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Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims – LAWPRO is here to help
The appeal ground of ineffective assistance by trial counsel is steadily on the rise, as most recently demonstrated by the Ontario Court of Appeal case R. v. Trought, 2021 ONCA 379. Lawyers need to know how to best protect themselves while complying with their ethical responsibilities to their former clients. The first step is to… Read More »
Categories: Criminal Law, Online Only10 Tips to Adapt to the New Contingency Fee Regime
On July 1, 2021 Ontario’s contingency fees will be subject to significant changes, with amendments to both the Solicitors Act and the Law Society Rules of Professional Conduct coming into force. The changes will affect how contingency fees are calculated and will impact how contingency fee matters are managed from marketing and new client intake… Read More »
Categories: Access to Justice, Civil Litigation, Firm Management, Marketing, Online Only, RetainersTips to Manage the Important New Changes to Wills, Powers of Attorney and Succession Law
The government has enacted 4 important changes regarding wills, powers of attorney (POAs) and to the administration of an estate with Bill 245 – Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 which received Royal Assent on April 19, 2021. (See amendments in Schedule 8 – Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 and Schedule 9 – Succession Law Reform… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Wills & EstatesNew 60 Day Notice Requirement in Occupiers’ Liability Act (Injury from Snow or Ice) Overview
Bill 118, An Act to amend the Occupiers’ Liability Act, received royal assent on December 8, 2020 and came into force on January 29, 2021. The amendment introduces a new 60-day notice requirement for claims for personal injury caused by snow or ice which, if not met, will bar actions unless an exception applies. The… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitation Periods, Online OnlyCultivate Your Innovation Mindsets to Build Your Future Practice Today
The legal services sectors are experiencing a period of rapid, significant change. With the COVID-19 pandemic shining a spotlight on the shortcomings of antiquated parts of our justice system and legal practice models, courts and law firms quickly shifted processes and practices throughout 2020. There’s no turning back. To help you plan for the future… Read More »
Categories: Access to Justice, Firm Management, Future of law, Law students/new lawyers, Legal Technology, Online Only, Solo and Small Firm, WellnessWire Fraud Scams on the Rise: 5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk
LAWPRO is seeing an increase in phishing attacks against lawyers trying to trick them into wiring funds out of their trust accounts to the fraudster. There are different ways that fraudsters are trying to direct lawyers and law firms to wire money to them. Fraudsters have pretended to be: A lawyer in the firm, to… Read More »
Categories: Cyber dangers, Fraud, Online OnlyTips to Prepare for the New Rule Changes
On January 1, 2021, significant changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure come into force. While you should review the amendments carefully, this article includes some key practical tips and an overview of the major changes. Key Practice Tips You can now serve documents by email. Confirm that your email address is up to date… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Online OnlyHow to deal with limitations periods that were suspended during the pandemic
From calls we have received from insureds, LAWPRO is aware there are questions regarding whether limitation periods and procedural deadlines were suspended during the pandemic. We have had several pandemic-related limitation period claims reported to us. This article provides some direction on how you should deal with limitation periods or procedural deadlines that may have… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitation Periods, Online Only, Time ManagementTips for calculating limitations deadlines accounting for the COVID-19 emergency suspension period
As we noted in this article, there appears to be some questioning whether limitation periods were suspended during the pandemic. LAWPRO believes these concerns are unwarranted. Further to the provisions of the original Emergency Order, and the subsequent actions and circumstances springing from it, LAWPRO believes that limitation periods and procedural deadlines were suspended. As… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitation Periods, Online Only, Time ManagementA holiday tradition the pandemic won’t stop this year: frauds targeting lawyers
A holiday tradition the pandemic won’t stop this year: frauds targeting lawyers The pandemic means we won’t be able to fill our December holidays with the familial gatherings and other joyful celebrations to which we are accustomed. But even though many holiday activities and events are cancelled, there is one annual tradition that likely won’t… Read More »
Categories: Cyber dangers, Fraud, Online Only