5 min

September 24, 2020

Guide to Lawyer Lookups by Province

Updated:

July 24, 2024

A magnifying glass on a blue background, symbolizing investigation and detailed examination.

In this post, we will define the Societies, Pro Bono Organizations, and legal aid along with the best resources for each of the provinces and other educational legal resources.

What is a Lawyer Lookup?

A lawyer lookup is a directory to find lawyers whether they are practicing or not. Some contain archives of disciplinary records, which are made available to the public. Often you can find lawyers by their practice area or by their first or last name. There is no information regarding rates or service quality.

Types of Online Resources

Law Societies

There are law societies based in every province of Canada with the Canadian Bar Association overseeing them all. These organizations maintain excellent databases of qualified lawyers. Most often, their databases are used by people who are thinking about hiring a lawyer and want to make sure they are licensed before starting. The database can be used to search for local lawyers and will give results that give you a better overview of a lawyer rather than Google. These databases will only give you a general overview, meaning that there is no information on their rates or quality.

Pro Bono Organizations

While searching for lawyer lookups, you will sometimes encounter the Latin phrase “Pro Bono” or “Pro Bono Publico” meaning “for the public good”. In law, that generally means offering some services for free. Some provinces have non-profits that can connect you with lawyers offering Pro Bono services. These non-profits generally set their own qualification requirements.

Legal Aid

Legal aid is a service provided by the government to help Canadians access free legal advice when they need it. It’s a spectacular resource for people who have serious legal AND financial needs. Applying for legal aid can be time-consuming and it can take up to four weeks to be approved, so it is not recommended for everyone.

Major Law Practice Areas

Business Lawyers

If you’re looking for a business lawyer your best bet is Google or Goodlawyer. There aren't any truly free options available.

A quick Google search for "business lawyers" will return at least a few law firms in any city in Canada. Prices and quality vary substantially, so it's recommended that you collect quotes from at least five firms before selecting one.

Using Goodlawyer is a significantly quicker and easier option for many small businesses. Sessions can be booked in minutes and consultations can be scheduled in as little as two hours.

Criminal Lawyers

If you’re convicted of a criminal offence and aren’t sure if you can afford a law firm, you should consider Legal Aid or Pro Bono Services. Most provinces’ Legal Aid and Pro Bono Law services that often have lawyers that could go with you to court. There are no guarantees that you would win your case, but these lawyers are available and affordable, should you need them.

Family Lawyers

If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation of any kind (such as a domestic violence situation), you should start by calling the police. After that, consider pro bono advice. These services exist to help those who aren’t sure if they can afford legal advice and might not be able to have a lawyer go to court with them, or having to face one’s attacker alone in court. It's better to have a family lawyer to help with these situations

Other Law Practice Areas

Outside of these three major categories are hundreds of others. Unfortunately, most of them fall outside the mandate of Legal Aid and Pro Bono organizations and you will most likely be needing to visit a law firm or Goodlawyer.

Lawyer Lookups Across Canada

Goodlawyer

Goodlawyer is all about getting Canadians the legal help they need. But we’re about more than just competent legal advice. We’re about making the entire experience easier and less stressful, hopefully even enjoyable. You’ll be able to look up lawyers by experience, language, location, speciality, and see reviews from past users on their performance.

Consider using Goodlawyer if:

You need reliable answers to difficult questions and you need them quickly.
You don’t need your lawyer to come to court with you.
You need help with business-related questions.

Canadian Bar Association

The Canadian Bar Association maintains a nationwide database of licensed lawyers. The database can be used to look lawyers up by name or location, but all services and fees will need to be negotiated privately with the lawyers that are contacted.

Consider checking the Canadian Bar Association if:

You do not qualify for legal aid
You are looking for a specific lawyer

Lawyer Lookup in British Columbia

Access Pro Bono

Access Pro Bono is a non-profit organization serving British Columbians. They can refer you to a limited number of local lawyers for a free consultation, although all services after the consultation will be charged at full price.

Consider contacting Access Pro Bono if:

You are located in British Columbia
You do not qualify for legal aid
You need legal help in one of the following areas:
Family law
Residential tenancy law

The Law Society of British Columbia

The Law Society of British Columbia provides a lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their standard rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of British Columbia if:

You are located in British Columbia
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to double-check a specific lawyer’s credentials before working with them
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid British Columbia

The Legal Aid of British Columbia offers a range of services if you demonstrate financial need. Resources include information on publications about the law, advice from lawyers, and representation if you need a lawyer.

