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Criminal Law

Manage malpractice risk by recognizing cultural diversity

In the social realm, cultural differences can be awkward for those on both sides; but in the context of legal services, cross-cultural misunderstandings and other culture-related factors can occasionally lead to malpractice claims against lawyers. The good news: claims with a cultural component are easily preventable as they tend to reflect certain recurring themes. One… Read More »

Categories: 2014 September Diversity, Articles, Civil Litigation, Communications Errors, Criminal Law, Diversity, Practice Tips, Real Estate

Informed, documented plea instructions protect you from claims

judge gavel

Though the rate of malpractice claims flowing from criminal cases is lower than in other areas of law, the number of claims in this area is on the rise, and for many of the same reasons we see in other areas. The most frequent cause? Issues with lawyer-client communication. An area of particular vulnerability to… Read More »

Categories: Areas of Law, Articles, Communications Errors, Content Type, Criminal Law, Inadequate Investigation, Malpractice Errors

Clear communication your best defence against allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel

A substantial proportion of professional liability claims against criminal defence counsel are based on allegations of “ineffective assistance”. The jurisprudence makes it clear that poor lawyer-client communication is at the root of many of these claims. Allegations of ineffective assistance are usually first tested in the context of the appeal of a conviction. Few of… Read More »

Categories: Areas of Law, Articles, Communications Errors, Content Type, Criminal Law, Dabbling, Failure to Know The Law

Can a criminal conviction make your client inadmissible for residency/citizenship?

hands on jail bars

Where a client charged with a serious crime is a non-citizen of Canada and is hoping to obtain resident status, criminal lawyers should be aware that recent changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) raise special plea and sentencing considerations. The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act On June 19, 2013, amendments to… Read More »

Categories: Areas of Law, Articles, Communications Errors, Content Type, Criminal Law, Failure to Know The Law

Resolve to get your practice off to the best possible start

sign that says Your Lawyer

Professional liability claims can take the wind out of the sails of anyone’s legal career, but can be especially demoralizing for a new lawyer. Your best chance at avoiding claims is to develop great working habits right from the start. Here are some practice ‘resolutions’ that you may want to consider. Want more? Read the… Read More »

Categories: 2014 Student Issue 2, Articles, Civil Litigation, Communications Errors, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Family, Law students/new lawyers, Legal Careers, New Lawyers, Real Estate, Wellness, Wills & Estates

New Year’s resolutions for a healthier law practice and a new you

computer monitor with sticky notes of new years resolutions

The start of a new year is a time for self-reflection and self-improvement. Many of you will think about making changes in your personal and work lives. But while you all have good intentions, it can be difficult to break old habits, especially when you are running hard on the treadmill of a busy life… Read More »

Categories: 2012 December Resolutions, Articles, Civil Litigation, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Family, Features, Finances, Legal Technology, Marketing, Practice Tips, Real Estate, Time Management, Wellness, Wills & Estates

Land Acknowledgement

The offices of LAWPRO are located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. LAWPRO respects and acknowledges the histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit nations.

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