Areas of Law
New Criminal Appeal Rules to Be Released November 1, 2021
The following is a message from the Court of Appeal for Ontario: New Criminal Appeal Rules for all criminal matters at the Court of Appeal for Ontario will come into force on November 1, 2021. On that day, the current Criminal Appeal Rules, SI/93-169, 1993 Canada Gazette, Part II, will be revoked. In general, the… Read More »
Categories: Criminal LawWhen You Get a Call About a Will You Drafted… What Is Your Next Step?
You’re sitting at your desk on a typical weekday afternoon when, out of the blue, you get a call related to a will file. As soon as this happens, be wary. Your first instinct may be to try to help. But calls around wills you’ve prepared raise issues around confidentiality and privilege. Trying to recall… Read More »
Categories: Wills & Estates, LAWPRO Errors and Omissions CoverageNational Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30th
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day was created by an Act of Parliament to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 80 which called upon “the Federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitations ClaimsSuperior Court of Justice amends its’ Consolidated Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding the Small Claims Court
Today the Superior Court of Justice amended its Consolidated Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding the Small Claims Court to: Provide for scheduling terms of payment hearings and new trials. Add a reminder to file all documents that a claim is based on. Explain that the Court is not dismissing actions for delay until… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationIneffective Assistance of Counsel Claims – LAWPRO is here to help
The appeal ground of ineffective assistance by trial counsel is steadily on the rise, as most recently demonstrated by the Ontario Court of Appeal case R. v. Trought, 2021 ONCA 379. Lawyers need to know how to best protect themselves while complying with their ethical responsibilities to their former clients. The first step is to… Read More »
Categories: Criminal Law10 Tips to Adapt to the New Contingency Fee Regime
On July 1, 2021 Ontario’s contingency fees will be subject to significant changes, with amendments to both the Solicitors Act and the Law Society Rules of Professional Conduct coming into force. The changes will affect how contingency fees are calculated and will impact how contingency fee matters are managed from marketing and new client intake… Read More »
Categories: Civil LitigationTips to Manage the Important New Changes to Wills, Powers of Attorney and Succession Law
The government has enacted 4 important changes regarding wills, powers of attorney (POAs) and to the administration of an estate with Bill 245 – Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 which received Royal Assent on April 19, 2021. (See amendments in Schedule 8 – Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 and Schedule 9 – Succession Law Reform… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesNew 60 Day Notice Requirement in Occupiers’ Liability Act (Injury from Snow or Ice) Overview
Bill 118, An Act to amend the Occupiers’ Liability Act, received royal assent on December 8, 2020 and came into force on January 29, 2021. The amendment introduces a new 60-day notice requirement for claims for personal injury caused by snow or ice which, if not met, will bar actions unless an exception applies. The… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitations Claims