Posted August 6, 2020 by Raymond G. Leclair

The federal government has passed legislation suspending federal limitation periods from March 13, 2020 to September 13, 2020, or any earlier day fixed by order of the Governor in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice. The Time Limits and Other Periods Act (COVID-19) was introduced as a Schedule to An Act… Read More »

Posted July 31, 2020 by Raymond G. Leclair

As Ontario continues to respond to COVID-19, the temporary provisions permitting the virtual witnessing of wills and powers of attorney are being wound down. However, the government has introduced new legislation and related regulations to permit the virtual commissioning of oaths or declarations. Remote Virtual Signing of Wills and Powers of Attorney The Reopening Ontario… Read More »

Posted July 22, 2020 by Victoria Crewe-Nelson

Is your real estate practice growing? That’s a good thing. But keep in mind that your risk exposure may be growing along with it. A hot market can mean a higher transaction volume, unconditional offers, and shorter closing times. All of these factors place pressure on lawyers, and can increase the chance of an error… Read More »

Posted July 21, 2020 by Raymond G. Leclair

COVID-19 interrupted the timelines for numerous matters, including many proceedings under the Planning Act. Originally time periods under the Planning Act were suspended based on the general Emergency Period; they were subsequently addressed separately. All time suspensions regarding the Planning Act ceased on June 22, 2020. Various provisions under the Planning Act were differently impacted… Read More »

Posted July 16, 2020 by Victoria Crewe-Nelson

Unfortunately, far too many lawyers do not appreciate their full exposure to claims and how excess insurance could be of benefit to them. Excess liability insurance is intended to provide additional limits over that provided by the underlying (primary) liability policy. For lawyers in Ontario, the underlying insurance which all practising lawyers (not on exemption)… Read More »

Posted July 14, 2020 by Victoria Crewe-Nelson

While “law firm” once conjured an image either of a sole practitioner with a small storefront office or a multi-generational law firm with clearly defined partners and associates, many other firm structures now exist as lawyers opt to work from their homes, from virtual offices, and from shared accommodations. The work lawyers choose to do… Read More »

Posted July 8, 2020 by Raymond G. Leclair

LAWPRO has heard from a number of Ontario lawyers that their firm websites have been copied by fraudsters to further their schemes, such as the “inheritance from a long-lost relative” scam or immigration scams overseas. While we have seen these impersonation scams for over a year now, there seems to be another spike lately, perhaps… Read More »

Posted July 7, 2020 by Raymond G. Leclair

The Director of Titles has advised that all service counters of all 54 registry offices (Land Titles and Registry) will be closing. There will be a trial period commencing this Thanksgiving with full implementation as of 2021. All registrations will be done via software, email or courier, with full details to be provided later. Most… Read More »