LAWPRO has received claims from lawyers who fell victim to fraudsters diverting and depositing cheques meant for their clients. In two cases to date, lawyers issued cheques to their clients as part of their professional services. However, in both cases, an identical amount was withdrawn from the lawyer’s trust account but payable to a third… Read More »
Categories: Fraud, Online Only
In this practical program attendees will learn to build a professional network to help reduce their malpractice risk. We will cover tips for avoiding the repudiation of settlements and contracts, making the most of in-person and online networking opportunities, effective client screening, and safely giving independent legal advice. Find out who to call when you… Read More »
Categories: CPD, CPD Family Law, Family
Amendments to the Succession Law Reform Act in 2021 (specifically to section 17 and 43.1) mean that, as of January 1, 2025, spouses who have been living separately and apart due to a breakdown in marriage for three years will be treated the same as divorced spouses. In practical terms: Gifts left to the separated… Read More »
Categories: Online Only, Wills & Estates
Charles Dickens’ 1853 novel Bleak House begins with an account of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, an endless legal case mired in the “mud and fog” of the English Chancery courts. As told by Dickens, Jarndyce was “about a will and the trusts under a will—or it was once. It’s about nothing but costs now…” The goals… Read More »
Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Communications Errors
Managing a better professional services firm requires that you excel at providing superlative client service. Good technical skills and quality legal advice met the grade in the past but times have changed. The legal services marketplace is now more competitive than ever, and the competitors are not just other lawyers. Clients have become more demanding… Read More »
Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Communications Errors, Firm Management
Guest speakers Mark Hunter, Principal Consultant with Glen Maple Group and Mara Da Camara, presented a succinct overview of the steps law firms can take to improve their marketing activities as part of LAWPRO’s What They Didn’t Teach You In Law School: Marketing, Management, and Mentorship online seminar. Their presentation demonstrated the key to marketing… Read More »
Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Marketing
An expired or deemed expired Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) does not affect title; however, the underlying contractual and financial obligations remain outstanding and must be addressed by payout or assumption. Read below for tips on avoiding unsatisfied clients and finding information about claims a secured party may have against goods and fixtures registered against… Read More »
Categories: 2025 Feb - Emotional Contagion, Articles, Real Estate
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
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
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, WellnessLand 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.
