If you need a lawyer, then you’re usually trying to solve one of two problems:
- You have a legal problem and need legal representation (or at least a consultation and general legal advice).
- You’re overwhelmed by the process—what to search, who to call, what it costs, and how to avoid scams.
Our team at Bhardwaj+Co helps clients in Alberta every day with family law, civil & business litigation, employment matters, real estate, wills/estates, and personal injury. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the fastest, safest way to locate the right lawyer.
Important note: This article is general information and does not constitute legal advice.
How to Get a Lawyer in Canada
1. Get clear on your legal issue (so you don’t hire the wrong lawyer)
Before you call anyone, name the area of law and your main goal:
- Family Law: separation/divorce, parenting time, child support, adoption, spousal support, property division, agreements
- Criminal Law
- Immigration Law
- Wills/Estates
- Real Estate Law
- Civil Litigation
- Employment Law, etc.
This one step saves time and money, because most lawyers focus on specific practice areas.
2. Use the Law Society directory to confirm the lawyer is licensed
In Canada, each province/territory has a Law Society (the regulator of lawyers). Use the Law Society’s public directory to:
- confirm the lawyer is actively practising
- check practice area and location
- review any public discipline information (where available)
If you’re in Alberta: the Law Society of Alberta “Find a Lawyer” tool lets you search by name, firm, location, practice areas, languages, and limited scope retainers.
3. Shortlist options and check fit
Create a shortlist and do a quick “fit check”:
- Do they regularly handle matters like yours?
- Do they explain the process in plain language?
- Are they local to your court/region (if location matters)?
- Do they mention negotiation/settlement options (not only litigation)?
4. Book a consultation and bring the right info
A consultation is where you turn confusion into a plan. Come prepared with:
- key dates, documents, and any court paperwork
- what you want (and what you’re worried about)
- your timeline (deadlines matter)
Book an Initial Consultation with a Trusted Alberta Lawyer
5. Confirm costs + scope in writing (no surprises)
During the consult, ask:
- Is this billed by hourly rate, flat fee, or a retainer?
- What are likely disbursements (filing fees, couriers, records, etc.)?
- What’s included in the scope (and what’s not)?
- Can we do limited-scope/unbundled help for specific steps if needed?
6) Choose the best fit — not just the lowest quote
The “right” lawyer is the one who provides:
- clear next steps
- realistic expectations
- a strategy that matches your goals (settlement-first when appropriate, court when necessary)
- communication that you can actually work with
If you’re dealing with divorce/separation, parenting time or custody-related issues, child support, spousal support, or property division, our team at Bhardwaj+Co helps clients across Edmonton and Leduc with practical, plain-language guidance and a clear plan forward.
Book an initial consultation:
Edmonton: (780) 222-2386
Leduc: (780) 986-3487
Costs & Legal Fees: What You’ll Actually Pay (and What to Ask)
Legal fees can be confusing because a bill often includes both lawyer time and case expenses.
Common pricing structures
- Hourly rate/hourly billing: you pay for the time spent
- Flat rate billing: set fee for a defined service (e.g., document review)
- Retainer fee: an upfront amount that typically goes into a trust account and is billed against (details vary by firm)
- Contingency fee: common in some areas (often personal injury), but not typical for many other matters
Don’t forget disbursements
Ask about disbursements (out-of-pocket costs), such as:
- court filing fees and court costs,
- process servers,
- transcripts/records,
- travel,
- expert reports.
Fee clarity checklist (bring this to your consultation)
Ask:
- What is your hourly rate (or flat fee)?
- What retainer do you require, and how is it handled?
- What disbursements should I expect?
- What does the scope include (and exclude) in the retainer agreement?
- How will you communicate updates (email/telephone calls) and how often?
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Alberta?
Vet a Lawyer Safely: Credentials, Discipline Records & Avoiding Unauthorized Practitioners
Verify licensing and practising status
In Alberta, the Law Society directory can be used to find contact information and see practising status and discipline history for a specific lawyer. Profiles can show discipline history (with specific date limitations) and point users to other Law Society resources for more information.
Other jurisdictions may publish discipline decisions, discipline records, tribunal decisions (e.g., “LSBC Tribunal” style pages in British Columbia), and regulatory proceedings outcomes. Always use the official Law Society website for accuracy.
Avoid illegal practitioners and scams
If someone:
- won’t provide a license number,
- avoids written agreements,
- pressures you to pay immediately,
- or claims they can “guarantee” court results,
treat that as a red flag.
Preparing for Your First Consultation with a Lawyer in Canada
What to bring and what to say
To get real value from a lawyer consultation, bring:
- a timeline of events,
- key documents (contracts, messages, court documents, notices, records),
- any deadlines you know about,
- and your goals (settlement vs court, urgent orders, protecting assets/property, parenting stability).
Be direct about:
- your budget and whether you need limited scope help,
- whether you need in-person meetings,
- and what outcome you’re hoping for.
How Our Team at Bhardwaj+Co Can Help
If you’re looking to get a lawyer in Alberta, we can help you figure out the right path quickly—whether you need advice on family law (divorce, separation, child support), civil litigation, employment issues, real estate, wills/estates, or personal injury.
Contact Bhardwaj+Co
- Edmonton: (780) 222-2386
- Leduc: (780) 986-3487
- Edmonton office: #1250 10055 106 St, Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y2
- Leduc office: 5919 50 St, Leduc, AB T9E 6Z6
Hiring a Lawyer in Canada | FAQs
What’s the fastest way to get a lawyer in Canada?
Start by identifying your legal matter (family law, criminal defence, civil law, employment, property law, wills/estates). Then use your provincial/territorial Law Society to confirm Credentials & Licensing, practice status, and contact details.
Do I need a consultation before hiring a lawyer?
Usually, yes. A consultation helps you understand options, deadlines, and legal proceedings risk. You can also check for conflicts of interest, confirm scope, and discuss fees. Many clients leave the first meeting with a clear roadmap and document checklist.
What documents should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring a timeline, key records, and anything related to the legal matter: contracts, emails/texts, financial documents (e.g., RRSPs), court paperwork, and names of involved people (spouse, witnesses). Also, list deadlines and your goal (settlement, mediation, or litigation).
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Canada?
Common structures include hourly billing, flat fees for defined tasks, or a retainer with a written fee agreement. Ask how you’ll receive a statement of account, what disbursements are likely, and whether limited-scope services are available to control legal costs.
What is a retainer, and where does the money go?
A retainer is an upfront amount applied to future work. It’s typically held in trust and billed against as work is completed, then reflected in your statement of account. Ask what happens if the retainer is used up and how replenishment works.
When is a contingency fee agreement used?
A contingency fee agreement is most common in personal injury matters, where fees depend on results. It’s usually uncommon in family law and many civil disputes. Always ask for the fee structure in writing, including what happens with disbursements.