Consider consulting the Legal Aid British Columbia if:

You are located in British Columbia
You demonstrate financial need
You identify as Aboriginal
You are suffering from poor mental health
You need legal help in one of the following areas:
Family law, including abuse, divorce, and child welfare
Criminal law
Immigration law
Mental health law
Prison Issues

Lawyer Lookup in Alberta

The Law Society of Alberta

The Law Society of Alberta provides resources to connect with lawyers. They have a lawyer directory and a referral service. The directory is used to search for a lawyer based on a certain criteria to help you find a lawyer you are either familiar with or want to find a lawyer on your own. If you would like help with finding a lawyer, the referral service has representatives who will discuss your legal issue and provide you with the contact information of up to three lawyers (these lawyers will provide advice at their standard law firm rates)

Consider consulting the Law Society of Alberta if:

You’re located in Alberta
You do not qualify for legal aid
You are looking for a specific lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid Alberta

Legal Aid Alberta provides help if you demonstrate financial need. As a publicly funded non-profit, they strive to help by having affordable services. They also provide resources on legal issues, whether or not you will need to hire a lawyer, and a questionnaire about your particular circumstances.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Alberta if:

You’re located in Alberta
You can demonstrate financial need
You need help in one of the following areas:
Family law, including abuse, divorce, and child welfare
Criminal law
Immigration law

Lawyer Lookup in Saskatchewan

The Law Society of Saskatchewan

The Law Society of Saskatchewan has resources to connect people with lawyers. There are external links to the lawyer directory, the Pro Bono Law in Saskatchewan, Legal Aid, Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) and public resources.

Consider consulting the Law Society of Saskatchewan if:

You are located in Saskatchewan
You do not qualify for legal aid
You are looking for a specific lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid Saskatchewan

Legal Aid Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization that exists to provide legal support to locals who need it. They focus on low-income individuals with serious, immediate need, but offer additional information to people who fall outside these criteria.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Saskatchewan if:

You are located in Saskatchewan
You can demonstrate financial need
You are receiving band assistance
You need help in one of the following areas:
Family law, including abuse, divorce, and child welfare
Criminal law

Pro Bono Saskatchewan

Pro Bono Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free legal advice to low income clients in Saskatchewan. They are trying to fil the gap between government-funded legal aid and for-profit law firms. If you meet their criteria, you will be matched with a volunteer lawyer for up to one hour of legal advice. If your matter is serious, they may choose to provide additional advice.

Consider contacting Pro Bono Saskatchewan if:

You are located in Saskatchewan
You can demonstrate financial need
You need help in one of the following areas:
Family law
Criminal law

Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC)

Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) is a volunteer organization run by student lawyers with the assistance of practicing lawyers. Low income residents of Saskatoon can speak with a student about a non-serious matter without any need for an appointment or consult with a practicing lawyer for 30 minutes regarding a more serious matter.

Consider contacting CLASSIC if:

You are located in Saskatoon
You can demonstrate financial need
You want to talk to a law student about:
Landlord-tenant law
Minor criminal law
Immigration law
Wills and estates law
You want to talk to a lawyer about:
Criminal law
Family law
Civil law

Lawyer Lookup in Manitoba

Law Society of Manitoba

The Law Society of Manitoba has many resources when finding a lawyer. There is the lawyer directory, lawyer discipline and ‘Looking for Legal Assistance?’. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates. The lawyer discipline section determines the credibility of the lawyer ensuring accountability. The ‘Looking for Legal Assistance’ tab connects you for general legal advice over the phone or in person.

Consider consulting the Law Society of Manitoba if:

You are located in Manitoba
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to search for a specific lawyer by area or name
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid Manitoba

Legal Aid Manitoba provides help if you demonstrate financial need for cases where you cannot afford to pay for a private lawyer. They serve over 40 communities for low income youth, adults and public interest groups. This organization looks at your financial situation to determine if you are able to qualify for public legal aid.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Manitoba if:

You’re located in Manitoba
You can demonstrate financial need
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you
You need help in one of the following areas:
Family law, including abuse, divorce, and child welfare
Immigration law
Residential tenancy law
Mental health law
Government benefits law
Criminal law

Lawyer Lookup in Ontario

The Law Society of Ontario

The Law Society of Ontario is an easy to use and comprehensive resource for finding lawyers and paralegals (lawyer assistants) in the province. The database is easily searchable, allowing people to look for lawyers in certain cities, with certain specialties, who speak certain languages.

