Joint Retainers Policy

Purpose

Two or more people sometimes hire us together, for example co-owners of a business suing the same customer, or co-tenants with the same complaint. This policy explains how NEO handles a joint retainer, as the Paralegal Rules of Conduct require.

Before we agree

We tell every joint client, before we accept the matter:

1. No secrets between joint clients. Anything one client tells us about the matter may be shared with the others.
2. One representative, shared interests. We act for all of them together, and can't take one client's side against another.
3. If a dispute develops. If the clients' interests come into conflict, we may have to stop acting for some or all of them, and they may need to hire new representatives.
4. Fees. How the fees are shared between them.

Each client's agreement to these terms is confirmed in writing in the retainer.

During the matter

• Instructions should come from all joint clients, or from one of them with the others' written authority.
• Every joint client can see the same file, including through the client portal.
• We tell all joint clients about every important development and every offer to settle.

When we won't act jointly

We won't act for joint clients if their interests already conflict, or are likely to, in a way that would stop us from serving each of them properly.

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.