Contact Us

Assessment of a Lawyer's Bill - For Clients

Challenging your Lawyer's Fees and Bills

Get Started
How to Challenge a Lawyer's Bill and Fees
Assessments of a Lawyer’s Bill under the Solicitors Act in Ontario

"The right of a client to have a lawyer’s account assessed is an important one, not to be taken away except in compelling circumstances"

Ontario Court of Appeal in Guberman.

  • Were you overcharged for legal fees?
  • Is your lawyer’s bill too high?
  • Are you having a fee dispute with your lawyer?
  • Do you want to have your lawyer’s account reviewed?
  • Do you want to know how to dispute your lawyer's legal fees?
  • Do the legal fees charged by the lawyer exceed your realistic expectations and the lawyer’s estimate?
  • Are the legal fees that you were billed by a lawyer unreasonable?
  • Was too much time billed by too many lawyers?
  • Did your legal fees exceed the amount of money in dispute?
  • Do you want to have your legal bills and fees reviewed to ensure that they are fair and reasonable?
  • Is your lawyer challenging the Assessment of their bill?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Karen Zvulony, our  Assessment Lawyer at KZP Law can help. Karen Zvulony is frequently sought out by clients seeking to dispute or review their lawyer’s bill and fees and lawyer’s seeking to defend their legal fees. Karen has extensive experience appearing at Assessment Hearings in Toronto and the  greater Toronto area, as well as in Court on matters arising from retainer and fee disputes between clients and lawyers.  Notably, Karen’s legal knowledge and skill in assessment law have led to successful outcomes for her clients, including one case, where she successfully obtained a reduction of a lawyer’s bill of *$124,000 or 95%.

An assessment of a  lawyer’s bill under the Solicitors Act in Ontario may result in a reduction of the lawyer’s fees, even if the fees are paid.

If you have questions about the fees charged by a lawyer and think your lawyer’s bill is too high, feel free to complete the form below or contact KZP Law at 416 827 8713 or [email protected] to set up a consultation with our Toronto Assessment Lawyer, Karen Zvulony. Karen Zvulony offers a special rate of $199.00 for the first 45 minutes of consultation. 

Our Assessment Lawyer, Karen Zvulony at KZP Law can help with the following:

  • Disputes and challenges regarding your Lawyer’s fees and bills
  • Requisitions for Assessment under the Solicitors Act
  • Obtaining a Notice of Appointment and Order for Assessment from the Registrar under the Solicitors Act
  • Fee disputes with your Lawyer
  • Review of your Lawyer’s bill and fees
  • Motions or Application to Court where an Assessment Officer does not have jurisdiction
  • Attend Preliminary Appointments before the Assessment Office
  • Representation at Assessment Hearings
  • Strategic consulting regarding best practices for Assessment Hearings
  • Review and advice regarding the reasonableness of your Lawyer’s Account and Fees;
  • Jurisdictional disputes regarding Assessments
  • Settlement and Negotiation of Lawyer’s fees and accounts
  • Application in the Superior Court to obtain an Order for Assessment
  • Challenging the Assessment Officer’s Decision by bringing a motion to oppose confirmation of the Report and Certificate of Assessment
  • Motions or Applications to the Superior Court where special circumstances exist
  • Motions or Applications to the Superior Court where the retainer is in dispute
  • Applications to have a court to direct a reference for an assessment
  • Retainer Disputes

Factors considered by an Assessment Officer in the assessment of a Lawyer’s account

  • The time expended by the Solicitor;
  • The legal complexity of the matters to be dealt with;
  • The degree of responsibility assumed by the solicitor
  • The monetary value of the matters in issue
  • The importance of the matter to the client
  • The degree and skill and competence demonstrated by the solicitor
  • The results achieved
  • The ability of the client to pay; and
  • The client’s expectation as to the amount of the fee
*Past Results are not indicative of future results and the amount recovered and other litigation outcomes will vary according to the facts in individuals cases

Have Any Questions?

Thorough and Personalized Legal Advice Regarding the Legal Fees Charged by your Lawyer

Know your legal rights under the Solicitors Act to dispute a Lawyer’s Legal Fees

If you have questions about the fees charged by a lawyer and think you have been overcharged for legal fees, feel free to complete the form below or contact KZP Law at 416 827 8713 or [email protected] to set up a consultation with our Toronto Assessment Lawyer, Karen Zvulony. Karen Zvulony offers a special rate of $199.00 for the first 45 minutes of consultation. During the Consultation, the Assessment Lawyer can advise you regarding your rights under the Solicitor’s Act, including:

  • The timeline and process for starting an Assessment to dispute your lawyer’s fees
  • The factors considered by the Courts in assessment hearings arising from fee disputes regarding a lawyer’s bill
  • What to expect at an Assessment Hearing
  • What is a preliminary appointment before the assessment Officer and how best to prepare
  • Motions or Applications arising from fee disputes
  • Jurisdiction issues regarding the legal fees charged by the lawyer
  • Preliminary review and advice regarding the reasonableness of the lawyer’s fees and accounts
  • Review the lawyer’s retainer agreement
  • Your rights under the Solicitor’s Act to ask for an assessment of the Lawyer’s bill
  • Answering any questions you may have

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

For legal advice from an experienced Assessment Lawyer, Karen Zvulony, complete the form below for a consultation and we will contact you shortly to set up a consultation. Karen Zvulony offers a special rate of $199 for the first 45 minutes of consultation.

Trust KZP Law with your legal needs. KZP Law is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Linkedin
Quick Links
Ask a Lawyer

Contact

[email protected]

Mailing Addess

3080 Yonge Street Suite 6060
Toronto, On M4N 3N1

(416) 827 8713

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.