Consider contacting the Law Society of Ontario if:

You are located in Ontario
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to search for a specific lawyer by name
You want to find a lawyer with a specific legal specialty
You want to find a lawyer who speaks a specific language

The Ontario Bar Association

The Ontario Bar Association is another useful resource that can be used to search for a lawyer who meets specific criteria criteria and find a local lawyer. The service is called Find-A-Lawyer and it will provide you with names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Consider consulting the Ontario Bar Association if:

You are located in Ontario
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to look specifically for a lawyer according to certain criteria
You are trying to select a local lawyer to physically go to court with you

Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario provides help if you demonstrate financial need. They provide services that are affordable or free to those who need legal help but cannot afford it.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Ontario if:

You are located in Ontario
You demonstrate financial need
You need help in one of the following areas:
Criminal legal issues
Mental health issues
Family issues
Domestic violence
Refugee/immigration

Pro Bono Ontario

In the legal aid of Ontario, you also have access to Pro Bono Ontario where there are many hotlines to get legal advice and when you have exhausted all other options. They cannot help with criminal law, family law, immigration law, wills preparation, or estates litigation.

Consider consulting Pro Bono Ontario if:

You are located in Ontario
You need advice over the phone for one of the following areas:
Workplace Sexual Harassment Hotline
Summary Legal Advice Hotline

You want to talk to a lawyer about:
Consumer protection
Employment law
Small claims law
Housing law
Education law
Estate planning
Starting a small business or non-profit
Flight PS752 Legal Relief Initiative

Lawyer Lookup in Quebec

Le Barreau du Québec (Law Society of Quebec; available in English and French)

The Law Society of Quebec has an extensive lawyer directory that can specifically search for a lawyer with certain criteria and check their practice status.

Consider consulting the Le Barreau du Québec if:

You are located in Quebec
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to search for a specific lawyer by name
You want to find a lawyer with a specific legal specialty
You want to find a lawyer who speaks a specific language

Ministre de la justice (Legal Aid in Quebec)

Ministre de la justice provides help if you demonstrate financial need. In Quebec, in order to qualify for legal aid you will need to meet certain criteria. The province has provided an extra resource to ensure that you meet these requirements.

Consider consulting Legal Aid-Ministere de la justice if:

You are located in Quebec
You demonstrate financial need
You need legal help in one of the following areas:
Separation and divorce
Rental housing
Criminal charges
Social assistance
Mental health issues
Workplace protection
Youth protection
Immigration law

Lawyer Lookup in New Brunswick

Law Society of New Brunswick

The Law Society of New Brunswick has an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of New Brunswick if:

You are located in New Brunswick
You want to find a lawyer to suit your needs
You are looking for resources to hire a lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid NB (New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission; NBLASC)

Legal Aid in New Brunswick provides assistance if you demonstrate financial need or low income. They have 9 offices in New Brunswick and it is best to go to the closest office.

Consider consulting Legal Aid New Brunswick if:

You are located in New Brunswick
You demonstrate financial need
You need help in one of the following areas:
Criminal law
Family law and issues
Public trustee Matters

Lawyer Lookup in Prince Edward Island

The Law Society of Prince Edward Island

The Law Society of Prince Edward Island has an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their standard rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of Prince Edward Island if:

You are located in Prince Edward Island
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to search for a specific lawyer by name

Legal Aid Prince Edward Island

Legal Aid Prince Edward Island provides assistance if you demonstrate financial need.They provide services that are affordable or free to those who need legal help but cannot afford it.

Consider consulting Legal Aid PEI if:

You are located in Prince Edward Island
If you demonstrate financial need
You need help one of the following areas:
Criminal law
Youth criminal justice
Family law
Civil law

Lawyer Lookup in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador offers an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador if:

You are located in Newfoundland or Labrador
You want to find a lawyer to suit your needs
You are looking for resources to hire a lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid NL

Legal Aid in Newfoundland and Labrador provide a range of legal services if you demonstrate financial need. There is a walkthrough on whether or not you are eligible, if you can get a lawyer quickly, how to apply or if legal aid is free for you.

