Multi-Discipline Practices
Multi-Discipline Practice (MDP)
Purpose
Lawyers and licensed paralegals may form a Multi-Discipline Practice (MDP) with professionals who practise a profession, trade or occupation that supports or supplements their practice of law or provision of legal service (e.g., accountants, tax consultants, trademark and patent agents, etc.).
When a licensee and a professional enter into a formal partnership agreement, it is considered to be a Multi-Discipline Partnership, which must be approved by the Law Society by application. The licensee is responsible to ensure compliance with By-law 7, Part III.
Licensees are responsible for the actions of professional partners and must maintain professional liability insurance for all professional partners.
Who can apply
All licensees who are in good standing with the Law Society and who wish to form a partnership with a professional may apply.
Initial Application Requirements
- Submit a completed Application to Enter into a Multi-Discipline Partnership (pdf) (original)
- Submit pertinent partnership agreements (original)
- Submit pertinent written arrangements (original)
- Submit non-refundable administrative fee (includes one Professional partner)
- Submit non-refundable fee for each additional Professional partner
Ongoing Requirements and Non-compliance
Once the MDP is approved, the licensees who formed the MDP are required to submit the Report on Multi-Discipline Partnership by January 31st each year for the previous year, including any changes in participants, agreements and/or other information.
Failure to submit the Report on Multi-Discipline Partnership annually could result in administrative suspension.
Application Process
All applications and pertinent attachments will be reviewed and approved by Administrative Compliance (AC). If the review reveals that the MDP application and/or attachments are incomplete, an (AC) Representative will contact the applicant to request additional information or advise of changes necessary for compliance with By-law 7, Part III and the Law Society's policies as well as the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers or Paralegal Rules of Conduct for paralegals.
(AC) requires at least 15 business days to process either the initial application or MDP annual report. The applicant will receive a letter confirming that the MDP complies with the requirements of By-law 7, Part III.
Non-refundable Administrative Fees
A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $250 + HST must be remitted along with each completed application. This fee includes the application for one professional partner. A non-refundable fee of $50 + HST is required for each additional professional included in the application.
There is no fee for the MDP annual report.
Links to Application and Required Documents
- Initial Application
- MDP Annual Report
- Contact Administrative Compliance to obtain a Report on Multi-Discipline Partnership.
Links to Applicable By-law & Rules
- By-law 7, Part III: Multi-Discipline Practices
- Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers
- Paralegal Rules of Conduct for paralegals.
Questions
All MDP related questions 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.