By virtue of the laws of the Quebec Bar Association (Loi sur le Barreau du Québec), Innocence McGill cannot represent you, nor act in your name nor provide legal advice. Innocence McGill's role is to study an applicant's file until such a time where the applicant is represented by a lawyer. It is not until this last step in the review process that Innocence McGill officially accepts both the application for assistance, and the obligation to work with the lawyer to continue the research and investigation required by the file. The members of Innocence McGill assure the confidentiality of all correspondence with the applicants but cannot guarantee the same protection as provided by attorney-client privilege.