Billing Guide
We believe clients should understand how billing works before we start work. Tenancy disputes move fast, and uncertainty about fees is the last thing you need while juggling deadlines, notices, and evidence.
This guide answers the most common questions we receive about billing, retainers, fixed-fee services, and how to avoid surprise invoices. If you still have questions after reviewing this page, we’re happy to clarify—up front.
What is a trust deposit (retainer), and why do you require one?
A trust deposit is money held in our firm’s trust account to secure payment for legal services and disbursements. It allows us to begin work promptly and maintain momentum when deadlines are tight.
Unless we expressly agree otherwise in writing, a trust deposit is not a flat fee, a quote, or a cap. It is applied toward invoices as work is completed. Any unused portion is returned at the end of the matter, subject to any outstanding balance.
How does hourly billing work?
Where a matter proceeds on an hourly basis, you are billed for time spent advancing your file, including reviewing evidence, drafting, correspondence, negotiations, strategy, and hearing preparation.
Time is recorded in small increments in accordance with standard legal practice. This ensures billing reflects the actual time spent on your matter.
What are disbursements?
Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses incurred to move your matter forward. Depending on the case, these may include filing fees, service fees, courier charges, document production costs, and other necessary third-party expenses.
Applicable taxes are charged in accordance with governing law.
What happens if an invoice is not paid on time?
If an account remains unpaid, we may pause work until it is brought current. Deadlines do not pause because billing is uncomfortable. If there is an issue, we encourage communication early so it can be addressed appropriately.
Do you offer fixed-fee services?
Yes — where the scope of work can be clearly defined. Fixed-fee services work best for discrete tasks such as legal advice sessions, document review, or specific drafting assignments.
If the scope expands beyond what was agreed upon (for example, additional claims, hearings, or court proceedings), we discuss next steps and associated costs before proceeding.
How often will I receive an invoice?
Invoices are typically issued periodically (often monthly) or at meaningful milestones in the file. If a matter is fast-moving, billing may occur more frequently.
Our invoices are structured to be clear and readable, with descriptions that allow you to understand what work was performed.
Can you estimate what my matter will cost?
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We can often provide a general range based on experience with similar tenancy disputes. However, litigation is inherently variable. Opposing parties, evidentiary issues, and procedural developments can materially affect the scope of work.
What we provide is transparency — not artificial certainty.
How can I manage or reduce legal costs?
Clients often influence costs more than they realize. Legal fees are typically reduced when:
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Documents are organized and provided in a consolidated format
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Goals are clearly defined from the outset
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Communication is focused and efficient
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Legal advice is obtained early, before positions harden
Strategic clarity early in a dispute is almost always more cost-effective than corrective action later.
Still have questions?
If you are unsure whether your matter is suited to fixed-fee services or hourly billing, a legal advice session can provide clarity before you commit to full representation.
Role | Hourly Rate | Typical Involvement | When This Level Is Used |
|---|---|---|---|
Administrative Support | $65 | Scheduling, file management, routine correspondence | File administration and logistical support |
Paralegal (Niika Atwal / Ekvir Sodhi) | $150 | Document organization, procedural filings, client coordination | Evidence preparation, applications, administrative steps |
Associate Lawyer (Saul Benary) | $350 | Drafting, submissions, hearings, legal research | RTB hearings, litigation preparation, negotiated resolutions |
Principal Lawyer (Arash Ehteshami) | $400 | Strategy, complex advocacy, hearings, judicial review | High-stakes disputes, Supreme Court matters, strategic oversight |
Rates are subject to change. Applicable taxes and disbursements are billed in accordance with governing law.