Skip to Content

Private Practice

Looking for definitions of terms?

The base program described below is the starting point of your policy. With coverage of $1 million per claim/$2 million in the aggregate, both you and your clients can have the peace of mind of knowing that coverage is available to you in the event of an error or omission in your professional services.

Who requires this coverage?

You are required to have this coverage if you are a sole practitioner, a lawyer practising in association or partnership, or a lawyer practising in a law corporation and providing services in private practice.

There may be circumstances in which you qualify for exemption (e.g. retired lawyers, in-house corporate counsel, government lawyers, educators and lawyers not in private practice) but may opt to purchase the base program coverage. It is also available to non-lawyer partners in a multi-discipline and/or combined licensee partnerships.

If you are on a temporary leave of absence from practice you are not required to pay the insurance premium. For detailed information on the criteria that apply to lawyers on temporary leave of absence, see the exemption eligibility.

How much coverage do I have?

The LAWPRO policy provides a maximum of $1 million per claim and $2 million in the aggregate coverage for claims brought against you. The policy limits apply to both claims expenses and indemnity payments together. Higher limits are available from our Excess insurance program.

What is my deductible?

The standard deductible is $5,000 per claim. It is applicable to claim expenses, indemnity payments and/or costs of repairs together.

Other deductible options are:

  • Deductible ranging from $NIL to $25,000 (some restrictions apply).
  • Deductible can apply to both claim expenses and indemnity payments, or to indemnity payments only.

Your premium will depend on the deductible option selected. If you are practicing in partnership or association with other lawyers, you are required to all have the same deductible. For more details see our page on deductible options.

What is my premium?

The base premium is $3,250 per insured.

How to apply

Complete an application in My LAWPRO.

I practice with other lawyers. Do I need additional coverage?

Innocent Party coverage is included in the base coverage and required for all insureds. This coverage protects members of the public – and you – against the dishonest, fraudulent, criminal, or malicious acts or omissions of present or former partners, associates, employed lawyers and firm employees.

The coverage sublimit is $250,000 per claim/in the aggregate applicable to claim expenses, indemnity payments and/or costs of repairs together.

For more information on this mandatory coverage see our page on Innocent Party Coverage.


Land Acknowledgement

The offices of LAWPRO are located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. LAWPRO respects and acknowledges the histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit nations.

Back to top