TAB 2 Report to Convocation

October 22, 2020

Professional Regulation Committee

Committee Members

Megan Shortreed (Chair) Jacqueline Horvat (Vice-Chair) Michelle Lomazzo (Vice-Chair)

Robert Adourian Gerard Charette

Etienne Esquega Julian Falconer

Jorge Pineda Jonathan Rosenthal

Clare Sellers Andrew Spurgeon

Nicholas Wright

Purpose of Report: Decision

Prepared by the Professional Regulation Division Hugo Leal-Neri (416-947-7615) Matthew Wylie (416-947-3953)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

For Decision Amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct re: Contingency Fee Reforms...…..……...2.1 Amendments to the By-Laws re: Fee Exemptions for Licensees Over 65 and Life Members...2.2

Tab 2.1

Professional Regulation Committee

Paralegal Standing Committee

Contingency Fee Reform: Amendments to Professional Conduct Rules October 22, 2020

Professional Regulation Paralegal Standing Committee Members: Committee Members:

Megan Shortreed (Chair) Robert Burd (Chair) Jacqueline Horvat (Vice-Chair) Joseph Chiummiento (Vice-Chair) Michelle Lomazzo (Vice-Chair) Cathy Corsetti Robert Adourian Seymour Epstein Gerard Charrette Sam Goldstein Etienne Esquega Shelina Lalji Julian Falconer Marian Lippa Jorge Pineda Michelle Lomazzo Jonathan Rosenthal Geneviève Painchaud Clare Sellers Geoff Pollock Andrew Spurgeon Chi-Kun Shi Nicholas Wright Doug Wellman Claire Wilkinson

Authored By:

Hugo Leal-Neri hlealner@lso.ca

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Table of Contents Motion ................................................................................................................................ 2

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 2

Context ............................................................................................................................... 3

Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 5

A. Law Society Reforms ................................................................................................. 5

Next Steps .......................................................................................................................... 7

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Motion 1. That Convocation approve, on the recommendation of the Professional Regulation

Committee and the Paralegal Standing Committee and effective July 1, 2021, proposed amendments to Rules 3.6 and 4.2 of the lawyer Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules 5.01 and 8.03 of the Paralegal Rules of Conduct as set out at Tabs 2.1.2 and 2.1.3, respectively, required to implement the new transparency requirements previously approved by Convocation as part of its recommended reforms to Ontario’s contingency fee regime, namely:

a. Licensee requirement to disclose the maximum contingency fee percentage charged;

b. Licensee requirement to provide potential clients with the standard form consumer guide entitled “Contingency fees: What you need to know” before they enter into a contingency fee agreement; and

c. Licensee requirement to provide certain fee-related reporting to clients on completion of the agreement.

2. That Convocation receive, for information, the mandatory standard form consumer guide entitled “Contingency fees: What you need to know,” approved by the Paralegal Standing Committee and the Professional Regulation Committee on October 7 and 8, 2020, respectively (Tab 2.1.4).

Executive Summary On October 6, 2020, the Ontario government announced the introduction of a new contingency fee regime for the Province of Ontario, effective July 1, 2021.

The new regime is based on a package of reforms approved by Convocation in December 2017 and January 2018, and adopted by both the former and current Ontario governments. The reforms seek to address numerous longstanding issues with the existing contingency fee regime by enhancing consumer protection, improving transparency and fairness for clients, and ultimately facilitating access to justice, while supporting efficiency and burden reduction for licensees.

Implementation of the new regime requires concurrent action by the provincial government and the Law Society. Now that the Ontario government has amended the Solicitors Act and made a new regulation on contingency fee agreements (“CFAs”), action by the Law Society is required to fully implement the new regime. Therefore, Convocation is being requested to approve proposed amendments to the lawyer Rules of Professional Conduct and the Paralegal Rules of Conduct (“Rules” or “professional conduct rules”) to institute certain transparency requirements for licensees, also effective July 1, 2021.

