Assisting Self-Represented Parties Task-By-Task
For more than 10 years, I have provided unbundled legal services to clients throughout the Province of Ontario and the Greater Toronto area (encompassing Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Barrie, Newmarket, Mississauga, Etobicoke). You can rely on my skills and expertise to handle all of your litigation needs. I offer the following services:
Evidence Consultation
To achieve a favourable outcome in the courtroom, you must have credible, relevant evidence to support your legal claim. I can help you "wargame" the strengths and weaknesses of your evidence, to determine which of your allegations are capable of proof and which are not. A thorough, detailed evidence consultation may result in a more focused Statement of Claim, a well supported affidavit, and persuasive legal arguments crafted to align with the best evidence. you have for your case.
Legal Research
Case law research is my specialty. In my view, this is one of the most important limited scope tasks that a lawyer can provide a self-represented litigant. From the outset of litigation, you want to know the strengths and weaknesses of your case; whether your fact situation has ever been adjudicated before; and if so, the factors and evidence that the court would look to. I can assist you with aligning your pleadings, your affidavit evidence, and your legal arguments with relevant, on-point case law - with the aim to strengthen both your legal case and your settlement position.
Legal Writing
Many self-represented parties find it difficult to clearly and cogently articulate their legal arguments in writing. I take a client-focused approach, helping the litigant to express the nuances of their legal position, to simplify a complicated point, and to identify the essential "seed" of their legal case. I provide legal drafting and review services for factums, affidavits, memos, pleadings, letters, contracts, settlement offers, and notices.
Negotiations and Settlements
I take a case law-focused approach to settlement negotiations. In Ontario, Rule 49 governs Offers to Settle. It encourages legal parties to settle on amounts in line with the likely litigation result. Courts consider written settlement offers in their assessment of costs at the end of trial. In evaluating whether a proposed settlement amount is reasonable (not too low but not too high), I look to the body of case law for similar fact situations. In this manner, I try to position a strong and reasonable settlement offer as a strong and reasonable legal case in the event the opposing party insists on proceeding to trial. A reasonable settement position will save you on costs down the line.
Contact Me for Effective Limited Scope Assistance
With my considerable experience in assisting self-represented parties, I understand the many hazards they face when going it alone at court. I work on a task-by-task basis, and can provide you a fixed fee quote, in line with your budget, for any unbundled legal service you might require. For more information on the services I offer, get in touch with me to schedule a consultation.