Affiliations
Overview
An Affiliation is an option for lawyers or licensed paralegals who wish to provide to their clients the services of licensee professionals along with their practise of law or provision of legal services. The professionals must generally practise a profession, trade or occupation that supports or supplements the lawyer’s practice of law or the licensed paralegal’s provision of legal services (e.g. accountants with tax lawyers).
A lawyer or a licensed paralegal are considered to have formed an affiliation when they regularly join with a non-legal entity (e.g. an accounting firm) for the promotion and delivery of their respective services to the public.
Who can form an Affiliation
All lawyers and licensed paralegals who are in good standing with the Law Society and who wish to offer complementary non-legal services to their clients may submit a Notice of Affiliation.
Initial Notice Requirements
- Submit a completed Notice of Affiliation
- Submit pertinent written arrangements and affiliation agreements
Ongoing Notice Requirements
After a review confirms that the Notice of Affiliation is in compliance with By-law 7, Part IV, the lawyer or licensed paralegal is required to submit the Annual Report on Affiliation before January 31st of each year that the affiliation continues, including any changes in the participants, the agreements or other information.
Failure to submit the Annual Report on Affiliation could result in administrative suspension.
Notice Review Process
All Notices of Affiliation and pertinent attachments are reviewed and approved by Administrative Compliance (AC). If the review reveals that the Notice of Affiliation and/or attachments are incomplete, an (AC) Representative will contact the lawyer or licensed paralegal to request additional information or advise of changes necessary for compliance with By-law 7, Part IV , the Law Society's policies as well as the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers or the Paralegal Rules of Conduct for paralegals.
(AC) requires at least 15 business days to review the Notice of Affiliation and Annual Report on Affiliation. Applicants will receive a letter confirming that the Affiliation complies with the requirements of By-law 7, Part IV after review of the Notice of Affiliation and documentation.
Administrative Fees
There is no fee for submission of the Notice of Affiliation or for subsequent submission of the Annual Report on Affiliation.
Where to mail Notices and Reports
Notices of Affiliation and Annual Reports on Affiliation, along with required attachments, are to be mailed to:
The Law Society of Upper Canada
Osgoode Hall
130 Queen Street West
Toronto ON M5H 2N6
Links to Notice and Annual Report
- Notice of Affiliation (pdf)
- Contact Administrative Compliance to obtain an Annual Report on Affiliation.
Links to Applicable By-law & Rules
- By-law 7, Part IV: Affiliations with Non-Licensees
- Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers
- Paralegal Rules of Conduct for paralegals
Questions
Questions pertaining to Notices of Affiliation and Annual Reports on Affiliation should be directed to Administrative Compliance by contacting the Resource Centre at (416) 947-3315 (toll-free 1-800-668-7380 x3315) and asking to be transferred, or email Administrative Compliance using the Contact Page.