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Ask again and you’ll learn more: A tale about using artificial intelligence

artificial intelligence

We’ve all heard the buzz about generative AI: a clever tool that can draft contracts, summarize long documents, draft replies to emails, and even answer niche questions about practice areas. But with great power comes cautionary tales. Let me walk you through a curious (and cautionary) experience I had with AI. Spoiler alert: the truth… Read More »

Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Legal Technology

Establish your legal community

Whether you are a new lawyer braving your first contract review or a seasoned practitioner handling a complex file, having mentors and knowledgeable colleagues is invaluable. Equally, the opportunity to mentor others enriches your practice and the profession at large. Here’s a guide to building your professional network and paying it forward. Learn from those… Read More »

Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Law students/new lawyers, Mentoring

The hidden risks of acting for family and friends: Protecting your mental health and relationships

At some point in their career, nearly every lawyer will be approached by a friend or family member seeking legal advice. The instinct to help comes naturally, but when viewed from a mental health perspective, the risks involved require thoughtful consideration before proceeding. Mental health risks Acting for family or friends introduces challenges that can… Read More »

Categories: Articles, Wellness, Wellness

Six ways to protect your client’s property title

Identifying title risks, advising clients, and diligently documenting steps can save clients and lawyers from costly claims. Despite best efforts, issues may arise, and title insurance offers some protection for both clients and lawyers. Understanding the nuances of title insurance policies, including their coverage, exclusions, and how they interact with legal due diligence, is vital…. Read More »

Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Real Estate, Title insurance, TitlePLUS

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: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Civil Litigation

When ILA isn’t

This is a story of what seemed like a simple independent legal advice (ILA) matter that turned out to be more complicated than it looked. The claim story A lender sought ILA about a loan that he wanted to advance to a friend. The friend intended to use the money to purchase additional shares in… Read More »

Categories: Independent Legal Advice, Online Only

Real Estate Due Diligence: NOSIs, Easements, Covenants, Fraud, and Common Electronic Registration Issues (2024)

Stay ahead in your real estate practice with this refresher on title searching, fraud, and electronic registrations. This program covers critical updates to Notices of Security Interests (NOSIs) and their impact on due diligence requirements. You will also receive practical tips from TitlePLUS on avoiding current fraud threats and common title issues involving registered easements… Read More »

Categories: CPD

What They Didn’t Teach You In Law School: Marketing, Management, and Mentorship (2024)

Discover the essential skills that law school didn’t cover. Explore the risks and rewards of marketing in professional services, from digital strategies to leveraging client testimonials. Gain practical management tips, including how to manage up and navigate challenges in a multi-generational workplace. Emphasizing the development of key skills, this program highlights the importance of proactively… Read More »

Categories: CPD

Navigating NOSIs and PPSA: A practical approach for lawyers

Real estate lawyers’ due diligence requirements have changed since the Ontario ban on filing a notice of security interest (NOSI) on financed or leased consumer goods/fixtures in Ontario. This article by LAWPRO’s Ray Leclair provides guidance on avoiding unsatisfied clients and understanding secured party claims against a seller’s goods and fixtures registered under the PPSA.

Categories: Online Only, Real Estate

Estates and Limitation Periods – Recent case decision

Navigating limitation periods is a critical aspect of legal practice in Ontario and lawyers are often faced with the challenge of determining which legislation applies to their clients’ cases. In a recent case, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the two-year limitation period under the Trustee Act applied to the respondent’s equitable trust claim… Read More »

Categories: Limitation Periods, Online Only, Wills & Estates

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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