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
Working in IP law requires meticulous attention to detail and proactive management of deadlines, documentation, and communication. In Ontario, the average IP claim costs about $45,000, and some claims can arise as late as 14 years after the original work was performed. With around 45 claims reported to LAWPRO annually, it is vital for IP… Read More »
Categories: Intellectual property law
To maintain Tarion coverage, purchasers of new freehold homes will need to register their agreement of purchase and sale (APS) within 45 days of entering into the APS, or they could lose some deposit coverage. This requirement comes into effect on July 1, 2025. This new registration requirement for purchasers is meant to assist Tarion… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate
The following notice was sent out by the Operational Support Branch, Court Services Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General on May 5, 2025. On May 5, 2025, Ontario Regulation 50/25 was filed to amend the Rules of Civil Procedure, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194. This regulation makes various changes across two key areas: the… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation
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 The LRO warned that if the issue was not fixed, both the transfer and the mortgage would be withdrawn.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 Estate
As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, law firms are emerging as targets due to the highly sensitive nature of their data and pools of money. Law firms can hold a wealth of confidential data, including client identities, case details, and proprietary legal strategies, making them prime candidates for cybercriminals seeking to exploit this valuable… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
LAWPRO has received claims from lawyers who fell victim to fraudsters diverting and depositing cheques meant for their clients. In two cases to date, lawyers issued cheques to their clients as part of their professional services. However, in both cases, an identical amount was withdrawn from the lawyer’s trust account but payable to a third… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
The following notice was sent on February 26, 2025: The Law Society of Ontario has been made aware of a proliferation of online notary services being offered in Ontario. The Notaries Act does not permit notaries to exercise their powers without being in the person’s physical presence, unless regulations so provide. To date, no such… Read More »
Categories: Announcements
On behalf of Chief Justice Morawetz, Dear Members of Bar Associations & Organizations, I encourage you to attend the program, “Case Center: What you Need to Know” jointly presented by the Ontario Superior Court & the Law Society of Ontario scheduled for March 19, 2025. See here for registration details. The program is accredited for… Read More »
Categories: AnnouncementsLand 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.
