Category: LAWPRO Magazine
The Top 10 Changes to the Planning Act You Need to Know About and Why
The anachronistic provisions of the Ontario Planning Act (the “Act”) and the red tape they created have frustrated lawyers and property owners for many years. The government has listened, and after consultations with many stakeholders over the last two years, long overdue changes are finally here. We believe these changes will save the public time… Read More »
Categories: 2022 June - After Covid 19, Articles, Failure to Know The Law, Real Estate10 tips to adapt to the new contingency fee regime
On July 1, 2021, Ontario’s contingency fees became subject to significant changes, with amendments to both the Solicitors Act and the Law Society of Ontario’s 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… Read More »
Categories: 2022 June - After Covid 19, Access to Justice, Articles, Civil Litigation, Firm Management, Marketing, RetainersRecent 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: 2022 June - After Covid 19, Articles, Failure to Know The Law, Wills & EstatesYou transferred funds to the wrong account – what now?
Fraudsters try to trick lawyers into wiring funds to an account that the fraudster controls. Sometimes, they succeed, and the funds get into the hands of criminals. What do you do then? Below are some examples that have been reported to us: 1. A lawyer’s office received a last-minute redirection of monies payable on the… Read More »
Categories: 2022 June - After Covid 19, Articles, Could This Happen to You?, Cyber dangers, Disaster Planning, Fraud, Legal TechnologyTips for improving your email habits
With the shift to remote working, even more of our professional communications now happen through the medium of a blinking cursor. Ensure you’re making the most of the inbox, with these tips to better manage your email. 1. DON’T click on suspicious links and DO confirm instructions by phone Lawyers are often targets of email… Read More »
Categories: 2022 June - After Covid 19, Articles, Legal Technology, Tech TipsHot real estate market? Excess coverage protects your practice as property values soar?
Current market conditions mean business is booming for lawyers, but keep in mind that your risk exposure may be growing in lockstep with property values. A hot market changes the way real estate deals unfold. Not only do lawyers see a higher transaction volume, but unconditional offers proliferate, and closing intervals may shrink. All these… Read More »
Categories: 2022 June - After Covid 19, Articles, Excess insuranceRemarks of the Chair and the President & CEO
Remarks of the Chair, Andrew J. Spurgeon As the Chair of LAWPRO’s Board of Directors I am proud of the company’s unflagging determination to support Ontario lawyers and protect the public they serve. LAWPRO has and continues to successfully navigate the many changes and challenges visited upon it as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic…. Read More »
Categories: 2022 April - Annual Report 2021, ArticlesSolid performance despite ongoing challenges
COVID-19 and its wide-spread impact continued to force LAWPRO to adapt the Primary Program in 2021. Changes were made to improve the customer experience, strengthen LAWPRO’s capital position, and streamline processes for greater operational efficiency. In 2021, Ontario began a slow recovery which translated into more work for many lawyers. M&A activity was up, the… Read More »
Categories: 2022 April - Annual Report 2021, Articles, Year in ReviewLAWPRO successfully repairs in 2021
When LAWPRO is quickly alerted to potential claims, we are often able to rectify the problem and prevent loss and further lawsuits from arising. Our counsel know how to best address issues such as alleged failure to immediately disclose settlement agreements, disputes over jurisdiction to extend limitation periods, setting aside dismissal orders, and rectification of… Read More »
Categories: 2022 April - Annual Report 2021, Articles, Year in ReviewDefending lawyers in court in 2021
Despite any attempts to resolve claims without litigation, sometimes court is inevitable. Every year, LAWPRO steps in to defend licensees from unwarranted lawsuits and accusations. Here are a few examples of defences successfully advanced by LAWPRO in 2021 on behalf of insureds. Construction liens and insolvency proceedings – Limitation period defences There are various reasons… Read More »
Categories: 2022 April - Annual Report 2021, Articles, Year in Review