Civil LitigationLawyer referralClass actions

Representative plaintiff in a proposed class action

Acting as lead plaintiff for a group claim; the fee is a percentage of any recovery and needs court approval.

Class actions often take years; deadlines to opt out or make a claim are set out in the court-approved notice. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Explains how class actions work under Ontario's Class Proceedings Act, 1992
  • Reviews whether your claim may fit an existing or proposed class action
  • Advises class members on opting out, objecting or making a claim
  • Represents a proposed representative plaintiff or a defendant at certification
  • Handles settlement approval and distribution steps, as agreed

What is not included

  • Court fees, transcripts, reports from accountants or other professionals, and other disbursements
  • Any costs a court orders you to pay the other side
  • An appeal or steps to enforce a judgment, unless the lawyer agrees to them in writing
  • Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral

Who this service is for

  • People who received a class action notice
  • People who believe many others were harmed in the same way
  • Businesses facing a proposed class action

Information to have ready

  1. 1Any notice you received about a class action
  2. 2Documents showing your purchase, account or connection to the claim
  3. 3Details of your loss or harm
  4. 4Any deadlines stated in the notice

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

The lawyer usually charges a percentage of what is recovered, agreed in writing before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

What is the difference between Small Claims Court and the Superior Court?

Small Claims Court hears money claims up to $50,000 with simpler procedures. Larger claims, injunctions and many other remedies go to the Superior Court of Justice.

Can I be ordered to pay the other side's legal costs?

Yes. In the Superior Court the successful party is often awarded part of its legal costs. The lawyer explains how offers to settle can affect costs.

Is mediation required?

Under the current rules, mandatory mediation applies to most civil actions in Toronto, Ottawa and Windsor, and mediation is often worth considering elsewhere. Ontario's civil court rules are being reformed, so the lawyer confirms which steps apply to your case.

Can a lawyer help with only part of my case?

Some lawyers offer limited scope help, such as drafting a pleading or arguing one motion. The lawyer confirms in writing which parts they will do.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed; the court decides contested issues
  • You may have to pay part of the other side's costs if you are unsuccessful
  • Limitation periods and court deadlines keep running while you choose a lawyer
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
Find it on Apple NewsView full feature on Apple News