OUR VISION-MANDATE AND STRATEGIC PLANS

At your first meeting you need to tell your paralegal what  has happened. You will want to find out how the law applies to your  situation and what kind of legal options you have. You should also find  out how much it will cost to hire the paralegal to work for  you.
 

Your goal is to decide if you want to hire the paralegal. If  you do, your first meeting is the beginning of a working relationship.
 

Please note: It is a good idea to ask the  paralegal whether  you will be charged for your first meeting. If this meeting has been  arranged through the Law Society Referral Service,  you are entitled to a free consultation of up to 30 minutes. However,  the consultation does not include legal work. If you ask the  paralegal to do any legal work (even during the consultation period),  there may be a charge involved.

• Gather together all the documents that you have about your case.
• ​Think about what you want to say. Be ready to tell your story in a  clear and logical order. You might want to write down dates and  important points you want to say.
• Make a list of questions you want to ask.  See Questions to ask when you meet.
• Be prepared to talk about fees. A paralegal may need some  money - a retainer - so that he or she can begin working for you right  away.
• Legal Aid clients should bring a Legal Aid Certificate to their  first meeting. You can apply for one at your local Legal Aid Office. See  the Legal Aid Web site for m

• Be prepared for your conversations and meetings. Bring any  documents your  paralegal requests to see.  If you have  questions, write them down so you are ready to ask them.
• Read the letters and documents your paralegal sends to you. Make a note of your questions. 
• Keep all the letters and documents about your case in one place - a  file folder or box - so that you can find them easily when you need  them.
• Respect the pressures that  paralegals usually work  under. Come to your appointments on time. Call if you will be late or  cannot make it. Understand that your paralegal may not be able  to answer your telephone calls right away.
• Get to know the other staff in your  paralegal's office.  They may be able to help you. Call your lawyer or paralegal only when  it is necessary.
• Have reasonable expectations. You may not be able to get everything  you want. The justice system is not perfect. There may be delays and  disappointments.
• See Questions to ask when you meet.