Hearing Preparation Policy

Purpose

Good preparation is the best way to present a client's case fairly and well. This policy sets out how NEO prepares for hearings, trials, settlement conferences and mediations.

Our policy

1. The issues. We identify the issues to be decided, the facts that must be proven, and the law that applies.
2. The evidence. We gather and organize documents and witnesses, and meet the court's or tribunal's rules and deadlines for exchanging and filing them.
3. Preparing the client. Before the hearing, we explain to the client what will happen, who will be there, how long it may take, and what they may be asked. We never tell a client or witness what to say, only to tell the truth.
4. Format. We confirm whether the hearing is in person, by video or by phone, and prepare the client for that format, including testing the technology for a remote hearing.
5. Accommodation and interpreters. We arrange these in advance, under our Accommodation in Legal Proceedings Policy and Interpreters and Translation Policy.
6. Settlement. We discuss settlement options and get instructions before every settlement conference or mediation, under our Settlement Offers and Client Instructions Policy.
7. After the hearing. We explain the result, the next steps, any deadline to appeal or ask for a review, and how to enforce or comply with the order.

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.