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FAQs - Practice reviews for lawyers

  • Why did Convocation introduce practice reviews?

    Convocation approved practice reviews as an integral part of assuring the continuing competence of lawyers.

    Practice reviews are intended to be proactive and to assist lawyers in strengthening their practice management skills. Our reviewers work closely with the lawyer to provide personalized guidance aimed at helping the lawyer correct deficiencies with their systems before they result in serious non-compliance, competence or misconduct issues. The approach is first and foremost remedial in nature.

    However, if serious misconduct is observed, reviewers, like all licensees, are obliged under the Rules of Professional Conduct, to report that misconduct.

  • How are lawyers chosen to participate in the program?

    Lawyers one to eight years from the call to the Bar and in private practice meet the selection criteria set out in By-Law 11 and may be randomly selected to participate.

  • How many practice reviews are conducted annually?

    Approximately 600 lawyers are selected annually to participate in a practice review.

  • Will all lawyers that have been called to the Bar for one to eight years be reviewed?

    No. Only lawyers in private practice are included in the pool of potential candidates.

  • Does it make a difference if I am a sole practitioner or if I work in a firm?

    No. Lawyers one to eight years from the call to the Bar and in private practice can be randomly selected to participate regardless of the size of the firm.

  • What are the benefits for lawyers who have been selected for a practice review?

    Early in their careers, selected lawyers will receive personalized guidance aimed at helping them to address and correct practice deficiencies. Reviewers assist lawyers in identifying possible efficiencies in their practice, which should lead to a better run and more effective practice. These impacts may also:

    • assist you in identifying improvements to client communication and service
    • assist you in improving client satisfaction
    • assist you in reducing or preventing client complaints and negligence claims
    • help sustain interest in and enjoyment of the practice of law.
  • What are the possible outcomes of a practice review?

    Outcomes include: closing the file, follow-up activities, follow-up review, Proposal Order, or referral for regulatory action.

  • How will I know that I have been selected for a practice review?

    You will be contacted by the reviewer and a date for the review will be determined in conjunction with you.

    The reviewer will provide you with a list of documents and other information that must be available for the reviewer to assess.

    Pre-arranged appointments offer several advantages. They provide you with the opportunity to block dedicated time for the attendance and allow you to begin a process of self-assessment and reflection on your current approaches to practice management.

  • How much will I have to pay if I am selected?

    There is no fee payable by lawyers selected for a practice review or a re-entry review.

  • How long will the practice review take?

    On average, a practice review attendance will take a full day.

  • How much time will I have to implement any recommendations?

    This may depend on the nature of the recommendation, as certain issues identified may have to be corrected immediately, however, on average, you will have approximately six months.

    Depending on the matters identified by the reviewer, a follow-up review might be required following the six-month period.

  • What if I am an associate or employee of a firm and the reviewer identifies deficiencies in firm-wide systems?

    If the reviewer has concerns about processes or procedures which are beyond the scope of your responsibility, firm management will be provided with that information directly.

  • What will the reviewer be looking for?

    The reviewer will be assessing practice management, focusing on such areas as:

    • Client service and communication
    • File management
    • Legal knowledge
    • Time management
    • Billing/fees and disbursements
    • Use of technology.
  • What happens next?

    When Counsel, Practice Review contacts you, you may be asked to set up an account on LSO Connects, the Law Society’s secure communication channel.

    After an initial phone call, LSO Connects is where you will receive instructions and communications pertaining to your practice review.

    Through your LSO Connects account, Counsel, Practice Review will provide you with a list of documents and other information that must be available for them to assess.

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