Obtaining the partnership agreement from the law firm is only one way to verify the client’s identity. Some partnerships, such as limited liability partnerships, are registered in searchable provincial government registries. Also, with the instructing lawyer’s consent, you may be able to obtain information from the law society in the client’s jurisdiction. You may also be able to obtain proof of the firm’s identity through a government registry, such as the GST / HST Registry available on the website of the Canada Revenue Agency.

If the client will not provide a copy of the partnership agreement and you are unable to obtain information from other sources, you cannot act for the client.