Consider consulting Legal Aid NL if:

You are located in Newfoundland or Labrador
You demonstrate financial need
You need help in one of the following areas:
Criminal law
Family law

Lawyer Lookup in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Barrister's Society

The Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society has an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates.

Consider consulting the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society if:

You are located in Nova Scotia
You want to find a lawyer to suit your needs
You are looking for resources to hire a lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid Nova Scotia

Legal Aid Nova Scotia provides assistance if you demonstrate financial need. They provide services that are affordable or free to those who need legal help but cannot afford it.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Nova Scotia if:

You are located in Nova Scotia
If you demonstrate financial need
You need help one of the following areas:
Family problems
Criminal issues
Social justice
Income benefits and housing security
Aboriginal services
Civil law
Prison aw
Wills/assets
Youth protection law
Immigration
Housing

Lawyer Lookup in Yukon

The Law Society of the Yukon

The Law Society of the Yukon has an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of the Yukon if:

You are located in the Yukon
You do not qualify for legal aid
You want to search for a specific lawyer by name or location

Yukon Legal Services Society

Yukon Legal Services Society provides assistance if you demonstrate financial need.They provide services that are affordable or free to those who need legal help but cannot afford it.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Yukon if:

You are located in Yukon
You can demonstrate financial need
You need help in one of the following areas:
Criminal law
Family law, including abuse, divorce, and child welfare
Mental Health Act proceedings

Lawyer Lookup in Northwest Territories

The Law Society of the Northwest Territories

The Law Society of the Northwest Territories has an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of the Northwest Territories if:

You are located in the Northwest Territories
You want to find a lawyer to suit your needs
You are looking for resources to hire a lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Aid Northwest Territories

Legal Aid Northwest Territories provides assistance if you demonstrate financial need. They provide services that are affordable or free to those who need legal help but cannot afford it.

Consider consulting Legal Aid of the Northwest Territories if:

You are located in the Northwest Territories
You demonstrate financial need
You need help one of the following areas:
Criminal and Youth Criminal Justice Act charges
Offenses in the Canadian Criminal Code
Less serious offenses where you might go to jail or lose your way of making a living
Some appeals of court decisions
Spousal support cases
Child support, custody or access cases
Division of property and divorce when related to child support
Child welfare matters

Lawyer Lookup in Nunavut

The Law Society of Nunavut

The Law Society of the Nunavut has an extensive lawyer directory. The directory is used to find names, contact information and practice status of a lawyer. After searching in the directory, the information can be used to hire a private lawyer at their rates.

Consider consulting the Law Society of Nunavut if:

You are located in Nunavut
You want to find a lawyer to suit your needs
You are looking for resources to hire a lawyer
You are trying to select a lawyer to go to court with you

Legal Services Board of Nunavut

Legal Services Board of Nunavut provides assistance if you demonstrate financial need. They provide services that are affordable or free to those who need legal help but cannot afford it.

Consider consulting Legal Aid Nunavut if:

You are located in Nunavut
You demonstrate financial need
You need help with one of the following areas:
Criminal law
Civil law
Family law

Ready to Start?

Finding the right lawyer is hard enough. Don’t find a lawyer on your own on Google. Find credited sites such as the Law Societies of Canada, Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services. Find a lawyer through Goodlawyer, where we offer a great starting point for anyone in Canada.

Here at Goodlawyer, can connect you to our vast range of lawyers of which lawyer can be right for you and for a lower cost. Navigating legal services are difficult, and finding a good starting part can be even harder. Goodlawyer also has an Advice Session to help you get started.Finding a lawyer lookup service can be intimidating when you don’t know where to look. There’s are many government websites that are poor quality and very confusing to read. This can scare small business owners from wanting to seek legal help when they need it the most, to make sure everything is in order legally.

