Can a lawyer deal on the buyer's behalf without signing a REPRESENTATION CONTRACT with the buyer?

Question

I am buying a piece of real estate and the lawyer as well as the real estate agent say there is no need to sign a "representation contract" with the lawyer, for her to deal on my behalf

Is this legal and safe?

The woodlot is located in NB Canada

Answer 1

I'm not sure about Canadian Real Estate law, but a lawyer can represent you in his/her capacity as an attorney without a real estate contract.  If you have a retainer, that should suffice.

The attorney should not be entitled to a real estate commission, if you are also paying fees for the representation as an attorney.

Good luck!