Law Society of Ontario
130 Queen St W M5H 2N6 Toronto, ON, Canada

Call for Applications: the Law Society is inviting applications from lawyers, paralegals, law and paralegal students, licensing candidates and representatives of legal organizations and associations for membership in the Equity Advisory Group (EAG). EAG provides advice to the Law Society on equity and diversity issues and is responsible for identifying, reviewing and reporting on issues affecting diverse communities in the legal profession. Applications are due April 30. Learn more: https://lso.ca//the-equity-advisory-group-is-looking-for-n

At Convocation on April 22, the Law Society will present a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) to distinguished litigator and counsel Barbara McIsaac, one of Canada’s pre-eminent experts in privacy law and access to information law. Read the Gazette article: https://lso.ca//law-society-presents-honorary-lld-to-barba Access to the webcast will be available on the morning of April 22, via LSO.ca.

The Law Society’s free CPD accredited Equity Legal Education programs are available for online viewing. The 2021 Black History Month, International Women’s Day, International Francophonie Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day archived webcasts have been added: https://lso.ca//cpd-equality,-diversity-and-inclusion-requ

The Law Society is pleased to have welcomed 62 new lawyers to the practice of law in Ontario and to have licenced 15 new paralegals to provide legal services in Ontario in the month of March. Congratulations to all new licensees!

Holocaust Remembrance Day begins this evening. The Law Society pays tribute to the over six million Jews who were murdered and the countless other victims who suffered during the Holocaust. We honour the survivors and heroes who bore witness to the Shoah, and commit to combating antisemitism, racism and discrimination in all forms. Join the Law Society, B’nai Brith Canada and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs online this evening from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for the Holocaust Denial and Distortion Holocaust Remembrance Day Program. https://lso.ca//eve/holocaust-remembrance-day-2021-program

Beginning in 2021, the Law Society will begin to revoke the licences of those whose have been administratively suspended for more than 10 years. If you are currently administratively suspended and wish to maintain your licence to practise law or provide legal services please contact us to resolve the issue: [email protected]

Did you know that the Law Society has an Articling Registry where law firms, legal organizations, law students and licensing candidates can post and find articling placements? Learn about this tool here: https://articlingregistry.lso.ca/ArticleRegi//Login.action

Beginning in 2021, the Law Society will commence the revocation of licences for licensees who have long-term administrative suspensions. We are taking a gradual approach. The revocation process will begin with licensees who have been administratively suspended for more than 10 years. In 2022, the revocation process will begin for licensees who have been administratively suspended for less than 10 years. The Law Society is committed to a broad communications plan to notify licensees who may have their licence revoked. Find more information on the Gazette: https://lso.ca//lso-begins-revocation-of-licences-for-long

Lawyers and paralegals play a vital role in helping refugees in Canada. On #RefugeeRightsDay, the LSO thanks you for this important work. For immigration and refugee legal resources, information can be found on our website (https://lso.ca/public-resources/legal-resources) and at https://stepstojustice.ca

Registration is open to virtually attend the Law Society’s Holocaust Remembrance Day program, Holocaust Denial and Distortion, organized in partnership with B'nai Brith Canada and the CIJA. This year’s program will consist of a testimony from a Holocaust survivor, followed by a moderated discussion on Holocaust denial and distortion. RSVP and learn more: https://lso.ca//eve/holocaust-remembrance-day-2021-program

As of November 6, 2020, Foreign Legal Consultant Permit applicants no longer require proof of reciprocity. Information on the application process and requirements are available: https://lso.ca//lawyers-f/foreign-legal-consultant-permit

Beginning in early 2021, the Law Society will begin to revoke the licences of those whose have been administratively suspended for more than 10 years. If you are currently administratively suspended and wish to maintain your licence to practise law or provide legal services please contact us to resolve the issue: [email protected]

Who will you nominate for the 2021 Law Society Awards? Nominate a lawyer or paralegal who has contributed to your community or practice area before January 20, 2021 at http://lso.ca/awards-nominations.

Today is the deadline for Annual Fee payments, Annual Report Filings and to apply for the 2021 Annual Fee COVID-19 Deferral Option. For information, see: https://www.lso.ca//abou/annual-reports-fees-and-insurance Licensees are reminded to log in to your LSO Portal account regularly to receive important notices and reminders from the Law Society, update your information for the Lawyer and Paralegal Directory, record your EDI Hours and more.

Nominations for the 2020 Human Rights Award close December 31. To file a nomination, visit lso.ca/human-rights-award #HumanRightsAward #HumanRights #RuleofLaw

Reminder: Report your three accredited Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programming (EDI Hours) by December 31, 2020. Still need to complete an hour or two? The Law Society offers a variety of free, accredited programs. For more information: https://lso.ca//cpd-equality,-diversity-and-inclusion-requ

Don’t miss the Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) Licensing model Call for Comment deadline! Submit your input online by visiting http://lso.ca/familylaw. Submissions close November 30, 2020.