Get started with Goodlawyer

Goodlawyer Delivers $21.8 Million in Cost Savings for Clients in 2024

Goodlawyer, Canada’s fastest-growing¹ provider of Fractional Legal Services, saved clients over $21.8 million in 2024—marking a 145% increase from the previous year². This milestone underscores Goodlawyer’s commitment to providing businesses with practical, cost-effective legal solutions tailored to their needs.

Goodlawyer’s Fractional GC™ and Fractional InHouse™ services allow businesses to scale their legal support without the cost and rigidity of traditional law firms. In 2024, Goodlawyer expanded beyond high-growth tech companies, partnering with leading organizations in retail, sports, energy, and aviation.

Clients like Loblaws, Flair Airlines, and the Vancouver Whitecaps relied on Goodlawyer to streamline legal operations, support growth, and significantly reduce legal costs. “Goodlawyer’s Fractional InHouse service has been invaluable, delivering reliable legal support that moves at the pace of our business,” said Manav Deol, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Redefining Legal Services

‍By blending technology with a people-first approach, Goodlawyer’s innovative model delivers value to both businesses and legal professionals:

For businesses: Scalable, affordable legal services that adapt to changing needs.
For lawyers: Flexible, meaningful career opportunities that provide autonomy and balance.

“Every business deserves legal support that drives real results,” said Brett Colvin, CEO of Goodlawyer. “We’re making it easier for companies to access experienced in-house legal talent while empowering lawyers to design fulfilling careers on their own terms.”

Meeting the Growing Demand for Fractional Solutions

‍The rising demand for fractional legal services reflects a shift in how businesses approach legal support. Goodlawyer’s tailored solutions address diverse needs, from part-time GC coverage to parental leave support, while alleviating pressure on overworked legal teams.

In 2024, Goodlawyer became the trusted partner for businesses looking for a smarter way to manage legal challenges. By helping clients reduce costs and operate more efficiently, Goodlawyer continues to reshape the legal landscape for companies of all sizes.

Looking Ahead to 2025

‍Goodlawyer remains focused on delivering exceptional value to clients while building a better future for lawyers across North America. As more businesses seek flexible legal solutions, Goodlawyer is ready to expand its impact and help even more companies thrive.

———————————

_{(1) Goodlawyer was Canada’s fastest-growing provider of fractional legal services and ranked 15th overall in}_{The Globe and Mail’s 2024 Top Growing Companies}_{, outperforming all competitors and legal providers on the list.}

_{(2) Calculation is based on Goodlawyer’s internal analysis that compares our average hourly rates to the hourly rates listed in the}_{Valeo Firm Rate Report 2024}_{for national Canadian law firms offering equivalent legal services. This is a conservative estimate based on the available competitive rate information available at the time of this announcement.}

Goodlawyer delivers $21.8M in Savings for Clients in 2024

January 28, 2025

If you're running a business, especially a growing one, you might find yourself grappling with an ever-increasing number of legal issues. Whether it's about contracts, intellectual property rights, compliance, or potential lawsuits, having consistent legal advice becomes essential. However, hiring a full-time in-house lawyer may not be cost-effective or practical for many small to medium-sized businesses. This is where a Fractional General Counsel (FGC) can shine. Below are 10 reasons to consider hiring an FGC for your business.

1. Customized Solutions

One of the greatest benefits of a Fractional General Counsel is that they deeply understand your business. We work hard to match you with a lawyer who fits your company culture and budget, and who has relevant expertise. This ensures that you get tailored legal solutions that fit the overarching business objectives of your organization.

“We immediately realized the advantages and efficiencies — quick response times from someone embedded on our team who can channel our culture, vision and strategy in their decision making — at a fraction of the cost.” — Rob Park, Former COO at Helcim

2. Free Up Your Executive Team

Instead of spending hours trying to navigate complex legal landscapes, you can focus on what you do best: running your business. Just see how it helped the CEO of Trufla Technologies get his time back!

3. Cost-Effective

Hiring a full-time in-house lawyer can be expensive. A lawyer with 10 years of experience can easily demand $200,000 per year. A Fractional General Counsel provides you access to an experienced lawyer without the overhead of a full-time salary, benefits, and other associated costs.

4. Expertise On Demand

With Fractional General Counsel, you have access to experienced legal professionals without the friction of having to engage external counsel. Simply send them an email, text, Slack message, carrier pigeon or phone call - and get specialized advice when you need it.