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Context Currently, contingency fees are governed by the Solicitors Act and O. Reg. 195/04 (Contingency Fee Agreements) made thereunder.1 In addition, the Law Society’s Rules regulate licensees providing services pursuant to a CFA, and in doing so, reinforce the obligations set out in the Solicitors Act, its regulation and the case law.2

Numerous issues have been identified with the existing contingency fee regime.3 The regime has been the subject of significant examination and scrutiny by the Ontario legislature and the Law Society over the years. For instance, several private members’ bills and reports (including one from the Insurance Bureau of Canada) have suggested contingency fee caps as a solution to rising litigation costs.4

In response to the identified issues, on December 1, 2017 and January 25, 2018, Convocation approved a package of reforms requiring concurrent action by the provincial government and the Law Society.5 Adopted by both the former and current Ontario governments, these reforms seek to enhance consumer protection, improve transparency

1 A brief summary of the relevant provisions is available at paragraphs 21-23 of the Seventh Report of the Advertising & Fee Arrangements Issues Working Group, at Tab 4.1 of Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation/convocation-d/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf 2 The general rules related to fees and disbursements apply to CFAs, including the rule that fees and disbursements must be fair and reasonable and disclosed in a timely fashion. 3 The issues presented by the existing contingency fee regime are set out in detail in the Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017) at 7/53 and 9/55 to 11/57, online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf 4 Both Liberal and Conservative MPPs have shown interest in hard caps as a way of managing costs. Specifically, two private members’ bills which were introduced in the legislature in fall 2016 and in winter 2017, both of which, among other matters, recommended capping contingency fees with respect to motor vehicle actions at 15% and 33% respectively. See Bill 103, Personal Injury and Accident Victims Protection Act, 2017, introduced March 8, 2017 by Mike Colle, MPP, Legislative Assembly of Ontario online: www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=4614; and Bill 12, Protection for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims and Other Consumers from Unfair Legal Practices Act, 2016, introduced September 14, 2016 by Tim Hudak, MPP, Legislative Assembly of Ontario online: www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=4123 5 The specific reforms approved by Convocation, together with the issues necessitating such reforms, are set out in detail in the following reports: Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf ; and Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (January 25, 2018), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation-jan-2018-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf

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and fairness for clients, and ultimately facilitate access to justice, while supporting efficiency and burden reduction for licensees.6 The reforms consist of the following:

By the provincial government:

• Amendments to the Solicitors Act required to enable the contingency fee reforms, including repeal of the provision that excludes costs from the amount on which a contingency fee is based (see Tab 2.1.5);

• Revocation of the existing regulation on contingency fee agreements, O. Reg. 195/04 (see Tab 2.1.6); and

• Making of a new regulation on contingency fees requiring, among other things, use of a standard form CFA.7

By the Law Society:

• Licensee requirement to disclose the maximum contingency fee percentage charged; • Licensee requirement to provide potential clients with the standard form consumer

guide entitled “Contingency fees: What you need to know” before they enter into a CFA; and

• Licensee requirement to provide certain fee-related reporting to clients on completion of the agreement.

The full list of reforms, including the entity responsible for their implementation, can be consulted at Tab 2.1.1.

Implementation of the reforms passed by Convocation in December 2017 and January 2018 had been awaiting certain statutory and regulatory changes, which the Ontario government announced on October 6, 2020, with an effective date of July 1, 2021. The new regulation, O. Reg. 563/20 (Contingency Fee Agreements), can be consulted at Tab 2.1.7. A copy of the standard form CFA incorporated by reference in the regulation is attached at Tab 2.1.8.

On October 7, 2020 the Paralegal Standing Committee approved, effective July 1, 2021: (1) the proposed amendments to the Rules required to implement the transparency requirements for licensees previously approved by Convocation; (2) the mandatory standard form consumer guide entitled “Contingency fees: What you need to know;” and (3) the related amendments to the Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines, subject to Convocation’s approval of the proposed amendments to the Paralegal Rules of Conduct. Similarly, on October 8, 2020, the Professional Regulation Committee approved the

6 Id. 7 The standard form CFA is expected to reduce regulatory burden, uncertainty and risk by no longer requiring licensees to draft their own agreement in a manner that meets the technical requirements set out in the Solicitors Act and its regulation.

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proposed amendments to the Rules and the mandatory standard form consumer guide, also effective July 1, 2021.

The government’s announcement now requires Convocation to finalize and adopt the changes to the Rules, set out below, as the final step in implementing Convocation’s previously approved package of reforms. In addition, Convocation is being requested to receive the mandatory standard form consumer guide for information.8

Discussion A. Law Society Reforms Primarily designed to enhance transparency and fairness for consumers, the Law Society reforms passed by Convocation on December 1, 2017 and January 25, 2018, established the following requirements:

1) Licensee requirement to disclose the maximum contingency fee percentage that they charge.

• Licensees are required to post their maximum contingency fee percentage on their website.

• If they do not have a website, they are required to disclose their maximum contingency fee percentage to the potential client when they are first contacted.9

• This requirement seeks to facilitate consumer searches, including comparison shopping for services and fees, and allow potential clients to make informed decisions.

