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Important Reminder: Update to Non-Resident Speculation Tax

Effective October 25, 2022, the Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) rate was increased to 25 per cent from 20 per cent. It applies to the purchase or acquisition of an interest in residential property located anywhere in Ontario by individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, or by foreign corporations or taxable… Read More »

Categories: Online Only, Real Estate

Update about fund transfers

There has been much written about how lawyers receive and deliver money from their trust accounts on behalf of their clients as part of a transaction. The issue comes down to ensuring good funds are being dealt with in order that value is exchanged. In Canada, our banking system works on the basis of trust,… Read More »

Categories: Cyber dangers, Finances, Firm Management, Legal Technology, Online Only, Real Estate

Free Legal Research Resources for Lawyers and Law Students

Great legal analysis starts with great legal research. The law changes quickly: to avoid making a mistake in your advice, don’t give off-the-cuff advice – start with legal research. This article highlights five free sources you can use, and how to make the most of them to help you help solve your client’s legal issues…. Read More »

Categories: Education / Continuing Professional Development, Firm Management, Law students/new lawyers, Online Only

Cottages and Rural Properties: Avoid Common Errors that Lead to Title Insurance Claims

cottage at night

Cottages are a Canadian summertime staple. For many, cottage life has become tradition and cottage ownership is a dream come true. Conversely, cottage and rural residential properties generally present the real estate lawyer with some of the most challenging and complex issues of any area of real estate law, and may surprise lawyers who are… Read More »

Categories: Inadequate Investigation, Online Only, Real Estate

Too Quick on the Buzzer: Default Judgment and the Potential Consequences of Engaging in Sharp Practice

Would-be lawyers learn the importance of professionalism and civility as outlined in the Law Society’s Rules of Professional Conduct and The Advocates’ Society Principles of Civility. However, in practice, a grey area can sometimes develop between fiercely advocating for a client and engaging in sharp practice. At LAWPRO, we’ve seen many claims relating to lawyers… Read More »

Categories: Civil Litigation, Ethics, LAWPRO policy, Online Only

Putting the insurance puzzle together

LAWPRO’s primary Errors & Omissions (E&O) program is a key piece of the insurance puzzle for any lawyer and law firm. But additional insurance coverage is often required to protect against the full constellation of risk faced by a law firm. Remember that all insurance policies are drafted to cover only a specific set of… Read More »

Categories: Cyber dangers, Firm Management, Online Only

Common HST errors in real estate transactions

Determining HST-applicability to real estate transactions can be more complicated than many lawyers assume. What’s more, a lack of clarity and errors can often lead to substantial unforeseen costs for clients. This is a dangerous combination from a claims perspective. This paper will discuss the common categories of HST errors and provide tips on how… Read More »

Categories: Online Only, Real Estate

Watch for real estate frauds involving private mortgages

In a hot real estate market fraudsters are even more motivated than usual – there is a lot of money to be had and lawyers are common targets. LAWPRO is seeing a significant increase in the number of real estate frauds involving private mortgages. The frauds we are seeing are incredibly sophisticated. In some cases,… Read More »

Categories: Fraud, Online Only, Real Estate

When You Get a Call About a Will You Drafted… What Is Your Next Step?

You’re sitting at your desk on a typical weekday afternoon when, out of the blue, you get a call related to a will file. As soon as this happens, be wary. Your first instinct may be to try to help. But calls around wills you’ve prepared raise issues around confidentiality and privilege. Trying to recall… Read More »

Categories: LAWPRO policy, Online Only, Wills & Estates

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 Only

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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