Fees at Keystone Legal are set by the work a matter actually requires, and they are explained at the outset so that a client knows what to expect before anything is spent. Retained files run on an hourly basis against a trust retainer, with an estimate given wherever the scope of the work allows one.
The initial consultation
A first consultation is a meeting of up to one hour with the lawyer, by video or in person in Cochrane on request, at a fixed fee of $300 plus GST. It is a focused assessment of your matter, of what a court would realistically do with it, and of your options, and it ends with a clear recommendation on next steps. The fee is fixed whatever the length, and the consultation does not by itself create an ongoing retainer.
Hourly work and the trust retainer
Work is billed at $330 per hour, in tenths of an hour, against a retainer held in trust and drawn down as the work is done. Accounts are rendered regularly and set out each item of work, so you can see what was done and when. Any unused balance in trust is returned when the file closes. A written estimate is given wherever the scope of the work allows one, and you are told promptly if the matter is heading beyond it. Advisory work is available to clients anywhere in Alberta.
Urgent matters
Urgent matters, including emergency protection orders, restraining orders, applications brought without notice, and applications concerning a child who has been withheld or is at risk of removal, are billed at $350 per hour, in tenths of an hour against a trust retainer. The rate reflects the way this work has to be done. An urgent file is prepared in the evening, overnight and at weekends whenever the Court’s timetable requires it, and it takes priority over the firm’s other work until the application has been heard. Once the urgent application has been heard, any further work on the file is billed at the standard rate of $330 per hour.
Cease and desist letters
In harassment matters the firm offers a cease and desist letter as a defined piece of work: a consultation, a review of your records, a drafted and served letter, and advice on next steps if the conduct continues.
Disbursements and GST
Disbursements are third-party costs incurred on your behalf, such as court filing fees, land title and corporate searches, process serving, couriers and registration charges. They are shown on each account as they arise. GST applies to legal fees and to most disbursements.
Identity and privacy
The Law Society of Alberta requires the firm to confirm every client’s identity, and in many matters to verify it against government photo identification. The firm asks for that identification at the outset so that nothing holds up the file later, and clients who meet the lawyer in person in Cochrane can be verified at no charge. Your information is stored securely, used only to identify you, run conflict checks and provide your legal services, and is never sold or shared for marketing. It is handled in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act.
Payment
The firm accepts debit, credit card and e-transfer. The retainer agreement sets out the full terms of payment before you sign it.
If you are deciding whether to proceed, book a consultation and the lawyer will give you a fee assessment after the first review of your matter. Call (587) 328-3328.