2) Licensee requirement to provide all potential clients with a standard form consumer guide before they enter into a CFA, to educate them on their rights and responsibilities.

8 The mandatory standard form consumer guide is for the Professional Regulation Committee and the Paralegal Standing Committee to approve, and for Convocation to receive for its information. See Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017) at para. 53 (p. 15/61 to 16/62), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf 9 See Seventh Report of the Advertising & Fee Arrangements Issues Working Group at para. 13.b.i), at Tab 4.1 of Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation/convocation-d/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf The Working Group was of the view that all contingency fees outside of the class action context should be subject to the requirement for legal professionals to publicly disclose the maximum contingency fees they charge, which will facilitate consumer choice.

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• The consumer guide is meant to inform all potential clients of their rights and responsibilities as clients under a CFA as they consider entering into a CFA.10 For instance, the consumer guide at Tab 2.1.4:

o explains what a contingency fee is, when a CFA is available, how contingency fees are set and calculated, their advantages and disadvantages, fee comparison, etc.;

o provides information on the meaning of and difference between fees, disbursements and costs; how to end the agreement once signed; and how and when the client gets paid;

o provides practical examples of how contingency fees work, together with sample questions to ask of a licensee prior to signing a CFA.

• To ensure that potential clients understand their rights and can make informed decisions, the Law Society developed the consumer guide with extensive input from licensees and the assistance of a plain-language expert.

• This requirement seeks to promote a better understanding of contingency fees among consumers, and an enhanced knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as clients in a consistent manner—in their own time and before entering into a CFA. It also allows potential clients to make more informed decisions.

3) Licensee requirement to provide certain information to clients on completion of the agreement,11 namely:

a. a clear breakdown of the settlement or award (including the net amount going to the client, disbursements, legal fees and taxes);12

b. an explanation of the reasonableness of the fee in light of the following factors:

• time expended working on the matter;

• legal complexity of the matter;

10 The Working Group was of the view that all clients would benefit from being provided with the proposed client guide, including clients who would otherwise be exempt from the standard form CFA—namely sophisticated clients and clients whose CFAs may be subject to court approval or whose legal fees may be approved by a court. See Seventh Report of the Advertising & Fee Arrangements Issues Working Group at para. 13.b.iii), at Tab 4.1 of Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation/convocation-d/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf 11 With respect to the proposed requirement that licensees provide certain information to their clients on completion of the agreement, the Working Group was of the view that even sophisticated clients would benefit from this disclosure. 12 The Working Group was of the view that all clients should receive a bill with this clear breakdown, including clients whose contingency fees have been approved by a court.

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• results achieved; and

• risk assumed by the licensee, including the risk that the matter would not have been successful;13 and

c. a statement that the client has the right to assess the account.14

• This requirement seeks to ensure that contingency fees are clear, fair and reasonable. Specifically, it allows clients who have entered into a CFA to receive a transparent accounting of any settlement or award, with a breakdown of the net amount payable to them and any applicable disbursements, legal fees and taxes.

The changes to the Rules implementing these three transparency requirements must be effective as of July 1, 2021, to coincide with the effective date of the new regulation. Once the amendments are approved by Convocation, the Law Society will start communicating the changes to licensees and the public. This matter is being brought to Convocation in October to allow the maximum time for communication and education that would enable licensees to be fully prepared for the new regime.

Next Steps The following steps are required to complete the implementation of the contingency fee reforms prior to July 1, 2021:

• Approval by Convocation of the proposed amendments to the Rules set out above;

• Launch of communications to inform the professions about the reforms;

13 An explanation of the reasonableness of the fee would be made “in light of the requirement in the Solicitors Act that fees be reasonable and the factors established by the Court of Appeal in determining whether contingency fees are reasonable, namely the time expended working on the matter, the legal complexity of the matter, the results achieved and the risk assumed by the licensee including the risk that the matter would not have been successful.” See Seventh Report of the Advertising & Fee Arrangements Issues Working Group at para. 13.b.iv.B), at Tab 4.1 of Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation/convocation-d/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf The Working Group was of the view that clients whose contingency fees have been approved by a court do not require an explanation of the reasonableness of the fee on the final bill since the court has already found the account to be fair and reasonable. 14 The Working Group was of the view that clients whose contingency fees have been approved by a court do not require a statement that they have the right to assess the account, since the Court has already found the account to be fair and reasonable. See Seventh Report of the Advertising & Fee Arrangements Issues Working Group at para. 13.b.iv), at Tab 4.1 of Report to Convocation from the Professional Regulation Committee (December 1, 2017), online: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/legacy/pdf/c/convocation/convocation-d/convocation-dec-2017-professional-regulation-committee-report.pdf

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• Development of practice supports and Continuing Professional Development programming.

