Real Estate Lawyer Checklist: 10 Things to Confirm Before You Hire

The 10-point checklist

• 1. Licensed and insured — confirm status in the Law Society of Ontario directory
• 2. Conveyancing volume — closings are process work; regular volume means smoother files
• 3. Written flat-fee quote — legal fee, disbursements and HST itemized separately
• 4. Title insurance arranged as part of closing, with the policy explained
• 5. Trust account handling — every dollar moves through the lawyer's trust account with a full statement of adjustments
• 6. Land Transfer Tax calculated for your exact situation, including first-time buyer refunds up to $4,000
• 7. Status certificate review included for condominium purchases
• 8. Reachable on closing week — ask how urgent issues are handled
• 9. Reporting letter delivered after closing with all registered documents
• 10. Litigation backup if the deal collapses — deposits and failed closings become disputes fast

Why the litigation point matters more than people think

Most closings complete quietly. But when one does not — a buyer cannot fund, a seller refuses to close, a title defect surfaces late — you want the office already holding your file to be able to act, immediately, without a referral. Our real estate practice is paired with active real estate litigation for exactly that reason.

Send us your agreement before you sign, or book a consultation — the first 15 minutes are free, at our Mississauga office or by Google Meet.