Consultation Agreement
Professional framework governing virtual legal consultations offered by Phaneuf Legal Inc., in accordance with Quebec Bar obligations.
Effective since April 11, 2026 · Version 1.0
Phaneuf Legal Inc. is a law firm established in Quebec, led by Me Guillaume Phaneuf, a member in good standing of the Quebec Bar.
Phaneuf Legal Inc.
Law Firm
Lead Attorney: Me Guillaume Phaneuf
Quebec Bar: Member in good standing
Consultations: 100% virtual, via Microsoft Teams videoconference
Practice Areas: Family law, immigration law, business law
The term "Client" refers to any individual who retains the Firm's services for a virtual legal consultation.
The service offered is a one-time virtual legal consultation (limited scope retainer). The consultation aims to provide general legal information and/or a preliminary legal opinion on the situation described by the Client.
Consultations are held exclusively via Microsoft Teams videoconference.
Express Plan
$169 taxes included
30 minutes
Complete Plan
$329 taxes included
60 minutes
The retainer is LIMITED to the consultation and does not include:
- Drafting of legal proceedings or documents
- Representation before courts, agencies or third parties
- Negotiation with opposing parties
- File follow-up after the consultation
- Correspondence with third parties
- In-depth legal research
In accordance with article 29 of the Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers, Me Phaneuf will inform the Client if their situation exceeds the scope of the consultation or his competence.
The booking process takes approximately 10 minutes:
The Firm commits to:
The Client commits to:
- Provide complete, accurate and current information about their situation
- Submit all relevant documents via the secure client portal before the consultation
- Connect on time with a device with a working camera, microphone and stable Internet connection
- Respect the cancellation policy
- Accept that legal advice is based on information provided — its accuracy depends on the truthfulness and completeness of that information
- Make their own decisions regarding their legal affairs — the lawyer's advice does not substitute for the Client's judgment
Important: The Client acknowledges that the consultation does not guarantee any particular outcome in any potential dispute or legal proceeding.
In accordance with article 98 of the Code of Professional Conduct, the amounts below are communicated to the Client before any services are provided. Fees are fair and reasonable within the meaning of article 101.
Full payment is required at the time of booking, by credit or debit card via Stripe. The Firm never stores payment information. A detailed invoice is available in the client portal after payment.
Simply not receiving the desired answer does not constitute grounds for a refund.
All communications within the consultation are protected by professional secrecy (art. 60.4 Professional Code, art. 60-67 Code of Conduct). Professional secrecy is absolute and of public order.
Warning
Exchanges with virtual assistant Sara and voice agent Riley on the public website are NOT covered by professional secrecy. Only exchanges within a consultation retainer are protected.
In accordance with article 21 of the Code of Conduct and Quebec Bar guidelines:
Videoconference
Microsoft Teams, end-to-end encryption, security compliant.
Client Portal
Secure personal space (phaneuflegal.com/portail) with authentication, role-based access control, data encryption.
Electronic Signature
Dropbox Sign, compliant with LCCJTI, same legal value as a handwritten signature.
The Firm commits to providing its services in accordance with ethical obligations and applicable practice standards.
The Client acknowledges that:
- Information and opinions are based on facts communicated by the Client
- The consultation does not constitute a guarantee of outcome
- Information reflects the state of the law at the time of consultation
- It is the Client's responsibility to make their own decisions
Insurance
Me Phaneuf is covered by the Quebec Bar's Professional Liability Insurance Fund (FARPBQ), in accordance with Bar Act requirements.
The Firm values transparency and commits to addressing any concerns promptly.
For fee disputes:
- Contact the Firm first
- Quebec Bar's fee conciliation and arbitration service
- Deadline: request within 45 days of receiving the invoice
- Free and impartial service
For professional conduct complaints:
- Quebec Bar Syndic's Office
- 514 954-3411 or 1 844 954-3411
- The Syndic investigates ethical violations
Applicable Law: Laws of Quebec and federal laws of Canada.
Jurisdiction: Courts of the judicial district of Montreal.
Modification: The Firm reserves the right to modify this agreement. Modifications take effect upon publication on the site. Fee agreements signed for already booked consultations are not affected.
Entirety: This agreement, the signed fee agreement and the privacy policy together constitute the complete agreement between the parties.
Legislative References
RLRQ, c. B-1, r. 3.1
Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers
RLRQ, c. C-26
Professional Code
RLRQ, c. B-1
Bar Act
RLRQ, c. P-39.1
Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector
L.Q. 2021, c. 25
Act to modernize legislative provisions respecting the protection of personal information
RLRQ, c. C-1.1
Act to establish a legal framework for information technology