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Attorney-Client Bridge Program

Do you need help getting in touch with your attorney? Or are you seeking to retrieve your case files from an attorney with whom you no longer have an attorney-client relationship? You're in the right place. 

The Attorney-Client Bridge Program is a service designed to bridge communication gaps between clients and attorneys. This initiative facilitates proactive dialogue, ensuring that clients receive clear responses from current attorneys and that case files are returned smoothly once the attorney-client relationship has ended. If you're facing these issues, we invite you to take advantage of this resource.

Who can apply for the program?

 Apply if  Do not apply if
  • You are having trouble getting in contact with your attorney, or
  • You have already filed a complaint against the attorney.
  • You are trying to retrieve your case files from a former attorney.
  • You are requesting assistance with more than one issue. For example, if you need help with communications and retrieving files.
 
  • You suspect your attorney has committed serious misconduct in your case, such as failure to release settlement funds.


Before you start

Ensure you have not filed a complaint against the attorney you wish to contact or retrieve files from. Prepare any relevant information about your attorney-client relationship and the issues you're facing to include in your request.

Steps

  • Complete the request form: Fill out the Attorney-Client Bridge Program request form with as much detail as possible.
  • Submission review: The Office of Public Trust Liaison will review your submission to determine eligibility.
  • Confirmation and contact: If you're eligible, the Public Trust Liaison will confirm the issue with you and then contact the attorney to secure their agreement to participate.
  • Compliance by attorney: Once the attorney agrees to participate, they have 10 business days to initiate communication or return the requested files.

What's next

After the attorney agrees to participate and complies with the program requirements, you should receive the communication or files you requested. If there are any issues, or you need further assistance, you can contact the Public Trust Liaison directly. For more serious grievances, you may want to consider filing a complaint against the attorney.

Please note: Since this is a new program, we are fine-tuning our processes, and your feedback will be invaluable.

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