2. Meet with your lawyer or paralegal

After you hire a lawyer or paralegal, you will have to talk to them about your case in more detail. If the case has short timelines, you may want to talk to them over the phone or by videoconference so you can start working on your case as soon as possible.

The lawyer or paralegal will ask you questions that help them to understand your case. Write some notes about your legal problem before you meet. This will help you remember details. Include important details like dates and names.

You should also:

• list questions you have
• think about solutions you would like
• bring your legal aid certificate if you have one

Be clear with your lawyer or paralegal about how you want your issues resolved. Ask if they think what you want is realistic. You might have to change what you want based on their advice.

Bring copies of important documents with you. Keep the originals for yourself. Your documents may be:

• written agreements, like an employment contract or a rental agreement
• court or tribunal documents that you received or prepared
• financial documents that show your assets and debts, such as property, credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, bank accounts, and investments
• important emails or letters that could help or hurt your case

Lawyers and paralegals must check that you are who you say you are. To prove your identity, when you meet with the lawyer or paralegal, you should show them photo identification, such as your driver's license, passport, or permanent resident card, if you have one.