Engagement and Non-Engagement Policy

Purpose

It must always be clear whether NEO is acting for someone. This policy explains when we become a person's representative, and what we do when we decline a matter.

When we act for you

We act for a client only once:

1. a conflict check is clear;
2. the client's identity is verified under our Client Identification and Verification Policy;
3. a written retainer agreement setting out the scope of our work and the fee is signed.

A free consultation, an enquiry form, an email or a comment on our website does not, on its own, make us anyone's representative. Until a retainer is signed, the person is responsible for their own deadlines.

When we decline a matter

We may decline a matter because of a conflict of interest, because it is outside a paralegal's scope, because we don't have the capacity to do it properly, or for another proper reason. When we decline after a consultation, we:

• tell the person promptly and, where appropriate, in writing;
• point out any deadline we are aware of, without giving advice on the matter;
• suggest where they may find help, such as a lawyer, a legal clinic or the Law Society's referral service;
• return any documents they gave us, and keep confidential everything they told us.

When our work ends

When a matter is finished, we confirm in a closing letter that our retainer has ended, under our File Closing and Retention Policy.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and whenever the Law Society's By-Laws or rules change. The principal approves every change.

Questions

Email info@neolegalservices.com, call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, or write to us at Unit 236, 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario L1V 1B5.