Which 7 questions should you ask to find a good real estate lawyer?

At a glance: the one-page checklist

If you need a quick decision tool, use this one‑page checklist at first contact. It is tuned for Ontario transactions and for buyers or sellers in Etobicoke or Toronto. For a printable version and an example closing checklist, see the firm’s real estate due diligence checklist and service page.

Key checks to run on the first call or email:

• 1) Are you licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario?
• 2) Do you handle the specific transaction type I have, for example condo or freehold?
• 3) Who will do the work and how will you communicate updates?
• 4) What exactly is included in your scope and fee estimate?
• 5) Can you meet closings or provide express notarizations when needed?
• 6) Will you provide a written closing checklist and confirmed timeline?
• 7) Can I verify references and see a sample retainer agreement?

These items reflect Canadian consumer guidance that a lawyer or notary should be licensed, local, clear about fees, and able to explain matters in plain language. See official advice on what to expect from a lawyer or notary and Ontario consumer protections when buying a home for additional context: publications.gc.ca on homebuying and ontario.ca on what to know before buying a home in Ontario.

The seven questions to ask on your first call

Ask these questions verbatim on the first call or in your first email. Below each question is a short note about what a helpful, plain language answer typically sounds like.

1. Are you licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario?

   What a good answer sounds like: the lawyer gives their full name and confirms you can verify them on the Law Society of Ontario directory, explains whether they carry professional liability insurance, and offers to send their firm address. Follow up by checking the lawyer’s entry on the Law Society of Ontario website (lso.ca) before you sign a retainer.

2. Do you regularly handle this type of transaction, for example a condo closing, resale, or mortgage discharge?

   What a good answer sounds like: the lawyer names recent, directly relevant transaction types they handle and notes particular issues to watch for such as condo status certificates, common element liens, or mortgage penalties. For condominium purchases, confirm experience specifically with condos because the documents and timelines differ.

3. Who in your office will do the work and how will you communicate with me?

   What a good answer sounds like: a named lawyer or licensed staff member, a clear statement about whether the principal will attend closing, and preferred communications such as phone, email, or a client portal. Expect a timeline for replies and an estimate of typical response time for urgent issues.

4. What is included in your scope of services and how are your fees and disbursements explained?

   What a good answer sounds like: a checklist of documents and services the fee covers, what disbursements you will pay separately, whether title insurance is included or optional, and an offer to provide a written retainer or fee estimate before you commit.

5. Can you meet my closing date and do you offer express notary or weekend availability if needed?

   What a good answer sounds like: a clear statement of availability, any extra steps for last‑minute closings, and whether the office offers walk-in notary services or Saturday hours. A firm that advertises walk-in or weekend notary service can be helpful for tight deadlines; ask whether additional fees apply for express handling.

6. Will you provide a written closing checklist and a firm timeline for documents and funds?

   What a good answer sounds like: an offer to send a short written checklist or a link to a closing checklist, milestone dates for the completion of title search, mortgage instructions, and funds transfer, and confirmation of what you must deliver and when.

7. Can you share references, a sample retainer letter, or a recent closing checklist I can review?

   What a good answer sounds like: willingness to provide anonymized client references, a sample retainer that shows exactly what you will sign, or a copy of a standard closing checklist so you can compare scope and obligations before you decide.

What a good answer sounds like and five red flags to avoid

Strong replies include plain language, named documents the lawyer will prepare, a written scope and retainer, and a clear, reachable local contact. For example, a good answer will explain who orders the title search, whether the lawyer recommends title insurance, and who pays for which disbursements. Canadian homebuyer guidance encourages transparent fees and local practitioners who can explain issues in plain language.

Five red flags to watch for:

• Unclear or evasive answers about licence, LSO standing, or professional insurance.
• Refusal to provide a written scope or a vague fee estimate without itemization.
• Inability to name who will do the work or repeated reassignment to unknown staff.
• Slow or no response to a time‑sensitive question during the interview.
• No local presence and no plan for in-person ID checks or document signing at closing.

These concerns relate to practice expectations in Ontario for timely, competent handling of residential real estate transactions. If you see any of these red flags, verify the lawyer on the Law Society of Ontario directory (lso.ca) and consider alternatives before you proceed.

How to verify credentials and licensing in Ontario

Follow these steps before you sign a retainer or transfer funds.