Nominations for the 2020 Human Rights Award are due next week. To submit a nomination, visit lso.ca/human-rights-award #HumanRightsAward #HumanRights #RuleofLaw

Give back to the professions and recharge your own practice. Become a Coach or Advisor and earn time towards your annual CPD requirements. Learn more: lso.ca/ApplyCAN #LSOCAN #professionaldevelopment #LSOCPD

Congratulations 2020 Law Society Awards Law Society Medal recipient Heather Joy Ross! Called to the Bar in 1986, Heather Ross is being recognized for her exceptional leadership and contribution to the legal profession and her community. As a practicing lawyer, Ms. Ross tackled issues of domestic abuse and gender inequality bringing them to the forefront of the legal and judicial sectors to be addressed. She played a critical role in the establishment of the Huron Women’s Sh...elter in Goderich and she is a founder and active member of the South West Region Women’s Law Association. She served four consecutive terms as an elected Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Bencher, starting in 1995, and then served as a life Bencher until 2019. As a Bencher she was instrumental in the establishment of the Human Rights Monitoring Group and the LSO Human Rights Award. Throughout her career, Ms. Ross has given tirelessly to share her passion, time and experience with law students, new calls and her peers to help them realize their professional and personal aspirations. Learn more about the Law Society Medal and the 2020 Law Society Awards recipients at http://www.lawsocietygazette.ca//law-society-awards-2020-/. #LSOAwards2020

Seeking lawyers with practice experience in real estate, family law, wills, immigration and refugee law. We need you as Coaches and Advisors. Learn more: lso.ca/ApplyCAN #LSOCAN

Congratulations 2020 Law Society Awards Law Society Medal recipient Professor Jeff Berryman! Called to the Bar in 1994, Professor Jeff Berryman currently holds the position of Associate Vice President, Academic and Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Windsor. In addition, he is an honorary Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Auckland, New Zealand. He is an exemplary academic role model. He is recognized both nationally and internationally as a scho...lar in his field of expertise remedies, contract and restitution. He has proven himself to be an outstanding teacher noted for innovative course design and is held in high regard by his students many have said that he has had a profound effect on their lives. Professor Berryman’s long and sustained devotion to law and legal education in Ontario and abroad has made a significant contribution to the profession and he continues to provide invaluable inspiration to his students and colleagues. Learn more about the Law Society Medal and the 2020 Law Society Awards recipients at http://www.lawsocietygazette.ca//law-society-awards-2020-/. #LSOAwards2020

The Law Society’s benchers will meet as a board (Convocation) this Friday, November 27 at 9 a.m. The meeting will be available for viewing by webcast. Read the agenda: https://lso.ca/about-lso/convocation/2020/november

For the next two weeks, we will feature the recipients of the Law Society Medal, Lincoln Alexander Award, Laura Legge Award, J. Shirley Denison Award, and William J. Simpson Distinguished Paralegal Award on our social media channels to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the legal professions. #LSOAwards2020

At the November 27 Convocation meeting the Law Society will present a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) to author, speaker, Holocaust survivor and educator Tibor Max Eisen. Access to the webcast will be available on the morning of on LSO.ca. The webcast will be available on-demand at the same link, approximately a week later. The Law Society awards honorary doctorates each year to distinguished individuals in recognition of outstanding achievements in the legal profession, the rule of law or the cause of justice. Read the article on the Gazette: http://www.lawsocietygazette.ca//law-society-presents-hon/

Do you know a paralegal or lawyer that has made outstanding contributions to human rights and/or the promotion of the rule of law? Submit a nomination for the 2020 Human Rights Award at lso.ca/human-rights-award #HumanRightsAward #HumanRights #RuleofLaw

The Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee is accepting applications for full-time Justice of the Peace appointments across Ontario. A Justice of the Peace is an independent judicial officer who presides in court over various proceedings under federal and provincial statutes. The Committee is mandated by the Attorney General of Ontario to provide a list of recommended candidates that reflect the diversity of the people and communities within Ontario to fill the vacancies that arise on the Justice of the Peace Bench. Applications are due by Thursday, October 15, 2020. Learn more and apply at https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/jpaac/advertisements/

Read about this year’s Law Society Awards 2020 recipients on the Gazette: http://www.lawsocietygazette.ca//law-society-awards-2020-/ #LSOAwards2020

Please wear an orange shirt on Wednesday, September 30, to raise awareness on the legacy of residential school experiences and to honour residential school survivors. Share this post to encourage others! #OrangeShirtDay2020 #EveryChildMatters https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

