Documenting Independent Legal Advice
[6] A lawyer retained to give independent legal advice relating to a transaction should document the independent legal advice by:
(a) providing the client with a written certificate that the client has received independent legal advice;
(b) obtaining the client's signature on a copy of the certificate of independent legal advice; and
(c) sending the signed copy of the lawyer with whom the client proposes to transact business.
Documenting a Client's Decision to Decline Independent Legal Advice or Independent Legal Representation
[7] If the client declines the recommendation to obtain independent legal advice or independent legal representation, the lawyer should obtain the client's signature on a document indicating that the client has declined the advice or representation.
[8] If the client is vulnerable and declines independent legal advice or independent legal representation, the lawyer should not enter into the transaction. Some signs that the client may be vulnerable include cognitive decline, disabilities such as impaired vision and hearing, financial insecurity, and major changes in life circumstances that may make the client more susceptible to being unduly influenced.