“The openness, availability, and responsiveness that we have with our Fractional Counsel is something we never experienced with our previous legal provider.” — Jodie Allan, General Manager at PowerBill

5. Flexibility

FGC engagements are flexible in order to fit your needs. Scale their services up or down based on your business needs and budget. Best of all, you don't pay for the time you don't use. Unused hours are rolled forward for future use.

“We are getting far more value from the Fractional General Counsel model than we have in the past with other legal service providers. The flexibility and accommodation to our business model and needs has been refreshing.” — Ryan Mueller, CEO of Phantom Compliance

6. Risk Management

Risk management is not just about avoiding legal troubles but also seizing opportunities. A Fractional General Counsel can help you take evidence-based strategic risks while giving you the confidence to adapt when the excrement hits the oscillating device. This approach can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

7. Managing Specialized Counsel

Complex legal matters require specialized lawyers, leaving some businesses juggling multiple external providers. A Fractional General Counsel can identify, onboard, and supervise legal specialists and ensure they are billing you fairly. The shared language of lawyers makes it easy for an FGC to collaborate and guide external counsel on business objectives and broader context.

“We found that we had to deal with many different firms and lawyers, retelling our story repeatedly. With Goodlawyer, it’s all under one roof… It frees me up and saves us money.” — Mike Bignold, Founder & CEO of CostCertified

8. Stay Updated

Laws and regulations change. A Fractional General Counsel ensures you stay compliant and informed about the latest legal changes that could affect your business. They can also help you predict future changes and skate to where the puck is going.

9. Seamless Integration

A Fractional General Counsel is integrated into your business operations, ensuring smooth collaboration with your team and stakeholders. Many function like any other team member, with a company email and title like General Counsel or VP of Legal. They can be a trusted voice at the boardroom table and represent your interests at the negotiating table.

“It’s been a huge load off my busy plate, and I love the peace of mind knowing our Fractional Counsel is guiding my team and me at critical moments.” — Brenda Beckedorf, Former Executive Director at Alberta IoT

10. A Trusted Advisor

Beyond legal advice, a Fractional General Counsel often serves as a sounding board for business decisions, providing a well-rounded perspective that combines both legal and business insights. FGCs typically have 10+ years of expertise relevant to your industry. They understand your sector, competitors, regulators, and other stakeholders who can be key to your growth journey.

Conclusion

A Fractional General Counsel is not just for businesses that can't afford a full-time lawyer. It's for businesses that want to free up their executive team with a responsive, trusted, and cost-effective legal solution. It's about having a tailored legal solution that provides on-demand access to someone who truly understands your business.‍

Learn more about Fractional Counsel

10 Reasons To Hire A Fractional General Counsel

August 28, 2023

Business growth inevitably brings legal complexities. With your business speeding towards success, you're considering the transition from relying on external counsel to building your in-house legal function. But is hiring a full-time lawyer the right move? Or is there a more flexible, cost-effective solution? Let us introduce you to the concept of Fractional General Counsel (FGC).

FGC is an in-house legal solution tailored to your needs. Fractional General Counsel aren’t full-time employees. Typically they work 15-30 hours per month; but they're there when you need them. They manage your operational legal needs at a volume and monthly price that makes sense for your business.

These legal professionals are a godsend for scaleups and fast-moving enterprise clients. They serve as your in-house legal team and tackle everything from enterprise contracts, employment and HR to corporate governance. The result is often a freed-up executive team, reduced risk and increased deal velocity.

In-house vs. external legal support

Your business's relationship with your Fractional General Counsel is fundamentally different from an external legal provider (i.e. a traditional law firm). While an external legal provider offers valuable expertise, they often don’t have the same depth of understanding of your business, your risk tolerance, or your objectives. They can also be less responsive than you might like — especially when it comes to your day-to-day operational legal needs like commercial contracts, regulatory compliance and employment matters.

External legal service providers are often unresponsive because they’re focused on major legal milestones like financings and M&A transactions, so they can be slower to respond to operational legal matters.

"There's a reason that every large enterprise eventually builds an in-house legal team — to ensure their legal work is dealt with quickly, cost-effectively, and in tune with the overarching business objectives of the organization. That last piece, deeply understanding the business, is perhaps the greatest benefit of having an in-house legal function," says Brett Colvin, co-founder and CEO of Goodlawyer.