FLSP Call for Comment: The Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee invites lawyers, paralegals, legal organizations and members of the public to provide comments on a proposed Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) Licensing model. http://lso.ca/familylaw #FamilyLaw #A2J #FLSP

Célébrez le Jour des Franco-Ontariens aujourd’hui en regardant la webémission de FPC gratuite #SymposiumDLF2020 de 9 h à 15 h 30! Pour en savoir plus : https://lso.ca//events-/french-and-the-law-symposium-2020 --- Celebrate Franco-Ontarian day today by watching the free CPD-accredited #SymposiumDLF2020 live webcast from 9AM to 3:30 PM! Learn more: https://lso.ca//events-/french-and-the-law-symposium-2020

WANTED: Coaches and Advisors. Use your experience, knowledge and leadership to help develop a fellow lawyer or paralegal. Commitments are as short as one 30-minute phone call or 4 hours over 3 months. Learn more: lso.ca/ApplyCAN

Join us online today to watch the Opening of the Courts of Ontario for 2020 at 3:30 p.m. The ceremony can be watched live at http://youtu.be/Cy-m0kQNNVw

The Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee opened a Call for Comment on a potential Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) Licensing model. Ensure your opinions are heard by submitting your input today. http://lso.ca/familylaw

Lawyers from all areas of practice as coaches or advisors are needed. We have specific need for those with experience in real estate, family law, wills, immigration and refugee law. Learn more about how you CAN get involved.

Soyez parmi nous au #SymposiumDLF2020 le 25 septembre. Les panélistes comprennent les juges Julie Thorburn et Jocelyne Gagné, la commissaire Burke et Nadia Effendi. RSVP : https://lso.ca//events-/french-and-the-law-symposium-2020 On September 25, join us for #SymposiumDLF2020 to honour Franco-Ontarian day! Panelists include judges Julie Thorburn and Jocelyne Gagné, Commissioner Burke and Nadia Effendi. The event will be in French. RSVP: https://lso.ca//events-/french-and-the-law-symposium-2020

Le 22 septembre, joignez-vous à un panel d’experts pour connaitre les pratiques exemplaires en français à suivre lorsque vous comparaissez devant les tribunaux administratifs: https://store.lso.ca/pratiques-exemplaires-devant-les-tribu

You are invited to celebrate the accomplishments of our legal system at the Opening of the Courts of Ontario virtual ceremony on September 22 at 3:30 p.m. Learn more: http://www.lawsocietygazette.ca//opening-of-the-courts-vi/

Seeking paralegals from all over Ontario. We need you as Coaches and Advisors. Learn more: lso.ca/ApplyCAN

We want your input! The Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee is seeking input on a proposed Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) Licensing model. Submit your comments online at http://lso.ca/familylaw before November 30.

Coach and Advisor roles through CAN are process focused no prep work is required and meet LAWPRO reqs to reduce risks. Volunteers gain complimentary access to an online community with multimedia resources and professionalism programs offered by CAN. Learn more:

Uncertainty, change, physical health concerns and other circumstances stemming from the COVID-19 situation can all be factors that negatively affect our mental health. Licensees, law students, paralegal students and candidates in the licensing process are eligible to receive, and encouraged to seek, assistance from the Member Assistance Program (MAP). MAP is a confidential service that offers counselling, resources, and information to licensees, law students, paralegal students and licensing candidates. Visit MAP's website at https://homeweb.ca/map

Interested in elevating the profile and reputation of the profession? Consider being a Coach or Advisor. Learn more: lso.ca/ApplyCAN

Interested in family law and access to justice? Submit your input on the Law Society’s proposed Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) Licensing model. Learn more: http://lso.ca/familylaw

Since 2016, the Coach and Advisor Network (CAN) has been connecting lawyers and paralegals with peers and more seasoned professionals to create a virtual walk down the hall experience. Coaches and Advisors are needed: lso.ca/ApplyCAN

The Human Rights Award nomination deadline is fast approaching! If you are intending to nominate a Law Society of Ontario licensee for the 2020 Human Rights Award, please file your nomination by email or online at lso.ca/human-rights-award #HumanRightsAward #HumanRights #RuleofLaw

CAN fosters collective competence and best practices in Ontario’s lawyers and paralegals. Coaches and advisors are needed. Learn more: lso.ca/ApplyCAN #CPD #lawyers #paralegals #OntarioLaw #LSOCPD

Attention Ontario Family Law Practitioners - The Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee is seeking input on a proposed Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) Licensing model. Comments may be submitted online until November 30 at http://lso.ca/familylaw

Through CAN participants work with their volunteer coach or advisor to tackle a practice management issue or move forward on a client file. Commitments are as short as one 30-minute phone call or 4 hours over 3 months. Hours completed may be eligible towards CPD Reqs.