Temporary & Occasional Practice
- Temporary Practice of Law for Lawyers from reciprocating NMA jurisdictions
- Occasional Practice of Law for Lawyers from Quebec and the Territories of Canada
Temporary Practice of Law for Lawyers from reciprocating NMA jurisdictions
Part VII of By-law 4
Purpose
Lawyers who wish to practise law in Ontario on an temporary basis who are from Canadian jurisdictions that have signed and implemented the National Mobility Agreement (PDF) (NMA) (reciprocating jurisdictions) may do so without prior permission for up to 100 days in a calendar year providing they meet the requirements set out in Part VII of By-law 4.
Lawyers who do not meet these requirements need permission to practise law on a temporary basis and must apply for permission under these provisions.
The following reciprocating jurisdictions have signed and implemented the NMA:
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Who must apply
- Lawyers from reciprocating jurisdictions who do not meet the requirements of Part VII of By-Law 4
- Lawyers who anticipate their temporary practice will be more than the 100 days permitted. Note: any part of a day spent working on an Ontario-related file, whether or not you are physically in Ontario counts as one whole day towards the 100 days permitted.
- Lawyers who establish an economic nexus with Ontario and are applying for Permanent Transfer under the NMA and intend to work in Ontario before they are licensed
Application Requirements
- Completed and original Application for Permission to Practise Law in Ontario on a Temporary Basis
- Completed and original Certificates of Character and Reputation
- Original Certificate(s) of Standing (dated within the last 30 days) from each Law Society of which you are or have been a member, inside and outside of Canada. NOTE: Your Certificate(s) of Standing must be replaced if it becomes more than 60 days old at the time your application is ready to be approved by Administrative Compliance.
- A notarized copy of Canadian Birth Certificate as proof of age and full legal name, OR,
A notarized copy (front and back) of your Canadian Citizenship Card - Additional pertinent documents to comply with specific application requirements
Application Process
All applications and pertinent attachments will be reviewed by Administrative Compliance. If the review reveals that the application and/or attachments are deficient, an Administrative Compliance Representative will contact the applicant to request additional information or clarification.
Administrative Compliance requires at least 15 business days to process the Application for Permission to Practise Law in Ontario on a Temporary Basis and will notify applicants in writing confirming their approval.
Administrative Fees
There are no administrative processing fees for Applications for Permission to Practise Law in Ontario on a Temporary Basis.
Links to Application and additional information
- Application for Permission to Practise Law in Ontario on a Temporary Basis under Part VII of By-Law 4 (PDF)
- Certificate of Character and Reputation (PDF)
Links to Applicable By-law and the National Mobility Agreement
Questions
Application related questions should be directed to Administrative Compliance by contacting the Law Society’s Resource Centre at (416) 947-3315 (toll-free within Ontario 1-800-668-7380 ext. 3315) and asking to be transferred, or sending an email to Administrative Compliance using the Contact Page.
Occasional Practice of Law for Lawyers from Quebec and the Territories of Canada
Part VII of By-Law 4
Purpose
Lawyers from Quebec and the Territories of Canada who wish to practise law in Ontario on an occasional basis and who are members in good standing in their home jurisdiction may apply for an Occasional Practice Permit to do so under Part VII of By-law 4. A lawyer who is permitted to practise law occasionally in Ontario is limited to not more than 10 matters annually.
Who can apply
Lawyers from the following jurisdictions may apply to practise law occasionally in Ontario in accordance with Part VII of By-law 4:
Quebec
Northwest Territories
Yukon
Nunavut
Application Requirements
- Original and completed Application for an Occasional Practice Permit for lawyers from Quebec and the Territories of Canada under Part VII of By-Law 4
- Non-refundable administrative fee
- Original Certificate(s) of Standing (dated within the last 30 days) from the applicant’s home jurisdiction and any other Law Society of which the applicant is or has been a member
- Proof of professional liability insurance coverage demonstrating that the professional services provided in Ontario are insured with a minimum occurrence or claim limits for indemnity of $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 per member aggregate
Application Process
All applications and pertinent attachments will be reviewed by Administrative Compliance. If the review reveals that the application and/or attachments are not complete, an Administrative Compliance Representative will contact the applicant to request additional information or clarification.
Administrative Compliance requires at least 30 business days to process the Application and will notify applicants in writing confirming their approval.
Non-refundable Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $113.00 ($100 + HST) must be submitted along with the Application for an Occasional Practice Permit for lawyers from Quebec and the Territories of Canada.
Note: Occasional Practice Permits expire on December 31 of each calendar year. A new application, together with an application fee of $113.00 ($100 + HST), is required each calendar year to practise on an occasional basis.
Links to Application and additional information
- Application for an Occasional Practice Permit for Lawyers from Quebec and the Territories of Canada (PDF):
english | français
Link to Applicable By-Law
Questions?
Application related questions should be directed to Administrative Compliance by contacting the Law Society’s Resource Centre at (416) 947-3315 (toll-free within Ontario 1-800-668-7380 ext. 3315) and asking to be transferred, or sending an email to Administrative Compliance using the Contact Page.
