Can I tell my lawyer the whole truth?
If you or a loved one requires legal assistance, it’s important to be honest with your lawyer about all the facts related to your case. Remember, your lawyer is on your side, and being up front and forthcoming about all details related to your case is a necessity.
What if I’m at fault?
Even if you are at fault, you deserve legal representation.
In fact, your lawyer cannot build an effective case on your behalf until they know the full truth.
Ultimately, there is no reason to be afraid of telling your lawyer the absolute truth because of the confidentiality rules of solicitor-client privilege.
What is solicitor-client privilege?
According to the Canadian Bar Association, lawyers have an ethical duty to provide confidentiality on all information learned while working with their clients. This is known as solicitor-client privilege. No matter the source, all information shared between a lawyer and client is confidential and protected under Canadian Law.
Understandably, the only exception to this rule is if the information shared threatens public safety or could lead to impending harm. Learn more in the Law Society of Ontario’s (LSO) Rules
of Professional Conduct.
Why do I need to tell my lawyer the truth?
Without understanding the complete truth about your case, it’s much more difficult for your lawyer to build a proper strategy for you, especially if your case will be going to trial in court. If there is any misinformation or hidden truths, it could greatly decrease your chances of achieving a successful outcome.
What happens if I don’t tell my lawyer the truth?
In addition to lowering the chances of winning your case,
withholding the truth from your lawyer can result in a lot of wasted time. This is an issue because maximizing time and efficiency is vital when it comes to winning court cases.
Plus, keeping secrets from your lawyer can lead to unforeseen surprises or curveballs over the course of a case. Therefore, being upfront and honest with your lawyer will lead to a stronger case and a higher likelihood of success.
At MG Law, we want what’s best for our clients. If you’re in need of legal assistance, we’d be happy to evaluate your case and provide you with sound advice on how to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
