Limited-scope representation means that I am retained to provide specific legal services, rather than to represent you throughout your entire matter from start to finish.

Instead of hiring a lawyer to handle every aspect of your file, you and I agree in advance on exactly what I will do — for example, drafting documents, reviewing an agreement, or providing legal advice and coaching for a particular issue.

Limited-scope services are often a good fit where:

• The matter is uncontested, or largely agreed; and/or

• You want legal help with only certain parts of your file; and/or

• Full-service representation is not financially realistic

Pros

• Lower cost: Fees are generally significantly lower than full-service representation.

• Pay only for what you need: You are not paying for work you don’t require.

• Efficiency: Documents and consultations are often provided quickly, sometimes within one business day once all information is received.

• Client control: You decide which parts of your matter you want help with and which parts you will handle yourself.

Cons

• You remain responsible for the file: You will usually communicate directly with the court and/or the other party or their lawyer.

• Not suitable for every situation: Some matters, or some stages of a matter, are not appropriate for limited-scope assistance.

• No single lawyer handling everything: I may not have full knowledge of every aspect of your situation unless it is part of the agreed scope of work.

Limited-scope representation works best where matters are uncontested or largely agreed, and where a client is comfortable remaining responsible for their own file with targeted legal help along the way.

It may not be appropriate for situations involving high conflict, urgent court deadlines, or where full representation is needed to protect your interests. If limited-scope services are not a good fit for your situation, I will let you know during a consultation so you can decide how you wish to proceed

Depending on your situation, I can assist with specific legal tasks, including:

• Legal consultations and coaching, to help you understand the legal issues involved, what steps to expect, and how to prepare.

• Court process coaching for self-represented litigants, including explaining what will happen in court, what documents are required, how filings and deadlines work, and what you are responsible for doing yourself.

• Court document preparation, including drafting documents you may need to file.

• Second opinions, if you would like an independent review of your situation or documents prepared elsewhere.

• Drafting and review of more complex materials, such as correspondence, affidavits, motion briefs, and case management information statements.

All services are provided on a limited-scope basis, meaning we agree in advance on exactly what work I will do.

I generally do not review court forms that a client has prepared themselves.

Court forms are highly technical and frequently updated, and reviewing a completed form without having prepared it myself creates a risk that:

• Required information may be missing; or

• New or revised requirements may not be apparent.

To avoid that risk, court forms are typically prepared using my own templates and processes when form preparation is part of the agreed scope of work.

If you are unsure whether a particular document is appropriate for review, you are welcome to ask during a consultation.

Because my services are provided on a limited-scope basis, there are some things I do not do unless we specifically agree otherwise in writing.

In general, I do not:

• Take ongoing carriage of your entire file;

• Communicate directly with the court or the opposing party on your behalf;

• Attend court unless specifically retained to do so;

• Provide emergency or last-minute filing services; or

• Review or “check” completed court forms that I did not prepare.

Clear boundaries help ensure that the work I do is accurate, efficient, and appropriate for limited-scope assistance.

No. Most of my work is provided on a flat-fee basis, rather than by retainer.

When we get started, I will ask you to enter a credit card into a secure online payment vault. Once the agreed-upon work is completed, your card will be charged for the flat fee and I will provide the completed documents.

Consultations, coaching sessions and some other services are billed on an hourly basis, with fees invoiced at the end of the consultation. Any hourly work is discussed and agreed to in advance.

If you prefer to pay by e-transfer, I will provide a statement of fees and payment instructions instead.

If your matter becomes more complex or contested, we can discuss whether additional services are appropriate.

Any new or expanded work is always discussed and agreed to in advance. You are never automatically committed to additional services, and you are free to decide how you wish to proceed at each stage.