Recognizing and addressing legal issues
A client tells you they want to increase their child support. Is this a legal issue?
In general yes. If they are entitled to an increase in child support, they can make the request to the courts.
A client’s immigration consultant does not list themselves as a representative on their application. What color flag is this?
Red
What are two questions a client should ask a lawyer before retaining them?
- costs, whether they have expertise in the matter, how to communicate with their office
What are three documents that might indicate that a client needs legal assistance?
Letter from the government, court papers, eviction notices, employment termination letters, divorce order
What is a major red flag when checking a lawyer’s legitimacy in the LSO directory?
If they are not listed or have a disciplinary history.
What are two things you generally find in a retainer agreement?
Billing terms, the services provided by the lawyer, how each party can end the lawyer-client relationship
A client tell you they want to make a refugee claim. What are two pieces of legal information a FW can provide them?
Examples of legal information: you can explain to them the definition of a refugee in Canada, you can explain to them the general refugee application process, you can provide them with a list of referrals for lawyers and legal clinics
What are three signs of a fraudulent legal professional?
They make unrealistic promises, refuse to provide a retainer agreement, or discourage clients from reviewing their own applications.
What are two reasons a lawyer can withdraw from a case?
If the client is not paying their fees or, if the client is asking the lawyer to act unethically, if there is a breakdown in trust, of the client is not following the lawyer's advice, if the client has lied to the lawyer