A solicitor’s lien allows a lawyer to hold onto your file if you still owe the lawyer money. The Code of Conduct for Alberta lawyers says lawyers must consider the effect the lien may have on you. The lawyer should not enforce the lien if it would materially prejudice your position in your legal matter. A material prejudice is more than just an inconvenience to you. It is something that would seriously hurt your case going forward, such as missing an important court date. Last updated: February 2021