Perhaps it’s the crisp quality of the air at this time of year, the early evenings or the fact that vacation time is generally behind us. Or perhaps it’s a hold-over from the excitement we felt as we embarked on a new school year or a new course of study – or watch our offspring… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Editorials
The recent lawyers’ malpractice insurance crisis in the United Kingdom offers a stark reminder of the value of Ontario’s scheme of universal access to professional liability insurance. Crisis in the UK In the spring of 2010, UK bar associations warned members that the fall insurance renewal deadline was expected to be “difficult.” As many lawyers… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Errors & Omissions
Some solicitors may think that the responsibility for maintaining appropriate solicitor/client communications lies solely with them. It is true that solicitors who fail to adequately communicate with their clients risk losing those clients – or even facing a malpractice claim. But it is also true that clients have reciprocal obligations to disclose relevant facts, to… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Casebook, Communications Errors
The following scenario is familiar to all plaintiffs’ counsel. Consider it, for example, in the context of a slip and fall claim. Upon being retained and after having reviewed the relevant factual background, counsel chooses, wisely, to explore the prospect of resolving the claim without the need for formal proceedings. The liability insurer is like-minded… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Admin dismissals/Rule 48, Articles, Civil Litigation, Limitation Periods, Practice Tips
Technology is becoming an ever greater part of our lives, both personally and professionally. On a daily basis most of us use a cellphone or smartphone, a desktop computer and the Internet. Many of us will have an iPad or other tablet device and be posting updates on Facebook, Twitter or other social media tools…. Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Communications Errors, Legal Technology, Tech Tips
The practicePRO Lending Library has more than 100 practice management titles available to Ontario lawyers free of charge. below are three books that will be of great help to lawyers looking to improve how they communicate with their clients. For a full list of the books available and details on how to borrow one, visit… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Book Review, Communications Errors
A call came into the OLAP offices the other day. The lawyer caller had been subjected to a series of nasty, accusatory emails and telephone calls from an opposing lawyer and had “had it.” The immediate reason for the call to us was an email with a personal attack on his competence and a threat… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Wellness, Wellness
At LAWPRO, we’ve seen a growing proportion of incivility allegations cropping up in claims. For example, lawyers may find themselves personally liable to pay a party’s costs under Rule 57.07 (Rules of Civil Procedure) where the court has found that the lawyer’s actions contributed to running up the bill. Incivility can also lead to other… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Communications Errors, Features
The perception that the legal profession is becoming less civil has attracted widespread comment – from the judiciary to legal associations to regulatory bodies. The common concern: the potentially damaging consequences of a lack of civility on the individual matter, on the lawyer-client relationship (and on the quality of the service that the lawyer provides… Read More »
Categories: 2011 Fall Communications, Articles, Civil Litigation, Communications Errors, FeaturesLand 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.
