The process typically moves through five stages: an initial intake call, a conflict check, a consultation with a lawyer, a formal Retainer Agreement, and then file opening and the start of the agreed legal work. Each stage has a different purpose, so contacting ME Law does not automatically mean that the firm has been retained.
1. Initial intake call
The process begins with a complimentary intake call. An intake specialist gathers preliminary information about the dispute, identifies the parties involved, and considers whether the matter falls within ME Law’s areas of practice.
This is an initial screening step rather than the substantive legal consultation. If you want the broader overview of becoming a client, see How do I become a client of ME Law?.
2. Conflict check
If the matter is potentially suitable for the firm, ME Law conducts a conflict check before moving into substantive discussions. Relevant party names are checked against the firm’s records to determine whether professional obligations prevent ME Law from acting.
For more detail on the purpose of this step, see Why is a conflict check necessary before a consultation?.
3. Consultation with a lawyer
Once the conflict check is cleared, a formal consultation can be scheduled. The consultation may take place in person or remotely and is the stage at which the lawyer reviews the matter in greater depth, discusses preliminary legal options and strategy, and considers what further work may be required.
This is distinct from the initial intake call. What is a consultation at ME Law? explains the scope of that substantive meeting in more detail.
4. Retainer and engagement
If you decide to proceed and ME Law agrees to accept the mandate, the firm provides a written Retainer Agreement. It identifies the agreed scope of work, billing structure, and other terms governing the engagement.
Depending on the matter, the engagement may be structured as a limited-scope retainer for defined work or as broader ongoing representation. The lawyer-client engagement begins according to the terms of the executed retainer rather than merely because an inquiry or consultation has taken place.
5. File opening and next steps
After the Retainer Agreement is executed and any required retainer funds are received, ME Law can formally open the file and begin the work within the agreed mandate.
Depending on the dispute, that work may include developing litigation strategy, reviewing evidence, drafting pleadings, engaging in negotiations, or preparing for proceedings before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
The purpose of this staged process is to ensure that the matter is screened appropriately, conflicts are addressed, the legal issues are assessed, and both the client and ME Law understand the scope of the engagement before substantive representation begins.
Contact ME Law to begin the intake process.