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Contingency Fee Reforms by Entity Responsible

Ontario Government Law Society of Ontario

Amendments to the Solicitors Act to:

1. Repeal subsection 28.1(8), which prohibits the inclusion of costs in the amount on which a contingency fee calculation is based; and

2. Extend the provisions on contingency fee agreements in the Solicitors Act and its regulation to paralegals (through new section 32.1).

Amendments to the Law Society’s lawyer Rules of Professional Conduct and Paralegal Rules of Conduct to institute the following transparency requirements:

1. Licensee requirement to disclose the maximum contingency fee percentage charged;

2. Licensee requirement to provide potential clients with the standard form consumer guide entitled “Contingency fees: What you need to know” before they enter into a contingency fee agreement; and

3. Licensee requirement to provide certain fee-related reporting to clients on completion of the agreement.

Making of a new regulation on contingency fees under the Solicitors Act requiring, among other things, that licensees use a new standard form Contingency Fee Agreement (“CFA”), except where:

1. The client is a sophisticated client; or 2. A court has approved the CFA or the ultimate

contingency fee.

The new standard form CFA has been incorporated by reference into the regulation.

Preparation and publication on the Law Society website of a standard form consumer guide entitled “Contingency Fees: What you need to know.”

Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct

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Rules of Professional Conduct

[…]

SECTION 3.6 FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS

Reasonable Fees and Disbursements

3.6-1 A lawyer shall not charge or accept any amount for a fee or disbursement unless it is fair and reasonable and has been disclosed in a timely fashion.

[…]

Contingency Fees and Contingency Fee Agreements

3.6-2 Subject to rule 3.6-1, except in family law, Criminal Code (Canada) or any other criminal or quasi-criminal matters, a lawyer may enter into a contingency fee written agreement in accordance with the Solicitors Act and the regulations made under it.there under, that provides that the lawyer’s fee is contingency, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of the matter for which the lawyer’s services are to be provided.

3.6-2.1 (1) In determining the appropriate percentage or other basis of the contingency fee, the lawyer shall consider a number of factors, including the likelihood of success, the nature and complexity of the claim, the expense and risk of pursuing it, the amount of the expected recovery and who is to receive an award of costs. The lawyer shall advise the client of these factors.

(2) A lawyer who enters into a contingency fee agreement must meet the following client disclosure requirements:

(a) provide the client with the Law Society’s consumer guide titled “Contingency fees: What you need to know,” available on the Law Society’s website, and a reasonable opportunity to review and consider it before entering into the agreement; and

(b) when billing for the contingency fee, deliver a bill to the client that:

(i) clearly shows the total amount of the settlement or award and the net amount that the client receives;

(ii) clearly itemizes and identifies disbursement costs, legal fees and taxes charged to the client;

(iii) explains the reasonableness of the fee with reference to the following factors:

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(a) the time expended by the lawyer;

(b) the legal complexity of the matter at issue;

(c) the results achieved; and

(d) the risk assumed by the lawyer, including the risk of non-payment where there is a real risk of an adverse finding on liability in the client’s case; and

(iv) states that the client has the right to apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an assessment of the bill in accordance with section 28.1 of the Solicitors Act 1990 and specifies the latest date for doing so.

(3) The client disclosure requirements of this Rule do not apply to an agreement under which a lawyer is retained to represent one or more persons in a proceeding commenced under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992, as amended.

(4) The requirements of Rule (2)(b)(iii) and (iv) do not apply where a court approves the contingency fee.

[Amended - November 2002, October 2004, INSERT NEW DATE]

Commentary

[1] A contingency fee under the Solicitors Act is one in which any part of the lawyer’s compensation is dependent on the successful disposition or completion of the matter for which the lawyer is retained. A contingency fee agreement is a retainer agreement under which payment, including a bonus or premium, depends on a successful disposition or completion of the matter.

