Notice to clients of X-Copper
Background
X-Copper Services Inc. (X-Copper) was a firm providing paralegal services in a number of Ontario locations. X-Copper declared bankruptcy on May 28th, 2008.
If you are a former X-Copper client, it is essential that you take steps to ensure your interests are protected. This notice contains general information to help you protect your interests.
Role of The Law Society
The primary role of the Law Society in this situation is to do what it can to help former X-Copper clients protect their legal rights and their confidential information, despite the X-Copper bankruptcy.
The Law Society has been recovering client files and other material containing client information. We are telephoning clients with imminent court dates to inform them of the date and the options they have in regards to representation. Clients who have matters farther into the future will receive letters with this information.
For clients whose court dates have passed we are writing them with instruction on what steps to take if the Court dealt with the charge in their absence and if they wish to try and reopen their matter.
The Society will try to determine if there are any funds that may be recovered for the clients who paid for services, and did not receive them. We have been advised by the Trustee in bankruptcy that the prospect of recovery is highly unlikely.
Role of The Trustee in Bankruptcy
The Trustee in Bankruptcy (Grant Thornton Limited) took possession of the X-Copper locations and other property on May 28th, 2008. The Trustee in Bankruptcy's primary role is to deal with X-Coppers' creditors and the disbursement of the company's assets. Its website gives information on the steps taken in the bankruptcy and how to make a claim.
Client Files
If you are a former X-Copper client and you have questions about the status of your file, you can contact the Law Society. We will release your file according to your instructions. For example if you have hired a new paralegal or lawyer, you can request that we send your file to that individual. If you wish to act on your own behalf, we will send the file directly to you.
The Law Society needs written instructions from you to release your file. You can complete an Authorization and Direction form and send it to the Law Society to release your file. Please ensure your court date is clearly indicated on your request, so the most urgent matters can be dealt with first.
The Law Society is aware that some former clients have been approached by new lawyers or paralegals offering to provide representation. It is important for you to understand that the file belongs to you, not to X-Copper or the Trustee or another representative. You do not have to hire any particular representative that you have not chosen yourself.
If you wish to hire a new representative, you should ensure the representative is licensed by the Law Society to provide legal services, since the law now requires that all representatives be either lawyers or licensed paralegals. The Lawyer and Paralegal Directory lists lawyers and licensed paralegals.
You may have to pay your new representative an agreed fee or retainer. You should not count on any money being recovered from fees previously paid to X-Copper.
More information will be posted on the Law Society's website as the Trusteeship continues.
For more information please contact:
Tel: 416-947-3933
Fax to: 417-644-4880
Email: xcinfo@lsuc.on.ca