Continuing legal education

LAWPRO and practicePRO are committed to participating in and promoting legal education programming. By participating in Continuing Legal Education or CLE you can hone your legal skills, learn new strategies and techniques, and reduce your exposure to malpractice claims. The definition of a "competent lawyer" in Rule 2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct specifies a broad collection of requirements that include professional development, practice management, client communication and business skills.

Continuing legal education, which is but one aspect of professional development, can occur in many ways. Attendance at traditional lectures, seminars or workshops is just the start. It can also include reading and self-study, research and writing on specific practice areas, and the use Web-based or archived multi-media content.

Risk management and the LAWPRO CLE Premium Credit
Most lawyers are surprised to find out that less than 10% of the malpractice claims that LAWPRO handles involve a failure to know or apply substantive law. Whereas, almost 70% of the claims we handle involve lawyer/client communications and basic time or practice management issues. For this reason LAWPRO believes it is critical for its insureds to incorporate risk management strategies into their practices, and that the use of these tools and strategies will help reduce claims.

To encourage participation in CLE programs that include risk management content, LAWPRO offers a $50 CLE Premium Credit (to a maximum of $100) for each qualifying CLE program you complete by mid September. Look for the Premium Credit logo on approved programs and click here for more information on this Credit

CLE Programs
Numerous organizations offer CLE programs in Ontario. For specific information on upcoming and past programs, visit the CLE Calendars on the following sites:

• The Law Society of Upper Canada
• The Ontario Bar Association
• The Advocates' Society
• County of Carleton Law Association
• Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
• The Canadian Bar Association

LAWPRO and practicePRO Presentations
LAWPRO On The Beat lists upcoming and past presentations made by LAWPRO and practicePRO staff about professional liability claims, their causes and risk management. Send an e-mail to practicePRO@LAWPRO.ca if you would like to arrange for a presentation at your CLE program, event or firm.

practicePRO Lending Library
As a resource for Ontario lawyers, practicePRO has a lending library of almost 100 books on a wide variety of law practice management related topics. You will find titles on billing and finance, management and administration, law office technology, career issues and solo/small firms. Click here to view our selection and for details on how to order a book.

The LSUC Member Resources page has many other helpful tools and resources.