[1.1] The Solicitors Act and its contingency fee agreements regulation, together with the standard form Contingency Fee Agreement, the lawyer Rules of Professional Conduct and the consumer guide titled “Contingency fees: What you need to know,” all work in concert to enable the client disclosure requirements in Rule 3.6-2.1. The standard form Contingency Fee Agreement and the consumer guide are both available on the Law Society’s website [insert hyperlink]

In determining the appropriate percentage or other basis of the contingency fee, the lawyer and the client should consider a number of factors, including the likelihood of success, the nature and complexity of the claim, the expense and risk of pursuing it, the amount of the expected recovery and who is to receive an award of costs. The lawyer and client may agree that in addition to the fee payable under the written agreement, any amount arising as a result of an award of costs or costs obtained as a part of a settlement is to be paid to the lawyer. Such agreement under the Solicitors

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Act must receive judicial approval. In such circumstances, a smaller percentage of the award than would otherwise be agreed upon for the contingency fee, after considering all relevant factors, will generally be appropriate. The test is whether the fee in all of the circumstances is fair and reasonable.

[New - October 2002, Amended October 2004, October 2014, INSERT NEW DATE]

[2] [FLSC - not in use]

[3] The client disclosure requirements of this rule are intended to ensure that clients understand contingency fee arrangements, that legal fees are transparent, fair, and reasonable and that potential clients can compare fees when considering whether to retain a lawyer.

[4] When a lawyer enters into a contingency fee agreement and provides advice about settlement, the lawyer should provide the client with a written estimate of the approximate net amount the client is to receive from the settlement. The estimate should include sufficient information for the client to make an informed decision and include a breakdown of the lawyer’s fees, disbursements and any other charges to be deducted from the amount the client will receive.

[5] The requirement in Rule 3.6-2.1(2)(b)(iii) that the lawyer explain the reasonableness of the fee is intended to ensure that contingency fees charged are transparent and reasonable. The Ontario Court of Appeal has outlined the test for reasonableness in Raphael Partners v. Lam (2002), 61 O.R. (3d) 417, paragraph 50, stating that the factors to consider are:

(a) the time expended by the lawyer;

(b) the legal complexity of the matter at issue;

(c) the results achieved; and

(d) the risk assumed by the lawyer, including the risk of non-payment where there is a real risk of an adverse finding on liability in the client’s case.

The required statement should address each of these factors as they apply to the matter.

[INSERT NEW DATE]

3.6-2.2 (1) A lawyer who markets legal services on the basis that clients may be charged fees contingent, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of a matter must publish a general maximum contingency fee percentage. The disclosure must be by publication on the lawyer’s website, or, if the lawyer does not have a website, by providing the maximum percentage to potential clients when they first contact the lawyer.

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(2) This Rule does not apply in relation to a proceeding commenced pursuant to the Class Proceedings Act, 1992.

[New – INSERT DATE]

Transitional Requirements

3.6-2.3 Rules 3.6-2.1 and 3.6-2.2 do not apply to contingency fee agreements entered into before July 1, 2021.

[…] SECTION 4.2 MARKETING

Advertising of Fees

4.2-2 A lawyer may advertise fees charged by the lawyer for legal services if

(a) the advertising is reasonably precise as to the services offered for each fee quoted;

(b) the advertising states whether other amounts, such as disbursements, third-party charges and taxes will be charged in addition to the fee; and

(c) the lawyer strictly adheres to the advertised fee in every applicable case.

[Amended –October 2014, September 2017, [INSERT NEW DATE]]

Commentary

[1] The maximum contingency fee percentages published on the lawyer’s website should be easily accessible.

[2] A lawyer may enter into an agreement under which the contingent fee rate is higher than their published maximum rate. However, the lawyer must

(a) disclose to the client that the percentage fee exceeds the lawyer’s disclosed maximum contingency fee rate; and

(b) afterwards publish the higher rate as the lawyer’s maximum rate.

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4.2-2.1 A lawyer may advertise a price to act on a residential real estate transaction if;

(a) the price is inclusive of all fees for legal services, disbursements, third party chargesand other amounts except for the harmonized sales tax and the following permitteddisbursements: land transfer tax, government document registration fees, fees chargedby government, Teranet fees, the cost of a condominium status certificate, payment forletters from creditors' lawyers regarding similar name executions and any title insurancepremium;

(b) the advertisement states that harmonized sales tax and the permitted disbursementsmentioned in paragraph (a) of this Rule are not included in the price;

(c) the lawyer strictly adheres to the price for every transaction;

(d) in the case of a purchase transaction, the price includes the price for acting on boththe purchase and on one mortgage; and

(e) in the case of a sale transaction, the price includes the price of acting on thedischarge of the first mortgage.

