Embracing innovation: Nonlawyers should be allowed to own Ontario law firms
Alternative business structures for law firms were researched and debated back in 2014. Many lawyers were advocating to reform the current structural limitations of law firm ownership. Currently, law firms in Ontario can only be owned 100 per cent by licensed lawyers, but there was hope that the law society of Ontario (LSO) would provide […]
Revisiting the Ontario bar exam
The barrister and solicitor examinations in Ontario are ripe for reform. With the continuous influx and new generation of law students, I have found that the current examinations are not properly testing the competency levels of incoming students.been lawyers for some time looking for a career change. The current exam structure rewards groups of students […]
When should you jump into the housing market?
So the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced on March 6’24 that interest rates will remain unchanged. This decision was widely expected by the finance community. However, regardless of how smart Bay St prognosticators think they are – that doesn’t help the average Canadian house buyer. How can you plan real estate financing given such uncertainty? […]
Working capital not for the faint of heart
In my work as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer, I have noticed there is a concept that is consistently argued about at every stage of negotiations including after a transaction closes — the concept of “working capital” in business transactions. The trouble with the term is its malleability in definitions: it is an accounting term, […]
The Necessity of Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts
In an ever-evolving business landscape, independent contractor and fixed-term employment contracts have gained popularity. These agreements provide flexibility, promote efficiency, and cater to a variety of organizational needs. However, the recent ruling from the Ontario Court of Appeal [2023 ONCA 413] underscores the importance of incorporating termination clauses in these contracts. The Rise of Independent […]
Defamation Alternative: The Tort of ‘False Light’
In the realm of personal injury law, defamation is typically the go-to cause of action when an individual believes their reputation has been wrongfully harmed by false statements. However, the legal system provides an alternative in cases where the strict 6-month notice period for libel is missed: the tort of publicity placing the plaintiff in […]
Consequences of Failing to Close on a Real Estate APS
With the recent rise in interest rates, many buyers are finding themselves in the precarious position of failing to close on their real estate Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS). An APS is a binding legal contract between the buyer and seller of a property. If either party fails to fulfill their obligations outlined in […]
Salary Realities and Value Propositions for Lawyers
Much has been written about the influx of articling students and lack of requisite positions to fill, and solutions to assist such students with their placements and licensing. The bigger issue that I am seeing plaguing the legal labour market is related to the lack of education of lawyers relating to their salary expectations and […]
Understanding the Timeframe for Asserting Construction Liens
In the fast-paced world of construction, meeting deadlines is crucial to maintaining smooth operations. However, one set of deadlines that often falls under the radar, with potentially severe consequences, relates to construction liens. These legal claims are a key tool for parties seeking payment for their work, but they come with strict timeframes that, if […]
Developing Mortgage Strategies With Uncertain Interest Rates
In 2022, the Bank of Canada (BoC) raised interest rates at the fastest pace in over 20 years. Mortgage payments could rise by 60%. Will mortgage rates ever fall? When? By how much? How can you plan real estate financing given such uncertainty? Special Guest Blog: Jason Wodlinger, Mortgage Agent lic#12179 Where are we and […]