Finding Legal Assistance

If you have a legal problem, consider obtaining legal assistance. You may also wish to learn more about your legal problem by reading plain language information from the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan.  

Read more: Public Legal Education Association 

Some examples of when you should consider seeking legal assistance are: 

• If arrested for a crime 
• When served with documents related to a lawsuit 
• If involved in a serious accident causing personal injury or property damage 
• A change in family status, such as separation, divorce, co-habitation, or adoption 
• A change in financial status, such as being in debt or acquiring or losing valuable personal property or real estate 
• When planning for the future, there is a death, you are named Executor in a Will, there is no Will, or your rights may be impacted 

Once you have determined that you need professional legal help, proceed promptly. You can get the most help if you are in touch with a legal professional as soon as possible.  

A lawyer’s responsibility is to see that each client obtains the benefit of their legal rights and is aware of their legal obligations. The types of services a lawyer can provide include:  

• Answering legal questions 
• Appearing in court on a client’s behalf 
• Mediating disputes 
• Counseling clients 
• Planning estates and administering wills 
• Drafting contracts 
• Structuring private deals 
• Writing letters and opinions 
• Taking steps to avoid court 
• Negotiating settlements 
• Providing advice about legal problems and possible outcomes 

In delivering legal services, lawyers must: 

• Serve clients competently 
• Be loyal to clients 

Lawyers also provide limited scope legal services, but this may not be right for every person or every case. Limited scope legal service is when you hire a lawyer to handle only part of your case or do a specific task. You handle all other parts of the case yourself (i.e. you are self-represented). 

Read more: Representing Yourself (SALI)  

Additionally, some lawyers offer legal coaching. Legal coaching is a type of limited scope service where a lawyer helps you with strategies and tools to present your case as effectively as possible. Listen to the Law Society podcast episode on limited scope legal services for more information.

A lawyer providing limited scope legal services can: 

• Help you draft court documents that you can file in court yourself 
• Provide legal advice for your legal issue 
• Review settlement agreements or settlement proposals 
• Help you complete financial or legal documents 
• Help you prepare for questioning processes 
• Represent you in court, at hearings, settlement conferences, mediation, or negotiation 
• Coach you to help you represent yourself 

You and the lawyer will agree in writing what tasks you are responsible for and what tasks the lawyer is responsible for. 

Limited scope legal services can be a more affordable option because as a client you decide with your lawyer what services you will pay for, which are outlined in writing in a document called a retainer agreement (Model Retainer Agreement). This can help with price predictability and having access to tailored services.  

It is important to think about whether limited scope legal services can work for you. Some questions to ask include:  

• Can my case be broken down into smaller steps, divided between me and my lawyer? 
• Are there complicated issues that cannot easily be split between me and my lawyer? 
• Are there important deadlines approaching that I can’t meet? 
• Do I feel comfortable and prepared to take on some of the legal work myself? 

The following questions can help you determine which lawyer is right for you based on their experience, their availability, and your budget. 

Read more: Working With a Lawyer (PLEA) 

• How long have you been working as a lawyer? 
• In what areas of law do you work? 
• How many cases like mine have you handled before? 
• How long have you worked at this firm? 
• Do you have enough time to deal with my problem quickly? 
• How quickly can I expect resolution? 
• When can we meet? 
• Do you charge anything for the first meeting? 
• How much do you charge for your services? 
• Approximately how much will your services cost me in total? 
• Do you require a retainer (i.e. down payment) for your services? 
• Do you offer any alternative fees (e.g. fixed or flat rate) or services (e.g. limited scope) arrangements? 
• Do you provide your clients with a detailed invoice or fee statement? 
• How often will you send a bill?  

Use an initial meeting to decide how you feel about the lawyer and their approach to legal problems and whether you feel confident in their abilities. You don’t have to hire the first lawyer you meet. You can shop around and make sure that the fit between you and the lawyer is right.  

If you agree to hire the lawyer, they may require that you sign a retainer agreement and for some types of services (e.g. limited scope) and fee arrangements (e.g. contingency) it is mandatory.  

Read more: Understanding lawyers’ fees 

Read more: What is limited scope legal service 

A retainer agreement specifies the fees that you are going to be charged, and how often you will be required to pay. This agreement may also set out what will happen if you do not pay your lawyer when requested. 

When it’s time to meet your lawyer, be sure to bring the documents and other materials that relate to your legal situation with you. During the meeting:  

• Explain your problem to the lawyer  
• Find out what needs to be done and what level of help the lawyer can provide 
• Find out what you will need to do on your case  
• Be sure to understand fees and how the work the lawyer does will be charged