Areas of Law
Resolutions to avoid wills and estates claims
I will ask more probing questions when meeting with a client to prepare a will: Too many lawyers are not asking the questions that could uncover facts that could cause problems later, or making clear to the client what information they need to provide. Was there a prior will? Are all the beneficiaries identified correctly?… Read More »
Categories: Wills & EstatesResolutions to avoid litigation claims
I will enter target dates a few days early to avoid last minute complications. Unforeseen circumstances can arise on the day a document needs to be filed. Setting your target date a few days before a deadline could prevent a snow storm, traffic jam or sick-at-home clerk resulting in a missed deadline. I will familiarize… Read More »
Categories: Biggest Claims Risks, Civil LitigationResolutions to avoid real estate claims
I will ensure I meet with my clients in person at least once: In most real estate practices the staff handle many aspects of the client’s matter. However, ultimate responsibility still lies with the supervising lawyer. Take the time to meet with the client in person to review the transaction and understand the client instructions,… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateResolutions to avoid family law claims
I will make better use of checklists and reporting letters: Family law involves complex documents that deal with complicated issues involving emotional clients. There are many risks of errors by the lawyer, and misunderstandings by the client. LAWPRO’s new Domestic Contracts Matter Toolkit has checklists and forms that contain points and questions lawyers should systematically… Read More »
Categories: Family LawAvoiding Communications Claims: Wills & Estates
No matter what the area of practice, the number one source of claims at LAWPRO is a breakdown in communication between the lawyer and client. Between 2008 and 2013, nearly 4,600 communications claims – an average of 762 a year – have been reported to LAWPRO. The total cost of these claims to date is… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Wills & EstatesAvoiding Communications Claims: Family Law
No matter what the area of practice, the number one source of claims at LAWPRO is a breakdown in communication between the lawyer and client. Between 2008 and 2013, nearly 4,600 communications claims – an average of 762 a year – have been reported to LAWPRO. The total cost of these claims to date is… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Family LawAvoiding Communications Claims: Corporate Law
No matter what the area of practice, the number one source of claims at LAWPRO is a breakdown in communication between the lawyer and client. Between 2008 and 2013, nearly 4,600 communications claims – an average of 762 a year – have been reported to LAWPRO. The total cost of these claims to date is… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Corporate LawCan a criminal conviction make your client inadmissible for residency/citizenship?
Where a client charged with a serious crime is a non-citizen of Canada and is hoping to obtain resident status, criminal lawyers should be aware that recent changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) raise special plea and sentencing considerations. The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act On June 19, 2013, amendments to… Read More »
Categories: Criminal Law