Run-Off coverage and exemption from premiums
Run-Off Coverage
I am retired from private practice. What insurance coverage do I have under the primary LSO program?
Run-Off coverage applies only to CLAIMS arising out of PROFESSIONAL SERVICES provided while you were in private practice or maintained the full ongoing practice coverage. That is, you are covered to a maximum of $250,000 for all of the CLAIMS made against you while exempt, including the year you leave active PRIVATE PRACTICE, past years in which you were exempt, and all future years while exempt (except for LAWYERS eligible for the mobility exemption).
Run-Off coverage does not provide coverage for CLAIMS arising out of PROFESSIONAL SERVICES that you provide while exempt from paying the insurance premium. The only exceptions to this are with respect to PRO BONO SERVICES provided through an approved pro bono program associated with Pro Bono Ontario, and where you have applied for and purchased additional coverage specifically for certain ongoing services as estate trustee, trustee for inter vivos trust or attorney for property.
Ontario LAWYERS who are exempt may apply to increase their Run-Off coverage limits. For further details, refer to the Retired lawyers, estate trustees, judges, in-house counsel, government lawyers and others no longer in private practice booklet.
Do I have to buy additional Run-Off coverage through LAWPRO or can I buy it elsewhere?
I’ve decided to buy up my Run-Off coverage limit to $500,000 for five years. Is the $250,000 Run-Off coverage still there for me after five years, even if LAWPRO pays out more than $250,000 in CLAIMS between then and now?
I am retired but occasionally provide PROFESSIONAL SERVICES to my family and friends. Am I covered under my Run-Off Coverage or do I have to buy insurance coverage?
Being exempt from premiums
I have just been retained on contract to act as in-house corporate counsel for an organization. Am I exempt from having to pay the insurance premium?
Among the criteria that LAWPRO would consider in determining if you are eligible for an exemption are:
- whether or not you work a fixed number of hours
- whether you are compensated on a fee-for-service or fixed amount basis
- whether or not you are provided an office in the place of employment
Generally, contract employees who work on a fee-for-service basis and/or work irregular hours are not eligible for exemption. Please contact LAWPRO for assistance in determining your eligibility.
I am an employed LAWYER in a major LAW FIRM but do only legal research. Would I qualify for an exemption from having to pay the insurance premium?
Most LAWYERS who provide research services do provide opinions that are subsequently provided to clients of the LAW FIRM. These LAWYERS are considered to be practising law and are required to pay the insurance premium.
I’m currently an exempt LAWYER. What insurance coverage do I have under the primary LSO program for any pro bono work that I do?
I am a LAWYER currently on exemption (e) because I act as in-house counsel. I will be taking a temporary leave of absence from my job next month. Can I claim exemption (c) which is available to LAWYERS who are on a temporary leave of absence?
I act as in-house counsel and therefore am claiming exemption (e). However, my employer now wishes me to provide legal advice to the company’s clients. Can I maintain my exemption if I provide legal advice to my employer’s clients?
You may qualify for the Part-Time Practice Option, which provides for a 40 per cent premium discount. As corporate counsel, these criteria would apply only to the PROFESSIONAL SERVICES you provide to unrelated third parties. If you are currently on exemption (e) and wish to apply for practice coverage under the primary LSO program, please complete a New Applicant Application form.