Lawyers in private practice: budget-friendly options
Here are some things to ask about if you are looking for a lawyer in private practice and cost is an issue:
- do you offer pro bono (free) help?
- can you help me with just part of my case? Lawyers call this a "Limited Scope Retainer"
- do you offer coaching for people who are representing themselves? Coaching is basically out-of-court strategic support
- do you charge a flat fee for this type of work?
- will you consider a contingency fee agreement?
- what is your hourly rate?
- can the lawyer wait to get paid once you get the money you are seeking (for example, spousal support, matrimonial property division).
More Information about How lawyers charge for their work
Lawyers in private practice who are part of Legal Info Nova Scotia's Lawyer Referral Service offer an initial up to 30 minute consultation for no more than $20 plus tax. The Lawyer Referral Service has information about what fee options Lawyer Referral Service members may consider after the intial consultation, including lower cost fee options like:
- contingency fee arrangements
- limited scope retainer
- flat fees.
Legal Info Nova Scotia's Lawyer Referral Service
The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia offers a Lawyer Referral Service through which you may be referred to a lawyer for an intial 30 minute consultation for no more than $20 plus tax. You would have to work out a fee arrangement if you and the lawyer decide to go ahead after the initial consultation. Legal Info Nova Scotia has information about whether lawyers on its Lawyer Referral Service are open to considering flexible fee arrangements like monthly payments, contingency fee agreements, or limited scope retainers ("unbundled services"). See "how lawyers charge for their work" for more information about fee arrangements.
Contact:
Legal Info Nova Scotia's Lawyer Referral Service
Telephone: 902-455-3135 or 1 800 665-9779 (Free legal information, Lawyer Referral, Mediator Referral)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5 pm (closed 1-2 pm)
Online Lawyer Directory
Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) regulates lawyers in Nova Scotia, and has an online directory of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Nova Scotia. You can find a lawyer by name, law firm, or location. The directory also says the year the lawyer was called to the Nova Scotia Bar, and whether the lawyer has any disciplinary history.
Contact
www.nsbs.org. Click on "Lawyer Search"
Telephone: 902-422-1491
Telephone Directories
Lawyers are listed in the telephone book, both online and in print, in alphabetical order as well as under location and the type of law they do.
Your Employee Assistance Program
If you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in your workplace you should contact your EAP to see whether they provide help in finding and/or paying for a lawyer in private practice, or cover a consultation with a lawyer.
Francophone lawyers
Pour obtenir de l’information en français ainsi qu’une liste des juristes d’expression française en Nouvelle Écosse, veuillez communiquer avec le centre Accès Justice Access, un project de l’Association des juristes d’expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse (AJEFNE). L’AJEFNE est un organisme à but non lucratif fondé en 1994 pour promouvoir l’accès aux services juridiques pour la population acadienne et francophone de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
Contact:
www.ajefne.ns.ca
1663, rue Brunswick / 1663 Brunswick Street, Halifax, Nouvelle-Écosse B3J 3Z6
Téléphone: 902-433-2085 ou 1-844-250-8471
Persons with a disability
If you are a person with a disability ReachAbility may be able to help you find a lawyer through their Legal Referral Service.
Contact:
ReachAbility
Telephone: 902-429-5878 or 1-866-429-5878
Personal recommendation
Trusted service providers at community agencies, or your friends, family members or co-workers may be able to give you suggestions about finding a lawyer in private practice.