Finding Legal Assistance

If you have a legal problem, seek assistance from a legal professional. Some examples of when you should think about getting legal help include:  

• If arrested for a crime 
• When served with documents related to a lawsuit 
• A change in family status such as separation, divorce, cohabitation, or adoption 
• A change in financial status, such as being in debt or acquiring or losing valuable personal property or real estate 
• A death in the family, when named executor in a will, or when there is no will 
• If involved in a serious accident, causing personal injury or property damage 
• When planning for the future, such as making a will or choosing a power of attorney 
• If given legal documents or forms 

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

There are two types of legal professionals licensed by the Law Society of Saskatchewan (the professional body that regulates legal professionals and the practice of law):  

• Lawyers are licensed to practice in any area of law and provide legal services to the public 
• Limited licensees are licensed to practise law according to their individual license that is restricted to specific areas of practice reflecting their education, training, and experience 

A licensed legal professional must: 

• Serve clients competently 
• Be loyal to clients 
• Maintain client confidentiality  

A legal professional can help in many ways, including: 

• Answering legal questions 
• Giving legal advice 
• Going to court 
• Drafting contracts 
• Helping solve disputes 
• Negotiating settlements 
• Explaining legal options and what might happen 
• Helping set up private agreements or deals 
• Helping you avoid going to court 
• Writing letters and legal opinions 

Some legal professionals offer limited scope legal services. This means they are hired to help with only part of a case or a specific task, and you handle the rest on your own. This option does not work for everyone or every case. One example is legal coaching. With legal coaching, a legal professional gives you tips, strategies, and tools so you can present your case as clearly and effectively as possible. 

A legal professional providing limited scope 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 legal professional will put in writing who is responsible for which tasks. 

Limited scope services can be more affordable because you choose — with your legal professional — which tasks you want to pay for. These details are written in a retainer or service agreement (Limited Scope Retainer/Legal Services Agreement). This can make costs more predictable and help you get services that fit your needs. 

Before choosing limited scope legal services, it is important to think about whether they will work for you. Ask yourself: 

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

Use the Find Legal Assistance Directory to find legal professionals who offer limited scope legal services or legal coaching. Learn about searching the directory: Find Legal Assistance Search Guidance.     

The Find Legal Assistance Directory is a searchable directory of legal professionals licensed to practice law in Saskatchewan. You can use it to find someone who can help with your legal problem. You can search the directory in many ways, including: 

• By first name or last name to find a specific legal professional 
• By city/town to find a legal professional in a specific location 
• By language, gender, firm, or seniority  
• By legal issue, type of service, or pricing and payment options 

Visit Find Legal Assistance Search Guidance. 

You do not have to hire the first legal professional you meet. It is okay to talk to several professionals. Use a first meeting to see how comfortable you feel with them, how they approach legal problems, and whether you trust their skills. There are questions you can ask when deciding to hire a legal professional. These can help you learn about their experience, availability, and costs: 

• How long have you been working?  
• What legal issues do you have experience with?  
• How many cases like mine have you handled before?  
• How long have you worked at this firm or organization?  
• Do you have enough time to deal with my problem?  
• When do you think my problem will be resolved?  
• When can we meet?  
• Do you charge for the first meeting?  
• How much do you charge for your services?  
• What does your fee cover? 
• How much will everything cost me in total?  
• Tell me about your communication style? 
• Do you have any references?   
• Do you require a payment of a retainer (i.e., down payment) for your services?  
  • Please note: Limited licensees cannot accept money in advance (in trust) for the delivery of legal services, but lawyers may require payment of a retainer.  
• Do you offer alternative fees, like fixed or flat rates, or different service options, like limited scope services? 
• Do you give detailed invoices or fee statements? 
• How often will you send a bill?   

Asking these questions can help you choose someone who fits your needs, budget, and comfort level. Some legal professionals offer free first meetings which can help you learn more about your legal problems and if you want to work with that legal professional.   

Learning about the law is a great first step. Legal information can help you understand your situation better and see the different options you may have to solve your problem. 

Visit Learn About the Law to explore legal information resources available in Saskatchewan. 

Learn more about the legal system and finding help on the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan website.