Fractional General Counsel do much more than just fill a void; they quickly become integral members of your executive team, saving you time and money, and adding a business lens to the legal problems you face on a daily basis. They integrate into your operations by adopting a company email, joining your Slack, or using whatever communication tool works best for your team. They can also design processes to speed up your legal processes.

Many scaleups rely on Fractional General Counsel to manage the fast-paced operational legal needs and retain their external counsel on certain matters, particularly milestone events like funding rounds or M&As. In such cases, the FGC and external counsel can coexist and even become greater than the sum of their parts. The shared language of lawyers makes it easy for FGCs to collaborate and guide external counsel on business objectives and broader context.

The value proposition of Fractional General Counsel

Patrick Veilleux, a Fractional General Counsel at Goodlawyer, exemplifies the value of an FGC. Following five successful years at Shopify as Director of Legal, and stints on Bay Street and with the federal government, Veilleux missed the thrill of working with fast-growing Canadian scaleups. So in 2023, he joined Goodlawyer’s FGC ranks.

In Patrick’s words, "Being a Fractional Counsel enables me to provide sophisticated scaleup clients with both legal and strategic insights. The opportunity to be at the table during critical planning sessions empowers me to identify risks and opportunities proactively and help my clients chart the best path forward. It's also been incredibly rewarding to leverage my past experiences to help support some of the most exciting technology businesses in the country.”

5 Reasons why your business needs Fractional General Counsel

Tailored Arrangement: FGC allows you to design the scope, cadence and volume of legal support. Engagements are customized to your needs to best address pain points and capitalize on opportunities. Alignment with your company’s culture is imperative, and Goodlawyer allows you to meet and interview candidates to ensure the right fit. ‍
‍Specialized Expertise: FGCs typically have 10+ years of legal expertise and specific knowledge relevant to your industry. They understand your sector, your competitors, your regulators, and other stakeholders who can be key to your growth journey.
Freed-up Executives: CEOs, CFOs, and COOs often find themselves responsible for their organization’s legal function, spending valuable time managing external counsel and deciphering what is (and isn’t) in a contract. A Fractional General Counsel becomes your dedicated internal legal lead, freeing up executives and ensuring more efficient resource allocation.
Agile and Cost-Effective: Full-time in-house counsel brings substantial commitment and costs – salaries, benefits, office space, administrative burden and more. By contrast, FGC engagements offer a stable fee structure and immediate value. ‍
‍Scalable: As your business grows, you can easily scale the engagement to match your expanding needs. Increase the monthly hours of your Fractional General Counsel, or add a Fractional In-House Counsel. If you find your needs reduced, engagements can be downsized.

Navigating toward Fractional General Counsel

Want to learn whether Fractional General Counsel might suit your business? Click the button below to set up a conversation with a senior member of the Goodlawyer team. We'll explore your legal requirements, analyze your annual legal budget, and determine if you need industry specialists or senior legal expertise. Our team will also introduce you to vetted candidates tailored to your business. A pilot engagement can allow you to gauge the efficacy of this model for your growing business.

Conclusion

With the dynamism of your scaleup and the legal intricacies that come with growth, it's essential to have legal counsel who understands your business and can respond quickly to your needs. The value lies in your FGC’s ability to provide both legal and strategic insights, like a dedicated in-house team, but at a fraction of the cost. Explore Goodlawyer's Fractional General Counsel services and discover how this innovative legal solution could boost your scaleup's journey.

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Fractional General Counsel: legal support for scaling businesses

August 10, 2023

Ready to embark on a thrilling solo adventure as a Canadian lawyer? Buckle up friend, the legal world is about to get a whole lot brighter! Whether you're bidding adieu to a big traditional firm, an in-house gig, or even the government, taking the leap into solo practice requires some serious planning and preparation. But fear not, for we've gathered the top 10 tips from seasoned Goodlawyer’s who have taken over the Canadian legal landscape on their own terms. So, let's dive into what is hopefully a delightful dose of inspiration!

Tip 1: Embrace the Art of Frugality

Who said you need fancy, overpriced resources to thrive? Seek out affordable gems that suit your working style — think budget-friendly practice management and billing software, administrative support (virtual and/or fractional options), and nifty tools to keep your inbox and calendar in check. By keeping your overhead costs low and increasing the efficiency of your practice, you'll have extra funds to sprinkle into growth.

