About Safiyya Vankalwala
Safiyya is Communications Counsel at LAWPRO, focusing on risk management, including monitoring changes in the law and claim trends as well as developing and delivering practical resources to lawyers across Ontario.
Prior to joining LAWPRO, Safiyya worked at a fintech company in strategic planning and legal technology development. She spent 15 years practicing law, has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Law & Society from York University and her LL.B. is from the University of Ottawa. Safiyya was called to the Ontario Bar in 2007.
Safiyya is co-author of a book focusing on legal considerations for entrepreneurs and has been a speaker and panelist at various educational seminars. She enjoys playing an active role in her local community.
Safiyya Vankalwala's Posts
Separated but Not Divorced: Key Considerations for Wills
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 & EstatesDigital Platform Workers’ Rights Act will come into force July 1, 2025
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 lawWhen ILA isn’t
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 StrategiesLSO requires client contingency plan for January 1, 2025
As of January 1, 2025, private practice lawyers and paralegals must develop a client contingency plan to manage their business in case of illness, disability, death, or sudden absence. The administrators’ main duties include notifying the LSO, LAWPRO, and any other insurer of the licensee’s cessation of practice, inform clients and arrange for the transfer… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice ManagementVacant Home Tax program expands to new regions
Hamilton, Windsor, and Sault Ste. Marie have implemented a Vacant Home Tax (VHT), joining Toronto and Ottawa in introducing this levy on vacant residential properties. Lawyers should be familiar with the rules when advising on real estate transactions and are encouraged to review our guidance on this issue.
Categories: Real EstateEstates and Limitation Periods – Recent case decision
Navigating limitation periods is a critical aspect of legal practice in Ontario and lawyers are often faced with the challenge of determining which legislation applies to their clients’ cases. In a recent case, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the two-year limitation period under the Trustee Act applied to the respondent’s equitable trust claim… Read More »
Categories: Limitations Claims, Wills & EstatesIt’s Out! Personal Injury: Compendium of Damages awarded between 1999-2023
The compendium of damages awarded in personal injury actions across Ontario, from January 1999 to October 2023, is available for download on the County of Carleton Law Association website, or you may click here. Understanding both historical and current case law is vital for lawyers to effectively benchmark their client’s damages against those awarded in… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationAmendments to Reg. 194 under the Courts of Justice Act (Rules of Civil Procedure)
Two recent changes amended Regulation 194 of R.R.O. 1990 (Rules of Civil Procedure), both of which took effect July 1, 2024. Motions for leave in Superior and Divisional Court and new cost provisions Ontario Regulation 176/24: Rules of Civil Procedure changes are summarized as follows1: provide that a motion for leave to commence a claim… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation