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
In the year since its enactment, Ontario’s new Construction Act has already made a noted impact on the practice of construction law in the province. The amendments to the previous Construction Lien Act (“CLA”) were to be implemented in two phases: Phase 1, the modernization provisions, effective July 1, 2018; and Phase 2, prompt payment… Read More »
Categories: Civil Litigation, Real Estate
Small steps can lead to big changes. For lawyers who want to improve their career, Building a Better Law Practice: Become a Better Lawyer in Five Minutes a Day is full of these small steps. A few minutes a day with this easy-to-read guide will help put you on the right path to growing your… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice Management
Teraview Account Holders are reminded that authorizations to register documents in the electronic land registration system are good for five (5) years only. Lawyers must file an Authorization Renewal Form. Instructions can be found on the Service Ontario website, which can be accessed through a link on Teraview. Most authorizations were last renewed in 2014… Read More »
Categories: Real Estate
Windows 7 was one of the most popular Windows operating systems, and many users (including law firms) would be content to keep using it and put off upgrading. However, Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 7 will end as of January 14, 2020. That means no more updates, including security updates. So while computers… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention, Legal Technology, Technology
The following is from an August 6, 2019 warning from the Law Society of BC. Similar attempts to divert funds have been reported in Ontario as well. Fraudsters continue to target BC lawyers “If you are about to pay out trust funds and your client’s payment instructions change, stop and ensure that the change is… Read More »
Categories: Fraud Prevention
It is one of a lawyer’s worst nightmares: missing a limitation period. It can be a very easy mistake to make and yet the consequences can be enormous. There are numerous “pitfalls” that can lead to missed limitation periods and other limitation period problems. Some of these pitfalls are relatively easy to avoid whereas others… Read More »
Categories: Biggest Claims Risks, Civil Litigation, Limitations Claims
What to wear? Where to stand? Going to court for the first time can be an intimidating experience, but it can become familiar with practice. The level of formality and decorum in a courtroom is a unique part of Canadian life and should be treated seriously. Unlike what you may have seen on shows and… Read More »
Categories: Practice Aids
The Working Group on Lawyers and Real Estate has released updated Ontario-wide Standard Closing Documents (OSCD). Of particular note, is the addition of a new document – a Section 116 Income Tax Act Undertaking (Undertaking (Non-Residency)). Closing a transaction with a non-resident vendor can be challenging if the vendor has not secured a Section 116… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateLand 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.
