About Safiyya Vankalwala
Safiyya is PracticePRO Manager & Counsel at LAWPRO, overseeing the creation and delivery of practical risk-management resources and educational initiatives for Ontario lawyers. She monitors legal developments and claims trends, and collaborates with partners across the profession to promote best practices and reduce risk and claims. Her background includes 15 years in private practice, followed by work at a fintech company focused on strategic planning and legal technology development.
When not working, Safiyya can be found soccer mom-ing around the city, deep in a debate with family or friends, or unraveling a mystery -- sometimes in books, sometimes on TV, and occasionally in real life.
Safiyya Vankalwala's Posts
Ignoring the LRO: A Cautionary Tale for Real Estate Lawyers
In this real-world example, both the vendor’s and purchaser’s lawyers were advised by the Land Registry Office (LRO) that the legal description of the property did not meet registration requirements. The LRO warned that if the issue was not fixed, both the transfer and the mortgage would be withdrawn. Despite the clear warning, neither lawyer… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateSeparated 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 Litigation