Commentary

[1] A lawyer who agrees to provide services pursuant to an advertised price is requiredto perform legal services to the standard of a competent lawyer. Clients are entitled tothe same quality of legal services whether the services are provided pursuant to anadvertised price or otherwise;

[2] The requirements set out in Rule 4.2-2.1 are intended to ensure that pricesadvertised by lawyers in residential real estate transactions are clear to consumers andcomparable. The rule applies where the lawyer advertises a price for acting on a sale, apurchase or a refinancing of residential real estate;

[3] This rule applies to all forms of price advertising including in traditional media, on theinternet, on the lawyer's own website and in standardized price lists. Providing a priceby a website is price advertising whether prices are listed on a webpage or are onlyavailable by response to a request made on a webpage. However, this rule does notapply where a specific fee quotation is provided through a website inquiry based on anactual assessment of the work and disbursements required for the transaction providedthat full disclosure is made of the anticipated types of disbursements and other chargeswhich the consumer would be required to pay in addition to the quoted fee.

[4] Where a lawyer chooses to advertise a price for the completion of a residential realestate transaction, the lawyer should ensure that all relevant information is provided.

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For example, the permitted disbursements should not be set out in small print or in separate documents or webpages. Particular care should be taken with mass advertising where consumers will not have the opportunity to read and understand all of the details of the price. Lawyers should take into account the general impression conveyed by a representation and not only its literal meaning.

[5] The price in paragraph (a) of Rule 4.2-2.1 is an all-inclusive price. The only permitted exclusions from the price are the harmonized sales tax and permitted disbursements specifically mentioned in the subrule. Fees paid to government, municipalities or other similar authorities for due diligence investigations are permitted disbursements as fees charged by government. For greater certainty, the all-inclusive price is required to include overhead costs, courier costs, bank fees, postage costs, photocopy costs, third party conveyancer's title and other search or closing fees and all other costs and disbursements that are not permitted disbursements specifically mentioned under the subrule.

[New - September 2017]

4.2-2.2 A lawyer must comply with Rule 3.6-2.2 if the lawyer markets legal services, including by advertising, on the basis that fees may be contingent, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of the matter for which the lawyer’s services are provided.

[New – INSERT DATE]

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Code de déontologie

[…]

ARTICLE 3.6 LES HONORAIRES ET LES DÉBOURS

Honoraires et débours raisonnables

3.6-1 L’avocat ou l’avocate ne doit pas demander ni accepter des honoraires et des débours qui ne sont ni justes ni raisonnables et qui n’ont pas été divulgués en temps utile.

[…]

Honoraires conditionnels et ententes sur des honoraires conditionnels

3.6-2 Sous réserve de la règle 3.6-1, sauf dans des affaires relevant du droit de la famille ou du Code criminel (Canada), ou dans toute autre affaire criminelle ou quasi criminelle, l’avocat peut conclure une entente écrite sur des honoraires conditionnels conforme à la Loi sur les procureurs et aux règlements pris en application de la loi. qui prévoit que tous les honoraires ou une partie des honoraires de l’avocat dépendront d’un règlement positif ou de la conclusion de l’affaire pour laquelle ses services ont été retenus

3.6-2.1 (1) Dans l’évaluation du pourcentage approprié ou de tout autre taux du calcul des honoraires conditionnels, l’avocat doit examiner un certain nombre de facteurs, y compris les chances de succès, la nature et la complexité de la réclamation, le cout et les risques reliés à celle-ci, le montant des dommages-intérêts prévus et la personne à qui seront adjugés les dépens. L’avocat doit informer le client de ces facteurs.

(2) L’avocat qui conclut une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels doit satisfaire aux exigences suivantes relatives à la divulgation des renseignements des clients :

a) remettre au client le guide du Barreau intitulé Honoraires conditionnels : ce que vous devez savoir, qui se trouve sur le site Web du Barreau, et lui donner un délai raisonnable pour le consulter avant de conclure une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels ;

b) lors de la facturation des honoraires conditionnels, remettre une facture au client qui :

(i) indique clairement le montant total du règlement ou des indemnités et le montant net que le client recevra ;

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(ii) indique clairement et en détail le cout des débours, les honoraires juridiques et les taxes imputés au client ;

(iii) explique le caractère raisonnable des honoraires ;

(iv) contient une déclaration indiquant que le client a le droit de demander à la Cour supérieure de justice la liquidation du mémoire en application de l’article 28.1 de la Loi sur les procureurs, et donne la date d’échéance pour faire une telle demande.

