First Steps

1. A Problem
   
   The very first step in any legal process is recognizing there is a legal problem. Something happens that makes a person say, “This is so unfair, I need to sue the person who caused my problem.” Alternatively, being sued may be the problem.
   
   
2. First Contact

   This is where the perspective client contacts our office saying something along the lines of “Here is my problem. Can you help me?”

   A legal assistant will ask for a description of the problem and for the names of all parties involved. The assistant will do a conflicts search to check whether any of the parties have been represented by any of the lawyers in our office before. If they have, this may present a conflict. If so, or if the problem is outside the areas of practice of our lawyers, our firm may recommend another firm. If there is no conflict, an appointment will be made for an initial consultation.

3. Initial Consultation

   Depending upon the nature of the problem, initial consultations at Pihl Law Corporation may be free. However, when booking an appointment for one, the assistant may mention the lawyer requires payment of a retainer and signing of a retainer agreement if work is to be done following the consultation. A client who arrives prepared to pay the retainer and sign a retainer agreement can begin receiving legal help without delay.

   At this consultation, the lawyer will gather information about the problem. The lawyer will answer “Can you help me?” with “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.”
   
   Depending upon the complexity of the problem, the lawyer may know right away what kind of help the person needs and how to provide it. In this case, the answer is “yes” and the lawyer may even provide the client with an opinion that day as to the client’s legal position and options.
   
   Pihl Law Corporation is a litigation firm. Most of our work is in lawsuits or other Court-related work. However, we are well-established in the Okanagan legal community so are in a good position to recommend solicitors when this type of help is needed. The lawyer may answer “no” because the problem is outside of the lawyer’s area of expertise or for another reason. If so, the lawyer can recommend help from another of our lawyers or even outside our firm.
   
   After hearing the problem, the lawyer may feel it requires more information before answering conclusively. This is when the answer to whether we can help will be “maybe”. If this is the case, the lawyer will make notes on the problem and do some research before getting back to the person with a more definite answer.  The lawyer will also discuss fees, complete a retainer agreement with the client and collect a retainer. Further appointments are usually necessary. There, the lawyer will provide an opinion of the client’s legal position and options or the progress of the case.