Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Achieving Exam Success!

To establish a solicitor-client relationship, there must be an agreement to provide legal services alongside the client's consent. This is fundamental because the relationship hinges on the client's understanding and acceptance of the legal services that the solicitor is prepared to offer. The solicitor must demonstrate a willingness to act on behalf of the client, and the client must not only be informed but must also agree to that representation.

While a verbal agreement or a written contract can further clarify the nature of the relationship and rights of each party, the essence of the relationship is the mutual consent to engage in a professional legal service. Simply receiving a referral from another lawyer does not, in itself, create this relationship, as it still requires the prospective client to actively agree to engage with the solicitor for services. Thus, the agreement to provide legal services combined with the necessary consent of the client is what truly establishes the solicitor-client rapport.