What is the role of Assessment Officer Ittleman in assessing a solicitor’s client relationship?

Ontario, Canada


The following excerpt is from Holmes v. Lerners LLP, 2014 ONSC 5449 (CanLII):

In Mok v. Abbass, [2013] O.J. No. 5160, at para. 112, Assessment Officer Ittleman stated: Generally speaking and subject to the particular circumstances of each solicitor-client relationship, this factor encompasses a number of responsibilities, including but not limited to: (a) Ensuring that the client understands the terms of the retainer agreement; (b) Keeping the client apprised of the status of the litigation and the costs thereof, and maintaining control of the costs; (c) Providing the client with sufficient information in order to enable the client to make informed decisions; (d) Obtaining the client's instructions on the various steps and ensuring that the client understands the implications and possible consequences of those steps; (e) Exploring the possibility of a settlement at an early stage and at every stage; (f) Delegating work to the least expensive timekeeper who possesses the necessary skills and competence; and (g) Providing sufficient particularity on bills and/or reporting letters to enable the client to know what services have been rendered.

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