FAQs

How Much Will A Consultation Cost?

At O’Connor Richardson, we offer each prospective client a free 30 minute initial consultation. We find that 30 minutes is enough for most initial consultations. During the initial consulation, no advice is given.  A consult is a review of the situation and the various options are discussed.  If you need additional time we may charge for it at our normal hourly rate – payable by credit card, debit card or e-transfer.  We need to be formally retained before we are able to provide any legal advice.

What Does The Initial Consultation Include?

We use the half-hour free consultation to listen to your case and determine how we can help you. We cannot review documents or offer legal advice until we have been properly retained.

Where Are Your Offices?

Toronto Office

Our Toronto office is conveniently located at 188 Avenue Road, in between Davenport and Dupont.  We are close to the Museum and St. George stations on Line 1 (University Line), or the Rosedale station on Line 1 (Yonge Line) or the Bloor station on the Line 2 (Bloor Line).

Parking

For clients who drive, there is street parking on Avenue Road and on the surrounding side streets.

Hamilton Office

Our Hamilton office is located at 1 Hunter Street East, ground floor, at the corner of Hunter Street and James Street South, across the street from the Hamilton Go Centre.

Parking

There is ample street parking available.

Can I Have My Initial Consultation By Telephone Or By Video?

We prefer to meet clients face to face the first time we speak with them; however, we know that telephone and video consultations are more convenient.   We are happy to set up consultatons over phone and video.  Video conferences can assist in verifying client’s identity.

Can I Bring Somebody With Me To A Consultation?

Many prospective clients feel more comfortable at their initial consultation if they come with a relative, a friend, or a business partner. We are happy to accommodate anybody who is accompanying you.

We will explain the legal implications of having a third party attend the consultation.

Do You Take Cases On Contingency?

Yes, but we only take some cases on contingency. These cases on contingency relate to personal injury such as slip and falls, or dog bites among others.

For contingency cases we do not bill our expenses or recover our fees until and unless you win. We then take a percentage of the settlement or judgment award.

Do You Offer Flat Fee Packages?

Yes. We offer flat fee packages for certain services including contracts, demand letters, legal opinions and independent legal advice. Additional time would be billed at our normal hourly rates.

We also offer capped fee packages for litigation services. Under these packages, we outline the services we will provide and the maximum we would bill for those services.

Do You Offer Partial Retainers?

Absolutely. We will break down our services to suit your needs.

If you only need us to review your court documents, to provide an opinion or to conduct legal research, we can do that. If you only need us to represent you at a particular stage in your lawsuit, we can do that too.

When you meet with us we will discuss the package that is appropriate for your needs and budget.

Partial retainers are an effective way to reduce the overall cost of litigation.

Can I Book An Appointment Outside Of Business Hours?

Our Toronto and Hamilton offices are open Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

While we do prefer to have our initial consultations during business hours, we take all reasonable steps to accommodate our clients and we can book meetings outside business hours if necessary.

Do You Accept Collect Calls?

Yes.

Do You Accept E-transfer, Debit Card Or Credit Card Payments?

Yes. You can pay a retainer or an account by e-transfer, debit card, or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Interac.