Why do I have to prove my identity when I meet with a lawyer?
Lawyers are required to obtain identifying information for all clients and, when engaging in financial matters, must verify the information. This is to ensure they are not engaging in criminal activity such as fraud or money laundering. While lawyers are exempt from federal Anti-Money Laundering regulations, the Law Society has robust rules to ensure regulation of this risk.
Please be prepared to provide your lawyer with your:
- ) full name;
- ) business address and phone number;
- ) home address and phone number;
- ) incorporation or business identification number and place of issue, if applicable;
- ) occupation(s);
Additional information may be collected from client organizations.
Please see Part XVI of the Law Society Rules for specific information:
https://lsnl.ca/lawyers-students/lawyer-regulation/law-society-rules/part-xvi/#Definitions
Please note that all lawyers are under both legal and ethical obligations to maintain solicitor-client privilege