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Information for Lawyers

Block fees

Block fees are fixed fees or rates paid on common criminal charges. Fixed fees replace the hourly tariff system on all block fee-eligible charges. Phase 2 of the block fee pilot program began in May 2011.

Block fee basics

The block fee program pays for services that lead to specific client case outcomes—guilty plea, stay/withdrawal—on a number of common criminal charges. The fees paid for stays or withdrawals are higher than those paid for guilty pleas.

If a block fee-eligible matter is set down for trial, Legal Aid Ontario pays the account according to the hours allocated by the regular criminal tariff.

Block fee pricing

Block fee pricing is based on LAO’s current costs for these criminal cases, and is subject to all relevant tariff increases.

Block fee accounts are submitted through Legal Aid Online. Watch the billing tutorials for in-depth information on billing block fees.

Block fee roll out

Legal Aid Ontario is consulting with legal stakeholders, including the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, and is introducing the block fee program in phases. The first phase of the block fees program rolled out in May 2010, followed by the second phase in May 2011.

Block fee benefits

The block fee program benefits lawyers, clients and the criminal justice system:

• For lawyers, benefits include not having to submit dockets, less administrative red tape, and more financial certainty
• Clients benefit from faster resolution of appropriate cases, and less time spent at court appearances
• The criminal justice system benefits from the efficient use of judicial resources and a reduction in the number of court appearances

Questions

For questions or more information about block fees, contact:

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