When will a reduction of a solicitor’s accounts be appropriate?

The Arbitrator acknowledged his obligation to determine whether any reduction of the Solicitor’s accounts was appropriate and reviewed the accounts pursuant to the nine factors outlined in Cohen v. Kealey & Blaney (1988), 26 C.P.C. (2d) 211, 10 O.A.C. 344. The nine principles include: 1) The time expended by the solicitor; 2) The legal complexity of the matters to be dealt with; 3) The degree of responsibility assumed by the solicitor; 4) The monetary value of the matters in issue; 5) The importance of the matter to the client; 6) The degree of skill and competence demonstrated by the solicitor; 7) The result achieved; 8) The ability of the client to pay; and 9) The client’s expectation as to the amount of the fee.