I am an attorney in the US.
I was at one time the defense attache to the US Embassy in Australia.
I also have obtained the designation, QC after my name.
QC means Queens Counsel.
Do not let that rattle or confuse you.
Moving forward, your letter is okay.
You've covered the basics.
But, the veiled threat to bring a small claims action will only make the Canadian barrister, chuckle.
US courts, especially courts of limited jurisdiction, ie...small claims courts have little effect on a foreign national.
That is why I advised you to reach out to the Canadian Embassy.
Even if you were to obtain a judgment in a small claims court against a foreign corporation, you'd never collect a dime.
A US court has no jurisdiction in a foreign and sovereign land.
So, setting a deadline is good, as is asking for what you want the lawyer to do.
But, don't make demands that have no force or effect of law.
Here is your letter, with my touches:
Dear Mr. Jones:
I understand you are the legal representative for the estate of X. I believe a refund is due me for $1906.95 for medical transcription classes. I entered into an agreement to enroll in online medical classes at X School. According to the agreement, students would be allowed to take as much time as needed to complete their medical transcription classes.
Upon completion of certain classes, I was to be awarded a certificate of completion. I was nearing the end of these studies when, with no prior notice, all communications from X ceased. Then I unfortunately learned that X unexpectedly had closed.
Due to X's unexpected and unanticipated closure, I was forced to end my online classes. Subsequently, in order to receive my certification, I have since been compelled to enroll in classes at another school. This has been at considerable additional personal expense.
As I have now completed my studies, I would ask that I be supplied with a certificate of completion from X. In addition to receiving such a certificate, I am also requesting a full refund of my $1,906 tuition paid to X, no later than the 24th of March, 2010.
Respectfully and sadly requested,
Joe Blow
A little something on QC:
Australia
In Australia, most State governments have replaced the awarding of this title with 'Senior Counsel'.
* The Supreme Court of Western Australia replaced the office of Queen's Counsel with the office of Senior Counsel on 24 September 2001[17]
* The Supreme Court of Victoria replaced the appointment of Queen's Counsel with Senior Counsel in 2000.[18][19]
* The Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory effected a moratorium on appointment of Queen's Counsel in its own jurisdiction in 1995 in preference to appointing Senior Counsel.[20]
* The Supreme Court of Queensland abolished the title in 1993.[21]
Those appointed before the change may retain the old title (many of whom do, as the title is highly regarded). Only the Commonwealth of Australia at the Federal level, and the Northern Territory continue to appoint Queen's Counsel.
Canada
The practice of appointed Queen's Counsel continues in a number of Canada's provinces; appointments ceased in Ontario in 1985, and the federal government ceased the practice in 1993. No substitute distinctions have been implemented in these jurisdictions as it is felt that the practice is a form of political patronage and is best discontinued entirely. However, title holders continue to use the QC postnominals. In Manitoba, the title was replaced by Senior Counsel (S.R.) in 2001. Appointments to this title are now being made by the Law Society of Manitoba.[23]