LEGAL FEES

INITIAL CONSULTATION

The initial in-person consultation to discuss your legal matter is always FREE.  As each person and legal issue differs, you will be treated as an individual, rather than simply a cog in a wheel. Mr. Israels will sit with you and spend the time necessary to discuss your legal matter/issue, as well as any paperwork that you may have. Mr. Israels will ask a variety of questions in order to gain an understanding of your file, explain your options, and then discuss with you the exact cost of his Retainer to take on your legal matter.

RETAINER

A Retainer is also known as a “deposit” or “down payment” that is paid by the Client, to secure Mr. Israels’ services in relation to the Client’s legal matter. Upon deciding to retain Mr. Israels, the Retainer amount is written into a contract called a “Retainer Agreement” – providing certainty and comfort, to the Client. The Retainer Agreement is also signed by both the Client and Mr. Israels.

FIXED FEE

Like most Criminal Defence Lawyers, Mr. Israels does not charge on a per hour schedule; rather, his legal fees are determined on a “fixed fee” or “flat fee” basis. In other words, one sum covers the cost of Mr. Israels handling your file from the moment he is retained, all the way through to the conclusion of your file. 

In order for Mr. Israels to determine what the Client’s particular fee will be to represent him/her, Mr. Israels will consider the seriousness, jeopardy, complexity, and nature of the criminal charge(s) that a Client is faced with. This is an individualized process; one that includes Mr. Israels having to thoroughly read, review, and consider the contents of the Police report(s), discuss the case with the Client, consult any applicable case law, as well as often speak with the Crown and/or the police. Once Mr. Israels gains a working knowledge and understanding of the Client’s case, as well as obtains the Client’s instructions on how to proceed, Mr. Israels will then discuss his exact legal fee with the Client (enabling the Client to make an informed decision, by knowing exactly what his/her representation by Mr. Israels will cost).  As with the Retainer, the Fixed Fee is written in a “Fixed Fee Agreement” to provide certainty and comfort to the Client, and signed by both the Client and Mr. Israels.

Finally, there are NO hidden costs or additional expenses owed in relation to the Fixed Fee. Rather, your legal fees will serve to cover ALL aspects of Mr. Israels’ direct involvement in your file, including: all Court appearances, Client meetings, phone calls, emails, photocopying, legal research, preparation for Trial and/or resolution submissions, letters, postage, correspondence with the Crown and/or the police, as well as the use of the Associate and/or Articled Student. Note: There are a few specific exceptions, which are outlined in the Fixed Fee Agreement (e.g. – out of town travel, counselling, expert reports, and the use of an interpreter for Client meetings).

PAYMENT PLAN

Mr. Israels understands that some Clients are not in a financial position to immediately pay legal fees. To best assist, Mr. Israels’ office provides an option of entering into a manageable, payment plan schedule.

For your convenience, Mr. Israels’ office accepts most forms of payment, including: Visa*, MasterCard*, Interac e-transfer, bank draft, certified cheque, or cash. Whatever form of payment is utilized by the Client, a receipt is issued for payment received. *Note: Visa/Mastercard can only be used for the Retainer. The Fixed Fee must be paid using a bank draft, certified cheque, or e-transfer.