(3) Les exigences relatives à la divulgation des renseignements des clients prévues dans la présente règle ne s’appliquent pas à une entente en vertu de laquelle les services d’un avocat sont retenus pour représenter au moins une personne dans une instance introduite aux termes de la Loi de 1992 sur les recours collectifs.

(4) Les exigences prévues aux alinéas (2) b) (iii) et (iv) de la règle ne s’appliquent pas si un tribunal a approuvé les honoraires conditionnels.

[Modifié - novembre 2002, octobre 2004, insert new date]

Commentaire

[1] Dans la Loi sur les procureurs, les honoraires conditionnels visent la rémunération versée à l’avocat pour des services juridiques qui sont subordonnés, en tout ou en partie, à une décision favorable concernant l’affaire à l’égard de laquelle les services ont été rendus ou au règlement favorable de celle-ci. Une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels est une convention de mandat en vertu de laquelle le paiement, notamment une prime, est subordonné à une décision favorable concernant l’affaire ou au règlement favorable de celle-ci.

[1.1] La Loi sur les procureurs et ses règlements sur les honoraires conditionnels, avec l’entente standard sur des honoraires conditionnels, le Code de déontologie et le guide du consommateur intitulé Honoraires conditionnels : ce que vous devez savoir, permettent ensemble l’application des exigences relatives à la divulgation des renseignements de clients de la règle 3.6-2.1. L’entente standard sur des honoraires conditionnels et le guide du consommateur se trouvent tous deux sur le site Web du Barreau [insert hyperlink]

Dans l’évaluation du pourcentage approprié ou de tout autre taux du calcul des honoraires conditionnels, l’avocat et le client devront examiner un certain nombre de facteurs, y compris les chances de succès, la nature et la complexité de la réclamation, le cout et les risques reliés à celle-ci, le montant des dommages-intérêts prévus et la personne à qui seront adjugés les dépens. L’avocat et le client peuvent consentir à ce qu’en plus des honoraires payables en vertu d’une entente établie par écrit, tout montant provenant des dépens adjugés ou des dépens obtenus par suite d’un règlement soit payé à l’avocat. Une telle entente prise en application de la Loi

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sur les procureurs doit recevoir une approbation judiciaire. Dans ces circonstances, après avoir examiné tous les facteurs pertinents, un pourcentage inférieur des dommages-intérêts qui seraient autrement acceptés comme honoraires conditionnels sera généralement considéré comme étant approprié. Il s’agit en toutes circonstances de déterminer si les honoraires sont justes et raisonnables.

[Nouveau – octobre 2002, modifié octobre 2004, octobre 2014, [NEW DATE]]

[2] [FOPJC – Paragraphe non utilisé]

[3] Les exigences relatives à la divulgation des renseignements de clients prévues dans la présente règle visent à assurer que les clients comprennent les ententes sur des honoraires conditionnels, que les honoraires juridiques sont transparents, justes et raisonnables et que les clients éventuels peuvent comparer les honoraires au moment de choisir leur avocat.

[4] Quand un avocat conclut une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels et fournit des conseils sur un règlement, l’avocat devrait fournir au client une estimation par écrit du montant net approximatif que le client peut s’attendre à recevoir. Cette estimation devrait comprendre assez de renseignements pour que le client puisse prendre une décision éclairée, et comprendre une ventilation des honoraires, débours et toute autre charge que l’avocat déduira du montant que le client recevra.

[5] L’exigence établie dans l’alinéa 3.6-2.1 (2) b) (iii) de la règle voulant que l’avocat explique le caractère raisonnable des honoraires vise à assurer que les honoraires conditionnels sont transparents et raisonnables. La Cour d’appel de l’Ontario a défini le critère de caractère raisonnable dans la décision Raphael Partners c. Lam (2002), 61 O.R. (3d) 417 au paragraphe 50 en décrivant les facteurs suivants à prendre en compte :

a) le temps consacré au dossier par l’avocat ;

b) la complexité juridique de l’affaire en cause ;

c) les résultats obtenus ;

d) le risque assumé par l’avocat, notamment le risque de non-paiement s’il y a une possibilité réelle de décision défavorable sur la question de la responsabilité dans la cause du client.

La déclaration requise devrait porter sur chacun de ces facteurs dans la mesure où ils s’appliquent à l’affaire.

[INSERT NEW DATE]

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3.6-2.2 (1) L’avocat qui annonce ses services juridiques avec l’idée de facturer à ses clients des honoraires conditionnels subordonnés, en tout ou en partie, à une décision favorable concernant l’affaire ou au règlement favorable de celle-ci doit publier le pourcentage maximum d’honoraires conditionnels. Cette divulgation doit être publiée sur le site Web de l’avocat, ou si l’avocat n’a pas de site Web, en fournissant le pourcentage maximum aux clients éventuels lors du premier contact.

