There are multiple scenarios whereby fraudsters will attempt to have you wire funds to a different account than the one that you had intended to fund. Unfortunately, some of those attempts are successful. LAWPRO has received such claims and heard of many others. Here are some tips to assist you if such a fraud happens… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, law firms are emerging as targets due to the highly sensitive nature of their data and pools of money. Law firms can hold a wealth of confidential data, including client identities, case details, and proprietary legal strategies, making them prime candidates for cybercriminals seeking to exploit this valuable… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
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 However, in both cases, an identical amount was withdrawn from the lawyer’s trust account but payable to a third… Read More »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 Prevention
The following notice was sent on February 26, 2025: The Law Society of Ontario has been made aware of a proliferation of online notary services being offered in Ontario. The Notaries Act does not permit notaries to exercise their powers without being in the person’s physical presence, unless regulations so provide. To date, no such… Read More »
Categories: Announcements
On behalf of Chief Justice Morawetz, Dear Members of Bar Associations & Organizations, I encourage you to attend the program, “Case Center: What you Need to Know” jointly presented by the Ontario Superior Court & the Law Society of Ontario scheduled for March 19, 2025. See here for registration details. The program is accredited for… Read More »
Categories: Announcements
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: Wills & Estates
The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 will come into force on July 1, 2025, and will apply to digital platform workers and operators in Ontario, regardless of their employment status under the Employment Standards Act. The Act establishes a range of obligations for operators and guarantees new rights for workers who perform digital platform… Read More »
Categories: Announcements, Employment law
On January 13, 2025, Ontario Regulation 3/25 was filed to amend the Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98. This regulation makes various changes across seven key areas as well as other related amendments. Specifically, O. Reg. 3/25 amends or creates 23 rules and five forms to: introduce a statement of primary… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation
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: Risk Management StrategiesLand 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.
