Unbundled legal services under limited scope retainers has been recognized as one way of increasing access to justice. Such arrangements offer clients a cost-effective way to obtain legal representation when they do not qualify for legal aid, cannot afford legal representation for their entire matter, or might otherwise choose to represent themselves.
Luminita Ambrono Paralegal can assist her clients with a variety of services, depending on the individual needs and budget. Her clients have the option to choose one service or multiple services without being worried that they cannot afford legal representation from the commencement of the action to trial or hearing. For example, under a limited scope retainer we may agree that my paralegal office will provide one or more of the following legal services: preparing pleadings, motion materials and court representation in a Motion, Settlement Conference or Trial before the Small Claims Court.
The services offered under a limited scope retainer by my paralegal office include:
Legal Consultation to:
- Identify the basic legal principles governing your case to better prepare and present your case
- Provide you with the court forms you need to file with the court at a given stage in the litigation
- Fill out the court forms for you or give you the guidance you need to fill them out properly
- Explain to you the court procedures and Rules of Small Claims Court respecting service on an individual or company of a claim, defence, other court documents or adjournment requests
- Clarify the importance of your evidence, the witnesses or expert reports
Preparing Court Documents and Letters:
- Prepare the Plaintiff’s Claim
- Prepare the Defence
- Prepare motions: to set aside, for an order for subservice, for judgement
- Prepare court documents: Affidavit of Service, Default Judgement, Certificate of Judgement, Writ of Seizure and Sale of Land, Writ of Seizure and Sale of Personal Property, Notice of Examination, Notice of Garnishment, Affidavit for Enforcement Request; Affidavit; Terms of Settlement, Request for Clerk’s Order on Consent
- Prepare Letters
Attending Small Claims Court Hearings:
- Settlement Conference
- Motions
- Adjournment Hearings
- Trial
- Examination Hearing & Contempt Hearing
- Garnishee Hearings, Terms of Payment Hearings
- Mediations & Arbitrations
Other Services:
- Preparing Notices, Applications or Attending Hearings at the LTB Board
- Service and Filing of court documents with the Small Claims Court
- Service and Filing of notices and applications with LTB Board
- Legal Research
- Public Record Searches
- Commissioner of Oath…and MORE
An agreement to provide legal services under a limited scope retainer also called an “unbundling agreement” does not exempt a paralegal from the duty to provide competent representation. The services provided under a limited scope retainer must be within the paralegal’s permitted scope of practice, in accordance with the standards imposed by the Law Society of Ontario.
The guidance provided by Luminita Ambrono Paralegal to her client throughout the limited scope retainer gives her clients the confidence and control over their matter, while saving them money and time.
