01
How is a first attendance arranged?
Telephone or e-mail to the office. A time is proposed and the client is told what documents to bring.
Common questions
02
What should a person bring to a first attendance?
Identity document, any letter from a court or regulator, contracts, correspondence, and messages relevant to the matter.
03
Who in the practice will handle a matter?
A responsible lawyer is named at the first attendance and recorded in the scope note.
04
How is the scope of work recorded?
In a written note that lists what will be done, who will do it, and the next procedural step.
05
How is confidentiality handled?
Files are stored on a restricted system. Only those working on the matter have access.
06
What happens if a matter has to be referred to another practice?
The client is told why and is given the choice to instruct the other practice directly.
07
How long does a matter usually take to reach its first court date?
It depends on the forum and on disclosure. Counsel explains the timeline after the charge or filing.
08
Can the practice advise once proceedings have already started?
Yes, if the matter falls within the areas handled and there is no conflict.
09
How is a client kept informed during a matter?
Written updates after material steps and before each court date.
10
What documents are usually needed at the start?
Whatever exists: charge sheets, letters, contracts, termination notices, or regulatory notices.
11
How are conflicts of interest checked?
Before any engagement letter is sent, names are checked against existing clients.
12
What happens at a mention?
Bail, dates, and administrative directions are addressed in a short hearing.
13
How does the practice handle a matter that is being investigated but not yet charged?
Counsel reviews the investigative record, advises on procedure, and records scope in writing.
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