Are Free Consultations Worth the Risk?

In the world of law, as in life, you often get what you pay for. This holds especially true when it comes to addressing the issue of wrongful dismissal. Before eagerly diving into a “free” consultation with a lawyer, it’s essential to consider the potential pitfalls.

All too frequently, individuals approach us for a second opinion after undergoing a complimentary session with another lawyer. Many clients initiate the free consultation process by submitting an online inquiry or providing a summary of their case to firms advertising free consultations. Swift responses may follow, offering an initial “opinion” asserting wrongful dismissal. However, the problem lies in the fact that these opinions can be inaccurate without a thorough review of all the case details.

Smart Choices: Avoiding Online Advice?

Subsequently, clients may book a paid follow up consultation, incurring charges for the time needed to meticulously review their files and prepare a demand letter. It’s during this phase that the true facts of the case emerge, leaving clients who initially believed they had a strong case disappointed to discover their entitlements were limited from the outset.

In these scenarios, the lawyer has invested hours of work that, unfortunately, proves worthless to the client. As a result, clients may end up with bills surpassing those of a typical consultation for an issue that could have been identified earlier. Essentially, what started as a free consultation evolves into a significantly more expensive venture.

Most provincial law societies, the regulatory bodies overseeing lawyers’ conduct, caution against offering summary opinions without a comprehensive assessment of the facts. This is because unsuspecting clients might act on flawed advice, inadvertently harming their case without the lawyer’s involvement.

So, what should employees do? Steer clear of free consultations or online legal advice, regardless of how tempting it may seem. Be discerning in choosing lawyers, avoiding those who merely dabble in employment law. Understand the billing structure for the lawyer’s time.

Whitten & Lublin: Beyond Free Consultations?

For tailored insight and advice on your specific circumstances, turn to Whitten & Lublin’s legal team. If you seek employment lawyers and want to explore what Whitten & Lublin can offer, contact us online or by phone at (416) 640-2667 today. Your case deserves the attention and expertise that goes beyond the limitations of a free consultation.