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
LSO 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 LitigationVacant Home Tax: Is your client buying or selling?
Several regions in Ontario have introduced or are contemplating the introduction of a vacant home/unit tax (VHT). The failure to file a declaration of occupancy status (“VHT declaration”) has led to complications for both sellers and buyers. If homeowners fail to submit the VHT declaration by the stipulated deadline, the property is presumed vacant. This… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateYour trust account is not a bank account, and you are not a banker
Your trust account is not a bank account, and you are not a banker. LAWPRO has seen instances where lawyers appear to be using their trust accounts to flow money in and out without doing any legal work. What Your Trust Account Is Not A backdoor bank account: Your trust account is not a workaround… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice ManagementCRA’s new trust reporting requirements
[Updated March 28, 2024] This year’s tax filing season may be looking different for some people and corporate entities due to new trust reporting rules. These changes, while presenting challenges, also offer legal professionals an opportunity to educate their clients. Overview Previously, trusts were only required to file a T3 Trust Income Tax and Information… Read More »
Categories: Corporate Law, Family Law, Real Estate, Wills & Estates