Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Practice Exam 2026 - Free Barrister and Solicitor Practice Questions and Study Guide

Before establishing a retainer agreement, a lawyer has a responsibility to disclose all relevant fees and potential conflicts of interest to the client. This transparency is vital in ensuring that the client can make an informed decision about whether to engage the lawyer's services.

Disclosing relevant fees includes providing detailed information about the costs associated with legal services, such as hourly rates, retainer fees, and any additional expenses that may arise during the course of representation. Knowledge of fees allows clients to assess affordability and value, which is crucial for maintaining a trustworthy attorney-client relationship.

Moreover, identifying potential conflicts of interest is essential for safeguarding the client's interests. A lawyer may represent multiple clients, and if there is a conflict relating to those representations that could compromise the lawyer's ability to act in the client's best interest, it must be disclosed upfront. This practice aligns with professional ethics and ensures that clients feel secure in their choice of legal representation, knowing that their concerns are prioritized.

In contrast, while other choices may provide useful information, they do not encompass the fundamental obligations that affect the client’s decision to retain legal counsel. Legal precedents and qualifications may be relevant in some contexts, but they do not carry the same weight in terms of the immediate necessity of informed consent that comes with