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
On January 13, 2025, Ontario Regulation 3/25 was filed to amend the Rules of the Small Claims Court, O. Reg. 258/98. This regulation makes various changes across seven key areas as well as other related amendments. Specifically, O. Reg. 3/25 amends or creates 23 rules and five forms to: introduce a statement of primary… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation
This is a story of what seemed like a simple independent legal advice (ILA) matter that turned out to be more complicated than it looked. The claim story A lender sought ILA about a loan that he wanted to advance to a friend. The friend intended to use the money to purchase additional shares in… Read More »
Categories: Risk Management Strategies
1. Updates to the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice Effective January 6, 2025 As of January 6, 2025, Consolidated Provincial Practice Directions for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice will be updated with the following notable changes: a) Case Center files will now be opened… Read More »
Categories: Criminal Law
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 Management
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 Estate
The Federal Court has released this 14-minute YouTube video by Justice Diner who reviews the court’s requirements around providing notice of the use of AI and the reasons behind the rules. He reviews a number of situations in which AI might be used that would require that fact to be declared to the court. While… Read More »
Categories: Technology
Real estate lawyers’ due diligence requirements have changed since the Ontario ban on filing a notice of security interest (NOSI) on financed or leased consumer goods/fixtures in Ontario. This article provides guidance on avoiding unsatisfied clients and understanding secured party claims against a seller’s goods and fixtures registered under the PPSA.
Categories: Real Estate
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 & EstatesLand 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.