1. Search the Law Society of Ontario directory to confirm the lawyer’s name, licence status, and any discipline history. The Law Society publishes practice guidance for residential real estate lawyers you can review on their website.
2. Ask the lawyer to email a scanned retainer or sample closing checklist and confirm the firm address. Cross‑check the address and contact details on the firm website.
3. Request evidence the lawyer or firm carries professional liability insurance and verify how the firm handles client trust funds.
4. When you meet in person, confirm government ID, the office location, and that the person who signed the retainer works at that address.

Official consumer information for buyers also emphasises checking regulated professionals and understanding local protections when you buy a home. See the Ontario government guidance for further details.

When speed, proximity and walk-in notary availability matter

Some transactions require urgency. Tight closing deadlines, last-minute mortgage instructions, and urgent notarizations change how you weigh decisions.

• Speed and responsiveness reduce stress when dates are fixed and conditional clauses are tight. If you expect a rushed closing, ask whether the firm offers express handling for urgent items.
• Local proximity matters when you must sign original documents or attend a closing in person. A nearby office reduces travel time and the chance of missed deadlines.
• Walk-in notary or Saturday availability can be decisive for last-minute notarizations. Ask if the firm provides that service and whether additional fees apply.

Compare availability when you interview firms and ask for a commitment in writing for any guaranteed slot or express service.

How to compare two lawyers: decision criteria and real objections

When two candidates seem similar, score them on these precise criteria and use the list to resolve common objections.

• Licence and standing, verified on the Law Society of Ontario directory.
• Relevant transaction experience, for example condo versus freehold.
• Fee transparency and a written retainer showing what is included.
• Communication speed and named point of contact.
• Local office proximity and ability to attend closing in person.
• Notary or weekend availability for urgent signings.
• Willingness to provide references or a sample closing checklist.

Common objections and how to evaluate them:

• Higher fee: ask for a written breakdown and compare what is included. A higher fee can be reasonable if it covers more services or faster handling.
• Remote lawyer: determine who will attend closing and how originals will be signed. If the firm uses local agents or associates, confirm names and addresses.
• Limited schedule: check whether the firm offers express options or subcontracted weekend notary services for emergencies.

Next steps to take now and the links you need

1. Confirm the lawyer’s listing and status on the Law Society of Ontario website.
2. Request a written scope, a sample retainer, and a closing checklist before you sign anything.
3. Ask specifically about availability for your scheduled closing and whether they offer express or weekend notarizations.
4. Verify the office address and meet in person if originals or ID checks are required.
5. Compare candidates using the scoring criteria above and choose the one who provides clear, written commitments.

For further reading about consumer protections and what to expect from a lawyer or notary, review official resources from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Ontario government on homebuying and what to know before buying a home in Ontario. If you would like a local example of a closing checklist and practical due diligence items, see the firm’s real estate due diligence checklist and its real estate law service page.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a good real estate lawyer in Ontario?

A good real estate lawyer in Ontario is licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, communicates clearly in plain language, provides a written scope and retainer, and has direct experience with your type of transaction. The Law Society of Ontario publishes practice guidance for residential transactions that outlines standard expectations.

How do I check if a lawyer is licensed and in good standing in Ontario?

Use the Law Society of Ontario directory to search the lawyer’s full name and confirm licence status, contact details, and any discipline history. Ask the lawyer for their LSO licence number or a link to their LSO record and verify it before signing a retainer.

What specific questions should I ask about fees and scope at the first call?

Ask for an itemized list of what the fee covers, any disbursements you will pay separately, whether title insurance is included or optional, who pays for registration costs, and whether the lawyer will provide a written retainer showing these details. Ask how they handle unexpected issues and how additional work will be billed.

When should I prioritise local proximity or weekend notary availability?

Prioritise proximity and weekend availability when your closing date is fixed and tight, if original documents must be signed in person, or when you expect last-minute notarizations. A nearby office and weekend hours can avoid costly delays for urgent matters.

Final steps

If you would like a local example of how these checks are handled in practice, you can review Vikram Sharma Law Professional Corporation’s services and due diligence checklist on the site. When you are ready, compare candidates using the seven questions above and request written confirmation of scope and timelines before you commit.

Vikram Sharma Law Professional Corporation