Cheat code: if you’re interested in a one-stop shop for legal operations support, Goodlawyer offers all this and more to its lawyer network!

Tip 2: Let Your Personality Sparkle

Clients aren't just interested in legal services; they want someone they can relate to. So, be your fabulous, authentic self! Show off your approachable side, build those personal connections, and watch your clients swoon. When you're real and relatable, trust and loyalty will come knocking at your door. If the client still isn’t interested, keep calm and lawyer on; chances are high you’ve dodged what would’ve been a misaligned relationship!

Tip 3: Unleash Your Legal Swagger

Picture this: you, standing proud, armed with a unique value proposition in one hand, a clear understanding of the services you offer in the other, and a laser-focused target market as your sword and your shield. It's time to create your own legal destiny! Craft a compelling position statement that sets you apart from the pack and attracts the right clients and the work you love like moths to a legal flame. You're a lawyering superstar, after all!

Tip 4: Befriend the Big Guns

Now, here's a secret sauce to success — forge connections with other lawyers far and wide, whether from your previous legal world or in your new solo practitioner/small firm world!

These relationships can be your golden ticket to referrals and increased visibility in the legal community. Attend events and conferences, and hop into online groups to meet fellow legal eagles in and out of your field. It's like building your very own legal Avengers team!

Easy button: Goodlawyer gives you access to a highly engaged and supportive network of other Goodlawyers ready to help whether you need a second opinion, precedents, legal tech suggestions to level up, or a calming meditative playlist!

Tip 5: Master the Number Crunching Dance

As a solo practitioner, you're the captain of your financial ship. So, it's time to dust off your accounting superhero gear and conquer those financial statements with relish. This is a must for smooth sailing on the ethical and legal seas! Embrace the numbers, avoid ever-present financial whirlpools, and become the guiding star of your own financial destiny.

Tip 6: Love Yourself Enough to Say "No"

Not every potential client is a match made in legal heaven, my friend. Watch for those red flags and gracefully decline clients who might bring more chaos than harmony to your practice. Trust your spidey senses and your past experiences. Remember, your time, effort, and reputation are highly precious gems, so align and re-align these gems with the clients you choose to work with. You deserve the cream of the client crop!

Tip 7: Save Up for the Legal Storms

In the variable world of solo practice, income can be as unpredictable as a tea party with the Mad Hatter. So, it's time to save up for those rainy days. Start with a modest salary and squirrel away three months' worth of savings. Then, gradually increase your pay until you have a comfortable cushion of six months' worth of savings. Rain or shine, you're ready for anything the legal universe sends your way!

Tip 8: Don't Compromise Your Legal Integrity

When the cash flow slows down, the temptation might knock on your door, urging you to take on clients and matters you'd usually pass on. But hold your ground, dear lawyer! Only accept clients and matters that match your values and that you would handle even if money were falling from the sky. Stay true and be authentic to your legal soul, and success will follow suit.

Tip 9: Give Yourself a License to Chill

Building a thriving solo practice that suits your life and practice goals takes time. So, be kind to yourself on this epic journey. Start by working from the comfort of your own space until you're ready to set yourself up in a fancy office; not only are you avoiding the extra overhead and expense, but you might fall in love with a whole new way of working! Embrace the wonders of legal tech to keep your clients happy without the hassle of office visits and to avoid the gargantuan email chains just to schedule a call. Cheers to working smarter, not harder!

Tip 10: Be the Tax Maestro

Ah, taxes — the bane of every lawyer's (and human’s) existence! If you're not drawing a regular salary, maybe you can tango with quarterly taxes in Canada. Put aside one-third of every payment into a separate savings account, dedicated solely to the taxman. With this little trick up your sleeve, you'll breeze through tax season like a pro, avoiding any unwanted legal drama.‍

And voilà! You now possess the top 10 tips to conquer the Canadian legal world as a solo practitioner. Sprinkle them into your journey, dear legal trailblazer, and watch your practice soar to new heights. Wishing you endless success and all of the professional fun you can have in your marvelous solo adventure!

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Journey of a Solo Practitioner

June 16, 2023