About LAWPRO
Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LAWPRO) is owned by the Law Society of Upper Canada and is licensed to provide professional liability insurance and title insurance in numerous jurisdictions across Canada. Through its malpractice insurance program, LAWPRO insures over 25,000 practising lawyers in Ontario, as well as providing them with risk and practice management information under the practicePRO banner.
LAWPRO's Posts
Breach of IP agreement scam using the names Huan Heng and Huanteng Group
Two New York firms notified us that they received an email from the purported Huan Heng of Huanteng Group looking to retain them with regards to a breach of a copyright agreement. This appears to be a bad cheque scam (likely impersonating a real company) that presents as legal matter requiring the assistance of a… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Warnings, Intellectual Property Rights FraudInformed, documented plea instructions protect you from claims
Though the rate of malpractice claims flowing from criminal cases is lower than in other areas of law, the number of claims in this area is on the rise of late, and for many of the same reasons we see in other areas. The most important cause? Issues with lawyer-client communication. An area of particular… Read More »
Categories: Criminal LawDivorce settlement scam using the name Elizabeth Hee
Two Ontario firms notified us that they received an email from the purported Elizabeth Hee looking to retain them with regards to a collecting overdue payments resulting from a separation agreement. This appears to be a bad cheque scam that presents as legal matter requiring the assistance of a lawyer. In this scam lawyers will… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Warnings, Divorce Settlement FraudYour LAWPRO policy: Taking parental leave? You have options
Planning for parental leave might seem overwhelming when you are thinking about leaving your practice for an extended period, particularly if you’ve never taken leave before. You may have questions about the process of taking time off and how this will impact your professional liability insurance. Do I still pay premiums? What if someone steps… Read More »
Categories: LAWPRO Errors and Omissions CoverageWhen preparing wills, don’t dispense with formalities – execution matters
Will-drafting is an area of legal practice that demands extremely careful attention to detail. Decisions in this area make it clear that even where a will is well-drafted and is consistent with the testator’s known intentions, failure to have the will executed in accordance with the applicable legal formalities will render it invalid. When that… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesHow unhealthy lawyers affect client service
Almost all lawyers experience stress, but unless it becomes toxic, there is little risk to the client. Occasionally things get truly out of control. That’s when important deadlines are missed, communication with the client diminishes (or ends), and files languish. In extreme cases, the lawyer ‘pretends’ to practice by misrepresenting to the client that work… Read More »
Categories: Wellness and BalanceSix things LAWPRO hates to see in a real estate transaction
When I talk about the disturbing escalation we have seen in claims costs in the past few years, I am often asked why real estate claims are so prominent, and what can be done to get these claims under control. Besides the usual advice about careful review of transaction details, effective and regular lawyer-client communication,… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateWhat do Canadian homeowners know about title insurance?
Communities across Canada depend on local lawyers for reliable access to justice. These lawyers not only act on real estate deals, but also draft wills, incorporate companies, advise on family law situations and provide information and direction on dealing with complex legal issues. LAWPRO views the future of the real estate bar as a strategic,… Read More »
Categories: The TitlePLUS Program & Title Insurance, LAWPRO Errors and Omissions Coverage