Real Estate
Does title insurance bring benefits to the primary professional liability program?
We all know that notwithstanding the rise of title insurance in Ontario, claims arising from real estate practice are still a large (and in many years, the largest) exposure for the primary professional liability program that LAWPRO provides for the Law Society’s lawyer-licensees (the “E&O program”). We have explored why in other articles and settings…. Read More »
Categories: 2014 September Diversity, Articles, Insurance Business, Real Estate, Title insuranceTitle insurance policies are like a box of chocolates – No two policies are the same
“The lawyer should be knowledgeable about title insurance and discuss with the client the advantages, conditions, and limitations of the various options and coverages generally available to the client through title insurance,” states Rule 2.02(10) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. This obligation was brought home in a recent malpractice case where the lawyer did… Read More »
Categories: 2014 September Diversity, Articles, Real Estate, Title insurance, TitlePLUSWhen waiving a search comes back to haunt you
How a client perceives a lawyer’s role in a transaction often depends on the client’s experience. At one end of the spectrum, a new homebuyer may believe that the lawyer will not only navigate the process, but will also personally shield the client from all risks. At the other extreme, a sophisticated businessperson may urge… Read More »
Categories: 2014 September Diversity, Articles, Could This Happen to You?, Inadequate Investigation, Real EstateSubdivision control under the Planning Act: What do you need to know?
This is a shortened version of an article that appeared on August 1, 2014 in the TitlePLUS Today newsletter. See the full version at practicepro.ca/subdivision-control The subdivision and part lot control provisions of section 50 of the Planning Act are lengthy and complex. It can be difficult to sort out the parts that apply to… Read More »
Categories: 2014 September Diversity, Articles, Practice Tips, Real EstateTeraview tip: Is searching by municipal address getting you the right property?
Do you search by municipal address when using Teraview software? LAWPRO defence counsel have reported seeing construction liens filed on the wrong property where lawyers solely relied on municipal addresses. Note that Teraview presents you with an onscreen caution that “Addresses are approximate.” It is the legal description that determines which property is being impacted…. Read More »
Categories: 2014 June - Year in Review 2013, Articles, Practice Tips, Real EstateResolve to get your practice off to the best possible start
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 & EstatesMaking the application process easier and quicker: Streamlined TitlePLUS underwriting for many residential properties over $1 million
Constantly looking for ways to improve processes, we are pleased to provide an easier application process for some residential properties in Ontario over the $1 million mark. Our standard automated underwriting now applies to the following types of properties (for purchase, mortgage-only and OwnerEXPRESS policies): New and resale condominiums, up to $2 million; New homes… Read More »
Categories: 2013 September practicePRO 15th, Articles, Real Estate, TitlePLUSSteer clear of real estate claims by asking these five questions on every deal
The real estate lawyer’s job is more than just conveying title, and not every matter will be straightforward. Communication errors and inadequate investigation are the biggest causes of real estate claims at LAWPRO, respectively 41 per cent and 26 per cent of claims reported between 2001 and 2011. Busy, high-volume practices often lead to situations… Read More »
Categories: 2013 September practicePRO 15th, Articles, Communications Errors, Inadequate Investigation, Real EstateNew Year’s resolutions for a healthier law practice and a new you
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 & EstatesHow the real estate bar entered the insurance business, or what happens when a lawyer is also an insurance intermediary
Many of us deal with licensed insurance agents or registered brokers every year to purchase coverage, whether life, auto or home policies. When someone in Ontario wishes to obtain title insurance, the real estate lawyer effectively functions as insurance intermediary (although not technically an agent or a broker). Lest anyone think there is anything improper… Read More »
Categories: 2012 December Resolutions, Insurance Business, Real Estate, Title insurance, TitlePLUS