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 PreventionThe Department of Justice just announced that the Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Guidelines) have been amended to update the Federal Child Support Tables (Federal Tables) used to determine child support amounts. These amendments will come into force on December 31, 2011. The 2006 Federal Tables must still be used to determine child support owed… Read More »
Categories: Announcements, Family LawThis 2005 legislation was enacted to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Customer Service Standards adopted under the Act are effective on January 1, 2012 for providers of goods and services, including law firms. The Law Society has created a guide which is meant to assist legal service providers in developing the resources to comply… Read More »
Categories: Law Practice ManagementThe Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Committee On Legal Ethics And Professional Responsibility has just released Formal Opinion 2011-200, Ethical Obligations For Attorneys Using Cloud Computing/Software As A Service While Fulfilling The Duties Of Confidentiality And Preservation Of Client Property. As the PA Bar keeps its Ethics Opinions behind a member wall, I’ve attached a copy of… Read More »
Categories: Legal TechnologyIn Ontario, Rule 2.02(10) of the LSUC Rules of Professional Conduct requires lawyers to discuss title insurance with their clients and advise the clients that title insurance is not mandatory. Clients can either choose to purchase a title insurance policy or to rely on the lawyer’s opinion on title. All too often, LawPRO sees claims… Read More »
Categories: Real EstateA Toronto lawyer has advised us that he was retained last week on an attempted fraud involving a re-financing on a property on Heaslip Terrace in Scarborough. As the fraudsters are using the names of the real property owners, we are not disclosing the names being used or the address of the property. Early last… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionFraud attempts against lawyers can involve a great deal of counterfeit documentation, starting with the initial client ID (passports, licenses), various agreements, loan documents and bank statements, and ending with the cheque that finally arrives at the lawyer’s office. When we add posts about a fraud to the AvoidAClaim blog, we also provide images of… Read More »
Categories: Fraud PreventionThe Law Society of Upper Canada has just released an updated version of its Guidelines for Law Office Searches. These Guidelines are intended to inform you of best practices and steps that can be taken to protect the solicitor-client privilege of your clients in the event of a search and seizure of your law office…. Read More »
Categories: Announcements, Practice Aids, Law Practice ManagementTitlePLUS has just launched a revamped website at www.titleplus.ca that includes new features and intuitive drop-down menus. There are also some great resources for real estate lawyers and their staff that will help reduce claims exposure, including sample retainer and reporting letters – two important risk management tools. The documents you can use and adapt… 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.
