New Clients
Welcome to The Acacia Group
What to expect when you work with us
Our team of lawyers and consultants looks forward to helping you meet your personal and professional needs. Here is how we get started together.
Free Consultation
Start with a
free consultation
We offer every prospective client a free consultation to help decide whether our firm is the right fit. We cannot provide legal advice in this preliminary call, but it is a chance to get to know one another, discuss the general nature of your matter, and explore how we may assist.
Formal legal advice begins once a client relationship is established through our onboarding process.
Onboarding
The six steps of our onboarding process
Most of these steps are required by the Law Society of Ontario. Once they are complete, onboarding is done and work can begin.
01
Conflict Check
We run your name and the other parties’ names through our database to confirm we are not in a conflict of interest, which turns on our duties of confidentiality and loyalty.
02
Client Intake Form
You share your basic information and the names of any other parties involved in the matter.
03
Identity Verification
The Law Society requires us to verify every client’s identity. You complete a form through our platform and provide proof of identification.
04
Open Your Client File
If no conflict is identified, we open a client file for your matter.
05
Retainer Letter
You receive a Retainer Letter by email setting out the services, fees, billing practices, and solicitor-client privilege. Review it carefully and sign through our platform.
05
Retainer Deposit
A deposit, held in a Law Society of Ontario trust account, secures the final account. It is applied to your final invoice and any unused portion is refunded. Pay by cheque to “The Acacia Group In Trust” or by e-transfer, noting your name and “Retainer Deposit”.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fees, billing, and how we work together.
How am I charged?
Fees are generally based on the hourly rates of the professionals working on your matter, which reflect their experience and qualifications. We use junior lawyers, clerks, students, and support staff where appropriate to keep costs down. Some standard matters, such as incorporations or wills, may be offered at a flat rate.
What are disbursements?
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses and certain office charges, such as couriers, travel, legal research, and government filing fees. We do not charge for staff overtime on evenings or weekends and aim to keep pass-through charges to a minimum.
How does billing work?
Invoices are sent around the 15th of each month and are due within 30 days. We prefer payment by e-transfer or cheque, and every invoice includes a link for credit card payment.
How can I keep my fees low?
Set clear goals early, provide complete documentation, and communicate deliberately. Changing direction repeatedly adds hours, while consolidating your questions into a single message keeps costs down.
Do you take pro bono cases?
Each year we select a small number of matters for full or partial pro bono representation, and we can help clients run fundraising campaigns to cover costs.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Client information is protected by solicitor-client privilege. The limited exceptions are where disclosure is required to prevent an imminent risk of death or serious bodily harm, or where it is required by law or court order.
Can you guarantee an outcome?
No. Litigation carries risks and factors beyond anyone’s control, so we cannot guarantee a result. We can promise clear advice and careful work.
Who do I contact with questions?
Our Onboarding Team handles questions about service, billing, and communications. Questions about your matter itself go to your assigned lawyer.
Get in touch
Ready to get started?
Book your complimentary consultation, or contact the office with any questions about onboarding, billing, or communications.