The administration of justice, that is judges, the court staff and court facilities are all paid for with tax dollars. Many clients take this to mean affordable access to justice. There are many other costs involved in litigating a claim which can put some types of claims simply out of reach of most budgets. The most significant cost in litigating your claim is that of your legal team. We offer clients a wide variety of payment options based on each particular type of claim. In certain cases we will share the risk of victory with the client and work on a contingency basis. Your legal team will get paid a percentage of the proceeds of the litigation: no proceeds, no payday. In other cases we may reduce our rate to accommodate special circumstances, understanding that the final amount of our compensation will be based on results obtained. Still in other cases we may waive our fee entirely. In every case, we try our best to put in place a retainer arrangement that accommodates the needs of the client in order to secure your best interests.
Trial and Appellate Courts
- The Ontario Court has jurisdiction with respect to family cases other than divorce, as well as the overwhelming majority of criminal charges laid within the province.
- The Superior Court hears all matters within its jurisdiction, that is matters above $25,000.00, and that are not within the jurisdiction of the Ontario Court and administrative tribunals.
- The Superior Court has various specialized courts. In Toronto there is the Commercial List which hears urgent corporate and commercial matters. There are various branches of the Superior Court, including a Family Court and Estates Court.
- The Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal hear all matters on appeal.
- For more information on the court administration, follow the link: http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/
Other Courts and Tribunals
- The Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court and can hear matters up to $25,000.00. The Rules are less complex to permit individuals to represent themselves. Some matters are heard by Small Claims Court judges who are appointed by the provincial government. The majority of matters are heard by Deputy Judges who are lawyers. For more information and to obtain forms, follow the link: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/scc/default.asp
- There are a number of tribunals in Ontario that operate as more informal courts of law which hear a variety of issues:
- Conservation Review Board
- Energy Board
- Environmental Assessment and Appeal Boards
- Financial Services Commission
- Liquor Control Board of Ontario
- Ontario Human Rights Commission
- Municipal Board
- Pay Equity Commission
- Rental Housing Tribunal
- Ontario Securities Commission
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal