Search Results

Legal fees should not be a secret. We provide cost-effective services. FEES Sage Legal Solutions bills according on who is working on your matter. For services by our Lawyers, the rate is $250 per hour for Smalls Claims, Landlord Tenant Board matters, and Human Rights Tribunals. For all other matters including Litigation, the rate is $300 per hour. Legal services performed by students, paralegal students, and clerks are charged at a lesser rate which is specified in your retainer agreement. Time is pro-rated. Prior to beginning work, a $3,000 to $5,000 retainer is due, depending on the complexity of your case. This is held in trust, and once work begins on your case, you are billed periodically with the funds coming from your retainer deposit. Top-ups are due when required. After your case is completed, any funds remaining in trust will be returned to you. We offer unbundled legal services, or full service. *Disbursements, third-party charges and taxes (HST) will be charged in addition to our fees. *Currently, we are not providing contingency or pro bono fee arrangements. Applicable rate to be confirmed during consultation.

Trusted legal partner in St. Catharines Ontario for Human Rights, Civil Litigation, and more. Read About our team here. Meet the Team Sage Legal Solutions is supported by a talented team of lawyers, paralegals, students, and clerks. Read on to learn more. Natalie Posala Languages: English, Polish Lawyer Natalie Posala is a social justice Lawyer licensed in Ontario, passionate about fighting for human rights and seeking equity for all. Natalie speaks fluent Polish and can provide legal assistance in Polish. Natalie previously sat as a Director of the Thunder Bay Law Association; and competed as an oralist at Moot competitions. Practice areas include: Civil disputes; Civil litigation; Small Claims court; Landlord Tenant matters; Human rights; Employment law; Labour law; grievances; discrimination claims; representing clients mistreated by Police or government; Indigenous law; Aboriginal rights; community consultations. Natalie has represented: institutional clients, corporations, private clients throughout Ontario; Not For Profit organizations; First Nations police services; largest First Nations political and territorial organization of Ontario; First Nations Chief and Council. Natalie has appeared at: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario; Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; Superior Court of Justice; Divisional Court. Notable cases: she argued at Divisional Court for First Nations communities to have the choice of child welfare service providers which align with their communities cultures and values. Nahal Golmohammadi Law Student Nahal is a law student at Lakehead University. Coming from a Bachelor's in Social Work, she has extensive experience in human rights law, and is particularly interested in constitutional and international law. She has worked with LEAF as a Legal Researcher. Nahal works with clients, conducts research on legal precedents, and drafts legal documents. Nahal can be reached at nahal@sagelegalsolutions.ca. Gabriella Ochin Paralegal Gabriella is a paralegal student at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, with a strong legal foundation from earning her Bachelor of Law degree in Nigeria. With prior experience, she has a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of the legal system. This unique perspective allows her to take a well-rounded approach to paralegal work, drawing from her comprehensive knowledge of legal principles. She has a proven track record of conducting thorough legal research, analyzing legal precedents, and crafting precise legal documents to effectively support clients' needs. For inquiries or to seek Gabriella’s assistance, please don't hesitate to contact her at gabriella@sagelegalsolutions.ca OUR STORY SAGE (definition): Sage is a Anishinaabe medicine - it is burned as a purifier, releasing troubles from one's mind, and removing negative energy from the area in which it is burned. To give sage advice means to give sound, sensible, and intelligent advice. Founded in 2021, Sage Legal Solutions strives to provide our clients with sound and simplified legal advice in a cost-effective manner.

Sage Legal Solutions is in St. Catharines, Ontario and we can serve clients all over Ontario. Contact us by email, phone, or mail. CONTACT Click here to request a consult contact@sagelegalsolutions.ca 289-270-7243 Find us on Facebook LOCATIONS We routinely serve the following areas: St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, Wainfleet, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Northern Ontario. Many courts and tribunals hold virtual proceedings, so we are able to assist clients located throughout Ontario. OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed all Holidays. We can accommodate clients' schedules with appointments outside of these hours. St. Catharines Thunder Bay 21 Duke Street St. Catharines Ontario L2R 5W1 Canada 289-270-7243 231 Red River Rd Thunder Bay Ontario P7B 1A7 Canada 289-270-7243 Please do not send confidential information or details about your case by email. Do not forward any documents to us. We will not review such information nor can we provide advice until we have accepted you as a client. Any email correspondence to contact the firm is informational only. You will not be considered a client of the firm until we have agreed to act for you in accordance with our usual policies for accepting clients. The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. No action with regards to your particular matter should be taken until you have first sought full legal or professional advice from a lawyer fully retained to act on your behalf.

This is a no-cost, 15 minute consultation with a Lawyer to see if we are a good fit for you. Please request either a telephone or a video call (Zoom).

Opposing party not willing to settle? Offer not good enough? If your matter is proceeding to trial, adequate preparation is essential. Follow these steps to ensure you are ready: Gather Evidence : Collate all relevant documents, emails, and communication records that could support your case. For example, if you are disputing a contract, gather copies of the original agreement. There are specific requirements for how your evidence is provided to other parties and to the court - including what colour paper to use, document format, deadlines of when to provide documents to the other party versus to the court... Understand Court Etiquette : Acquaint yourself with the court's rules and procedures. Understanding what to expect can ease your anxiety. For example, knowing how to formally introduce yourself and your case can help you present more effectively. Dress appropriately - business attire is best. Practice Your Presentation : If you represent yourself, rehearse your key points. Practicing can boost your confidence and clarity while presenting before a judge. You can prepare your entire case yourself and then hire someone to represent you only at the hearing. This is called "unbundled representation" or "limited assistance". You can inquire with us via email at: contact@sagelegalsolutions.ca or phone: 289-270-7243

Before your case reaches its conclusion, consider alternative settlement options. These can save you from lengthy, costly court proceedings. Common methods include: Mediation : A neutral mediator facilitates a discussion between both parties to find a mutually acceptable solution. Arbitration : An arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision, which can be faster than traditional trials. Direct Negotiation : Engaging the opposing party in straightforward conversations might lead to an agreement without involving mediators. Usually, lawyers will start with Direct Negotiation first. This can happen at any stage - on first contact to the opposing party, throughout the court process, or right before trial. Lawyers will make recommendations but it is ultimately up to you, the client, to decide what you'd like to offer. Each of these options can offer a path that avoids the complexities and expenses of a trial.

Receiving court papers can feel overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s a Statement of Claim , a Notice of Motion , or another legal document, it’s easy to feel lost in the legal labyrinth. Statement of Claim in Ontario - instructions to defendant Understanding the Court Papers When served with court papers, it's important to comprehend what these documents mean. Here are common types of court papers you might encounter: Statement of Claim : This outlines the plaintiff's case and the specific reasons for the lawsuit. For example, if someone is suing you for $30,000 in damages related to an unpaid loan, or faulty construction work, the Statement of Claim would explain the incident, the claim amount, and the basis for their complaint. In Small Claims, this is called a Plaintiff's Claim. Notice of Motion : This indicates that a party plans to ask the court for a specific order, such as an i nterim order for return of your personal property . It’s essential to understand what they are asking for and how it might affect you. Defence : If you are the plaintiff, and you receive a defence document, it is crucial to determine whether you are permitted to "Reply" to maintain your legal position. Responding to the Court Papers After receiving court papers, crafting an appropriate response is usually your next step. In Ontario, you typically have 20 days to file a response to a Statement of Claim. Here's how to proceed: Consult with a Lawyer : Engaging a qualified lawyer can significantly enhance your understanding of the situation. For instance, a lawyer can provide targeted advice and help you frame a strong defense tailored to your unique situation. Prepare a Defence : If you choose to represent yourself, draft a Statement of Defence that clearly responds to each allegation made in the claim. Use clear, concise language to explain your side of the story. Consider hiring a lawyer to draft the document for you as part of "unbundled" services. An incorrect defence statement can negatively affect the entire case. File Your Documents : Make sure to file your response with the court and serve a copy to the other party. Following court rules is essential to ensure your documents are accepted. Possible Outcomes Understanding the possible outcomes of your case can help you manage your expectations: Settlement : Many disputes are settled before reaching court through negotiation, often resulting in compromise. In our experience, settlement doesn't usually happen at the initial stages, but towards the end of a matter, prior to trial. Court Hearing : If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Both parties will present their evidence, and a judge will make a ruling based on the facts presented. Default Judgment : If you don’t respond to the court papers, the plaintiff may seek a default judgment against you, leading to significant financial or legal repercussions. Know When to Seek Professional Legal Assistance Consider hiring an experienced lawyer to draft your response or to handle the case entirely. The right legal counsel can change the trajectory of your case. A lawyer can: Translate complex legal language into understandable terms, ensuring you grasp the implications of the documents you receive. Aid in compiling evidence and presenting a compelling case. Handle negotiations on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of securing a favorable settlement. Investing in legal support can save you considerable stress and lead to better outcomes in challenging situations. Please note that this post is not legal advice, as every situation differs. Some information here may not apply to your specific case. A close-up view of a stack of court papers.