There are multiple scenarios whereby fraudsters will attempt to have you wire funds to a different account than the one that you had intended to fund. Unfortunately, some of those attempts are successful. LAWPRO has received such claims and heard of many others. Here are some tips to assist you if such a fraud happens… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
[NEW revised calculator, please only use the September 24, 2020 version] COVID-19 interrupted the timelines for numerous matters, including many proceedings under the Planning Act. Originally time periods under the Planning Act were suspended based on the general Emergency Period; they were subsequently addressed separately. All time suspensions regarding the Planning Act ceased on June… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate
Unfortunately, far too many lawyers do not appreciate their full exposure to claims and how excess insurance could be of benefit to them. Excess liability insurance is intended to provide additional limits over that provided by the underlying (primary) liability policy. For lawyers in Ontario, the underlying insurance which all practising lawyers (not on exemption)… Read More »
Categories: LAWPRO Errors and Omissions Coverage
While “law firm” once conjured an image either of a sole practitioner with a small storefront office or a multi-generational law firm with clearly defined partners and associates, many other firm structures now exist as lawyers opt to work from their homes, from virtual offices, and from shared accommodations. The work lawyers choose to do… Read More »
Categories: LAWPRO Errors and Omissions Coverage
LAWPRO has heard from a number of Ontario lawyers that their firm websites have been copied by fraudsters to further their schemes, such as the “inheritance from a long-lost relative” scam or immigration scams overseas. While we have seen these impersonation scams for over a year now, there seems to be another spike lately, perhaps… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
The Director of Titles has advised that all service counters of all 54 registry offices (Land Titles and Registry) will be closing. There will be a trial period commencing this Thanksgiving with full implementation as of 2021. All registrations will be done via software, email or courier, with full details to be provided later. Most… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate
On June 25th Chief Justice Morawetz issued a further Notice to the Profession regarding the phased reopening of courtrooms. The Superior Court of Justice continues to hear matters virtually, as set out in the May 13, 2020 Consolidated Notice to the Profession. In addition, the June 25th Notice advises that 56 courtrooms are expected to… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation
Lawyers have a duty to ensure that their purchaser clients receive good and marketable title to the properties they have contracted to buy. In particular, there is an expectation that any prior mortgages will be discharged and removed from title. Imagine the scenario where your search of title discloses an old mortgage that has never… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate, The TitlePLUS Program & Title Insurance
On March 20, 2020, the provincial government, through the Lieutenant Governor in Council, made O. Reg. 73/20 under s. 7.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) suspending limitation periods and procedural time periods. The suspension is retroactive to March 16, 2020. On June 5th, the provincial government made a further order continuing… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Limitations ClaimsLand Acknowledgement
The offices of LAWPRO are located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. LAWPRO respects and acknowledges the histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit nations.
