When Do You Need a Stock Lawyer?
When you own stock in Canada, you have a share of ownership in a company. You are also entitled to a share of the company’s earnings, or assets.
Stocks are excellent because they have limited liability. If the company in which you own stock has financial hardships, the only thing you may lose is what you invested in the stock, as your individual assets cannot be taken.
Your stock lawyer can help you with any type of investment dispute or issue you may have. Investment disputes are disagreements regarding financial investments including:
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Commodities
- Trusts
- Corporate assets
Most investments are secured using a contract. Because of this, investment disputes often arise based on a breach of the terms of the contract, such as the investment price.
Examples of common disputes directed related to an investment may include:
- The issuance of stock: You may have an issue with the way a company’s stocks are:
- Distributed
- Priced
- Delivered
- Being able to access funds: You may have an issue getting access to the funds you are owed.
- Disclosure of information: The investment information may not have been fully disclosed to you, resulting in misrepresentation or fraud.
- Foreign investment disputes: Your foreign investments can be complicated because of the interaction between international and domestic laws.
The laws governing stocks can vary depending on the type of investment and the location. There are different ways to resolve these types of issues that your stock attorney can provide advice about.
In many situations, stock disputes can be resolved using alternative dispute resolution methods including arbitration. Arbitration is a process in which a neutral third party hears arguments of both of the parties and makes a decision that is binding on the parties.
Many stock contracts will contain an arbitration clause that requires the parties to give up their right to file a lawsuit if a dispute arises and to use arbitration instead. If you are considering making an investment in stock, it is important to have your lawyer review any stock contract before you sign it.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Stock Lawyer in Canada?
How much it will cost you to hire a stock lawyer will depend on many things, including:
- Experience: With more experience often comes an increase in the fees a lawyer charges
- Billing method: The lawyer’s billing method may vary by case and include:
- Hourly rate
- Flat fee
- Contingency fee
- Retainer fee
- Location: Marjory city attorneys will commonly charge more than small town attorneys
- The complexity of the case: Complicated cases will likely cost more to resolve than simple cases
- Type of firm: Large firms may charge higher fees than smaller firms or solo practitioners
When your stock lawyer charges by the hour, their fees may range from CA$200 to CA$500 or more depending on the factors listed above.
What to Look for in a Stock Lawyer?
When you are looking for a lawyer, it is important to find a stock lawyer who fits your budget and your needs. When you are choosing an attorney, you should consider characteristics, including:
- Personalized attention: Find a lawyer who can understand the unique aspects of your issue and your desired outcome.
- Experience: Search for an attorney who has experience with stock issues.
- Communication: Find an attorney who will provide you with regular updates on your issue and who promptly responds to your questions or communications.
- Knowledge of stock laws and regulations: You should choose a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and regulations that govern the types of stocks involved in your issue.
Having a stock attorney can be very helpful during any part of the stock process, whether that is choosing a stock, signing the stock contract, or resolving a dispute involving the stock. Your attorney will review any documents you signed as well as explain the possible outcomes of your dispute.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation With a Stock Lawyer?
When you schedule a consultation with a stock lawyer, you should take time to prepare for that meeting before attending. When you do go to your consultation, you should bring with you anything that may be related to your dispute, such as:
- Copies of any stock documents or contracts you signed
- Communications with any other party who is involved in the dispute
- Any other documents or evidence you think may be important
In addition to these documents, it is important for you to make a written list of any questions or concerns related to your stock so you can make sure to address them all during the meeting.
Where to Find Stock Lawyers in Canada?
If you have any issues, questions, or concerns related to a stock in Canada, LegalMatch is a quick and free way to quickly find help. Although you may assume it would just be easier to do an online search for “stock lawyers near me” or “stock attorneys near me,” the results you receive may not always provide you with much helpful information.
You can easily find a lawyer on LegalMatch by doing the following:
- Submit your dispute or concern: All you have to do is submit your dispute or concern in about 15 minutes online for free.
- Get matched: You will be matched with stock attorneys in your area who can help in around 24 hours.
- Choose a lawyer: Your matches will include information about the attorney, including their background, education, fee arrangements, and client reviews before deciding who you want to help you with your stock issue.
It is important for you to remember that you do not have to hire any of the attorneys who are provided as matches based on your submission. LegalMatch can help you find an attorney for your stock needs whether you are in a large city, such as Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, or in a small town.
