparation of basic wills are generally billed on a fixed fee basis. Typically, we will agree upon a fixed fee in advance of providing the legal services.
Contingency
Contingency fee arrangements may be available with respect to certain claims. In this case, a percentage of the settlement that is negotiated on your behalf will be applied towards professional services. In such instances, it is our firm’s practice to enter into a formal Contingency Fee Agreement with you which sets out in detail the percentage which shall be payable as well as your obligations with respect to the payment of disbursements incurred on your behalf.
Disbursements
We bill our clients for out-of-pocket expenses or disbursements expended on your behalf. These expenses would typically include court and registry filing fees, courier charges, photocopies, long distance telephone, travel and the like. Our billing statements show full details of these disbursements.
Billing Frequency
Although our statements are typically prepared and sent to you following the conclusion of your file, our accounts may be submitted on an interim basis if the matter carries on over a month. In such instances, you will be billed on a monthly basis for time and disbursements that have been incurred during the interim month. Our fees and disbursements are subject to Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) at a rate of 15%. Accounts are payable when rendered.
Interest
Consistent with other business and professionals today, we do charge interest on the balance of fees and disbursements remaining unpaid for 30 days after the date of the account. Our present interest rate is 1.5% per month or 18% per annum.
Retainers
In cases where we will incur out-of-pocket expenses on your behalf, the firm may ask for a retainer in advance or during the conduct of a matter. We hold all retainers in trust and apply them to expenses incurred on your behalf and against fees and disbursements when our accounts are rendered.