Content Type
Domestic Contract Matter Toolkit
Domestic contracts are complex documents that deal with complicated issues involving emotional clients. The dangers are real and there are many places that errors can occur. The good news is that the risks involved in handling domestic contract matters can be greatly reduced. This toolkit is designed to help Ontario lawyers proactively take steps to… Read More »
Categories: Family, ToolkitCriminal Law Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
LAWPRO sees a lower number of malpractice claims flowing from criminal cases as compared to other areas of law, but criminal claims have been trending up in recent years. Lawyer/client communication errors cause 54% of the criminal claims – no other area of law comes close to this figure. No doubt this reflects the nature… Read More »
Categories: Criminal Law, FactsheetsLitigation Malpractice Claims Fact Sheet
Litigation claims, always near the top of the LAWPRO claims count (alternating some years with real estate), saw an increase after 2009 due to Rule 48 administrative dismissals. New amendments to Rule 48.14 as of January 2015 should reduce these claims, but there are still risks that the new processes, deadlines and transition provisions will… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, FactsheetsManaging the Lawyer / Client Relationship
Poor communication and failings in the lawyer/client relationship are the most frequent cause of legal malpractice claims. These failures include inadequate client case screening, poor communication and insufficient systems, trails and record keeping. This booklet (Download PDF) will help you better understand the critical dynamics of your interactions with clients.
Categories: Communications Errors, Managing BookletsManaging Booklet Series
The practicePRO program has created a number of booklets that provide practical insights and checklists to help lawyers better manage the risks associated with specific practice issues. Please use these booklets to gain a greater understanding of your claims exposures, and how you can be proactive to reduce the likelihood of, or even avoid, a… Read More »
Categories: Managing BookletsUsing Title Insurance Safely Checklist
Title insurance plays an important role in real estate transactions. each transaction presents a different set of circumstances and risks. The Using Title Insurance Safely checklist (English) (Francais) keeps you on top of the variety of issues to consider when your are obtaining a title insurance policy for your client. The checklist provides further details… Read More »
Categories: Checklist, Title insuranceSitting on a Non-Profit Board: A Risk Management Checklist
Serving as a director of a charitable or not-for-profit corporation can be a rewarding but potentially risky experience. A director can be held personally liable for his or her own actions or failures to act, as well as jointly and severally liable with the other members of the board of directors. Directors with specialized knowledge… Read More »
Categories: ChecklistILA for Domestic Contracts Checklist
This checklist is designed specifically for domestic contracts. A person seeking independent legal advice is as much your client as any other. Resist the temptation to rush or take shortcuts. A lower standard of service is not warranted just because your meeting is brief and you may not see the client again. Remember that a… Read More »
Categories: Checklist, Independent Legal AdviceEmployee Departure Checklist
When any employee leaves your firm, regardless of whether they are leaving of their own accord or are being terminated, you need to ensure that your systems are protected. Promptly close all the departed employee’s points of access to your office and computer systems. This includes physical access with keys or access cards, as well… Read More »
Categories: ChecklistCommercial Transactions Checklist
Many commercial matters involve the preparation of one or more documents. These documents are drafted based on communications between the parties to the document and/or their respective lawyers, the specific circumstances of the matter and applicable substantive law. While the majority of commercial deals in Ontario are concluded without difficulties, all too often LAWPRO sees… Read More »
Categories: Checklist, Corporate Law