Expand all        Collapse all         

The definition of part-time practice, refers to the term "professional time." What kinds of activities are included in the term professional time?

The definition of part-time practice, refers to the term "professional time." What kinds of activities are included in the term professional time?

Professional time is any time, docketed and undocketed, that is devoted to the practice of law. The following list, although not exhaustive, provides examples of time that should be included in the calculation of "professional time":

• time spent in the actual practice of law;
• time spent attending to the administration of the law office;
• time spent on volunteer legal work (except pro bono PROFESSIONAL SERVICES provided through a LAWPRO-approved program associated with Pro Bono Law Ontario);
• time spent in continuing legal education programs offered during business hours;
• time spent as a director on a board if acting as a LAWYER;
• time spent traveling in your capacity as a LAWYER (e.g. travel time to court, but not travel time going to and from work at the beginning and end of a day).

The following are examples of some of the activities that would not be included in a calculation of "professional time":

• any continuing legal education courses taken on weekends or in the evening;
• time devoted to business development;
• time spent as a director on a board if not acting as a LAWYER;
• social time spent with clients.

Because of a major file that I am involved with, my gross billings for the year may exceed the maximum billings allowed under the part-time practice criteria. I've qualified as a part-time practitioner in each of the last two years, and expect that I will again qualify for part-time practice this year. What happens if my billings go over the maximum billing criteria because of this one file?

Because of a major file that I am involved with, my gross billings for the year may exceed the maximum billings allowed under the part-time practice criteria. I've qualified as a part-time practitioner in each of the last two years, and expect that I will again qualify for part-time practice this year. What happens if my billings go over the maximum billing criteria because of this one file?

If, at any point during the year you cease to qualify for the part-time practice criteria, you must immediately notify LAWPRO in writing, and you must pay the full-time practice status insurance premium. Your premium will be adjusted retroactive to that year's POLICY inception date.

As well, you will not be considered to have been in part-time practice for the current fiscal year, and will not qualify for the part-time practice premium discount for the next POLICY year.

In anticipation of retiring from the practice of law in the next couple of years, I have worked a limited number of hours this year and my billings have been low as I wind down my practice. Am I eligible for the part-time practice option?

In anticipation of retiring from the practice of law in the next couple of years, I have worked a limited number of hours this year and my billings have been low as I wind down my practice. Am I eligible for the part-time practice option?

The answer depends on whether or not you meet the criteria. Part-time practice status is available only to part-time practitioners who:

• In both the current and previous fiscal years meet restricted criteria with regard to billings and hours;
• Have not reported a CLAIM under the LAWPRO liability insurance program with a repair and/or an indemnity payment made in the last five years.

You should note that LAWYERS who have been provided with the Part-time Practice Option but subsequently exceed the eligibility criteria will lose the part-time practice designation and will have their insurance premium and other terms of insurance amended retroactively to the inception date of the policy.

What coverage is there if I choose the Part-time Practice Option?

What coverage is there if I choose the Part-time Practice Option?

If you qualify for the Part-time Practice Option, you are entitled to a fifty per cent reduction in your base premium. Under this option, you still receive the standard yearly coverage of $1 million per CLAIM/$2 million in the aggregate. If you would like to have the Part-time Practice Option, you should complete and return the Part-Time Practice Option Declaration on the Application for Mid-Term Change form. Please contact LAWPRO Customer Service to have this application sent to you. Upon receipt of your completed Application for Mid-Term Change form, your policy will be amended and written confirmation (as well as a revised invoice if applicable) will be sent to you.