Welcome to Our Firm.

Meet the People Behind Your File.

One of the things that makes Bird Bolt Law different is our team-based approach. You are not just hiring one lawyer. You are gaining a dedicated team that works collaboratively to support your file.

Who to Contact and When.

We want to make sure you always get a prompt and helpful response. Here is a quick guide on who to reach out to depending on what you need.

How We Work Together.

A successful lawyer-client relationship is a partnership. We are committed to working hard on your behalf, and we ask for your partnership in return.

We Need Your Instructions to Move Your File Forward.

Under the rules that govern our profession, we act on your instructions. This means that there are steps we simply cannot take without hearing from you first. We cannot file documents, accept or reject settlement offers, or take procedural steps without your express approval. When we reach out to you for instructions, we kindly ask that you respond within 48 hours. Timely responses help us meet court deadlines, respond to opposing counsel, and keep your matter progressing.

Communication Expectations.

We understand that your legal matter is a priority for you, and it is a priority for us too. At the same time, we want to be transparent about how communication works at our firm so that we can serve you, and all of our clients, effectively.

Email is our preferred method of communication. Email allows us to keep a clear written record of your instructions, which protects both you and us. It also allows our team to review and respond thoughtfully rather than being put on the spot.

Response times. We aim to respond to all client emails within two business days. If your matter is urgent, please note that in the subject line of your email and we will prioritise it.

Phone calls. For substantive discussions, we recommend booking a scheduled call through Kirsten so that your lawyer can prepare and give you their full attention. Unscheduled calls may go to voicemail, especially during court hours.

After hours. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Emails received outside of office hours will be addressed on the next business day.

Keeping Communication Focused and Effective.

We want to make every interaction count. To help us serve you efficiently, here are a few tips.

• When emailing, try to consolidate your questions or updates into a single message rather than sending multiple short emails throughout the day. This helps us track your requests and respond comprehensively.
• If you come across new documents or information relevant to your case, please upload them through the Clio portal (instructions below) with a brief note explaining what they are.
• Please trust that no news is often good news. If there is a significant development in your matter, we will contact you. In the meantime, rest assured that your file is being actively managed even during quieter periods.
• If you would like a status update, Kathleen is your best contact. She can let you know where things stand without needing to interrupt your lawyer’s focused work time.
• We kindly ask that communication remain respectful and professional. Our team works hard on your behalf, and a positive working relationship benefits everyone, especially the outcome of your matter.

Your Clio Client Portal.

As a client of Bird Bolt Law, you will have access to Clio, our secure client portal. Clio is the hub for your file and is designed to keep you informed and connected to your legal team.

What Is the Clio Portal?

Clio is a secure, online platform that allows you to view important documents related to your file, share documents with our team, review your invoices and make payments, and communicate with us through a secure channel. Think of it as your personal window into your legal file, available anytime from your computer, tablet, or phone.

Getting Started.

1. You will receive an email invitation from Clio with the subject line “You have been invited to Clio for Clients.” Check your inbox (and your spam or junk folder) for this email.
2. Click the link in the email to create your account. You will be asked to set a secure password.
3. Once logged in, you can view documents we have shared with you, upload documents for our review, check messages from our team, and view and pay invoices.
4. You can also download the Clio for Clients app on your smartphone for easy access on the go.

Tips for Using Clio.

• Upload documents directly to the portal rather than emailing attachments. This keeps everything in one secure location.
• When uploading documents, include a brief description (e.g., “Employment contract dated March 2024”) so our team can identify them quickly.
• Check the portal regularly for updates, shared documents, and messages from our team.
• If you have trouble logging in, contact Kirsten at kadecer@birdboltlaw.com and she will help you get set up.

Solicitor-Client Privilege.

Everything you share with us is protected by solicitor-client privilege. This means that your communications with our firm are strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent, except in very limited circumstances defined by law.

To protect this privilege, please keep the following in mind.

• Do not forward our legal advice to others (including family, friends, or colleagues) without speaking to us first. Sharing privileged communications with third parties can waive the privilege.
• Avoid discussing the details of your case on social media. Even vague posts can be used against you in legal proceedings.
• Use the Clio portal or your personal email to communicate with us. Never use your work email or work devices, as your employer may have access to those communications.
• If anyone contacts you about your legal matter (e.g., the opposing party, their lawyer, or an investigator), do not respond. Simply let us know and we will handle it.

Billing and Payments.

Transparency around billing is important to us. Your retainer agreement contains the specifics of your fee arrangement, including how fees are structured for your particular matter. Every client’s fee arrangement is tailored to the nature of their case, so please refer to your retainer agreement for the details that apply to you.

• If your fee arrangement includes invoicing, invoices will be sent to you regularly through the Clio portal. You will receive a notification when a new invoice is available.
• Payments can be made directly through the Clio portal by credit card or e-transfer.
• If you have questions about your fee arrangement, an invoice, or need to discuss a payment plan, please reach out to Kirsten.
• Regardless of your fee structure, there may be disbursements (out-of-pocket expenses such as filing fees, expert reports, or process serving) that are billed separately. Your retainer agreement will outline how disbursements are handled.
• If applicable, please keep your account in good standing. Outstanding accounts may affect our ability to continue working on your matter.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Quick Reference Card.

Keep this section handy for easy access to the key information you need.