Trust is fragile. And once it’s broken, the consequences ripple far beyond one office. Recent headlines out of Burlington—about a lawyer under investigation by the Law Society of Ontario—remind us of how easily confidence can be shaken.
The question isn’t just about who mismanaged funds. The real question is: who can you trust with your life’s most important matters? Your estate, your business, your family, your legacy—these are not just files. They are futures. And they deserve more than vague assurances or hidden fine print.
At Brown Lawyers, we face these realities head-on. Trust isn’t optional. It must be earned, nurtured, and visible in every interaction. If you’re serious about protecting what matters, you need clarity, accountability, and someone who will act with integrity even when no one is watching.
Trust in Context: It’s About More Than Money
Trust isn’t just about how funds are handled. It’s about full confidence in the person managing your affairs. Whether it’s your will, your corporate structure, your business succession plan, or your family legacy, you need someone whose judgment you can rely on completely.
A trust account is only part of the story. The bigger promise is stewardship, clarity, alignment with your values, and ensuring your intentions are honoured. When that promise is broken, it damages more than finances—it undermines confidence in the entire profession. Understanding how your lawyer works and protects you isn’t optional. It’s essential.
What You Should Ask: A Practical Checklist
Here’s what every client should ask when considering a lawyer or law firm. Use this as a guide for clarity and confidence:
Handling of funds and trust accounts
- Do you maintain a Law Society of Ontario trust account?
- Can you explain, in plain language, how my funds will be managed?
- Will I receive receipts or confirmations for every transaction?
- How do you identify and resolve conflicts of interest?
Process and communication
- Who will handle my matter, and what’s the process?
- How often will I receive updates, and in what form?
- If someone key becomes unavailable, what is the backup plan?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or changes in scope?
Alignment with values and goals (CODA-style)
- How do you ensure my legal plan reflects my values, not just a template?
- What happens at the conclusion of my matter (estate distribution, business exit, legacy handing)?
- How do you help anticipate future changes, like family dynamics or business growth?
- Can I revisit or update the plan later if circumstances change?
Credentials and reputation
- Are you in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario?
- Have there been disciplinary issues or investigations?
- Can you provide references or client testimonials?
- How do you define ethical practice and client care?
Fees and transparency
- How are fees structured? Fixed, hourly, contingency?
- Will all fees and disbursements be clearly documented?
- What does “value” mean in your work, beyond cost?
- If I switch firms or stop the process, what happens to fees and work completed?
How Brown Lawyers Stands Apart
At Brown Lawyers, CODA isn’t a slogan. It’s how we practice. CODA is about creating a better ending through clarity, certainty, and alignment with your life and values.
From day one, we make expectations clear. Every client knows where their money goes and what to expect next. We frame our work as a partnership: your values plus our expertise equals clarity, certainty, and purpose. Communication is proactive. Integrity isn’t optional—it’s embedded in every action, every decision.
Trust isn’t held in a bank account. It’s held in a relationship. It’s held in knowing you are seen, heard, and protected.
Rebuilding Faith in the Profession
Stories like Burlington’s are unsettling, but they are also a test. A test for the profession, for clients, and for anyone claiming to lead with integrity. Moments like this force reflection: Are we practicing law the way it should be practiced? Are we choosing courage over convenience, clarity over ambiguity, honesty over shortcuts?
We can’t control what others do, but we can choose to be professionals who act with accountability, humility, and courage. Good law exists, but it is only visible where trust, values, and expertise intersect.
Protect What Matters Most
Enough uncertainty. It’s time to take control. Ask the questions. Demand clarity. Expect alignment between your values and your lawyer’s actions. Your estate, your business, your legacy—they deserve nothing less.