(2) La présente règle ne s’applique pas aux instances introduites aux termes de la Loi de 1992 sur les recours collectifs.

[Nouveau – insert date]

Exigences de transition

3.6-2.3 Les dispositions des règles 3.6-2.1 et 3.6-2.2 ne s’appliquent pas aux ententes sur des honoraires conditionnels conclues avant le 1er juillet 2021.

[…]

ARTICLE 4.2 MARKETING

Publicité des honoraires

4.2-2 L’avocat peut annoncer ses honoraires pour des services juridiques aux conditions suivantes

Commentaire

[1] Les pourcentages maximums d’honoraires conditionnels publiés sur le site Web de l’avocat devraient être faciles d’accès.

[2] L’avocat peut conclure une entente dans laquelle le taux des honoraires conditionnels est supérieur à ses taux maximums publiés. Cependant, l’avocat doit :

a) divulguer au client que le pourcentage dépasse le taux d’honoraires conditionnels maximums divulgué ;

b) par la suite, publier le taux le plus élevé comme taux maximum.

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a) l’annonce des honoraires indique de façon suffisamment précise les services compris pour chaque prix indiqué ;

b) l’annonce des honoraires indique si d’autres montants, tels que les débours, les frais payables à des tiers et les taxes, sont facturés en sus ;

c) l’avocat s’en tient strictement aux frais annoncés dans toutes les circonstances applicables.

[Modifié – octobre 2014, septembre 2017, [NEW DATE]]]

4.2-2.1 L’avocat peut annoncer un prix pour agir dans une opération immobilière résidentielle si ;

a) Le prix comprend tous les honoraires pour services juridiques, débours, frais payables à des tiers et autres montants à l’exception de la taxe de vente harmonisée et des débours permis suivants : droits de cession immobilière, droits d’inscription de documents gouvernementaux, droits imposés par le gouvernement, frais Teranet, cout du certificat d’information d’un condominium, paiement pour lettres d’avocat de créanciers concernant des exécutions envers des noms similaires et primes d’assurance de titre ;

b) La publicité énonce que la taxe de vente harmonisée et les débours permis mentionnés au paragraphe a) de la présente règle ne sont pas compris dans le prix ;

c) L’avocat adhère strictement aux prix annoncés pour chaque transaction ;

d) Dans le cas d’une transaction d’achat, le prix comprend le prix pour agir à la fois dans la transaction d’achat et une transaction hypothécaire ;

e) Dans le cas d’une transaction de vente, le prix comprend le prix pour agir dans la mainlevée de la première hypothèque.

Commentaire

[1] L’avocat qui accepte de fournir des services conformément à un prix annoncé est tenu de fournir ses services juridiques selon la norme d’un avocat compétent. Les clients ont droit à la même qualité de services juridiques, que les services soient fournis en vertu d’un prix annoncé ou autre.

[2] Les exigences énoncées à la règle 4.2-2.1 visent à assurer que les prix annoncés par les avocats pour des opérations immobilières résidentielles sont clairs pour les consommateurs et sont comparables. La règle s’applique lorsque l’avocat annonce un prix pour agir dans une vente, un achat ou un refinancement de résidence ;

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[3] La présente règle s’applique à toutes les formes d’annonces de prix, y compris dans les médias traditionnels, sur Internet, sur le site Web de l’avocat et dans des listes standardisées de prix. Donner un prix sur un site Web équivaut à annoncer ses prix, que ceux-ci soient annoncés sur un site Web ou seulement disponibles en réponse à une demande faite sur un site Web. Cependant, cette règle ne s’applique pas si une estimation spécifique des honoraires est fournie par suite d’une demande sur le site Web selon une évaluation réelle du travail et des débours requis pour la transaction, pourvu que soient divulgués les débours prévisibles et autres frais que le consommateur devrait payer en sus des frais estimés.

[4] Si l’avocat décide d’annoncer un prix pour faire une opération immobilière résidentielle, l’avocat devrait s’assurer de fournir tous les renseignements pertinents. Par exemple, les débours permis ne devraient pas être énoncés en petits caractères ou dans des documents ou pages Web séparés. Il faut porter une attention particulière à la publicité de masse où les consommateurs n’auront pas la possibilité de lire et de comprendre tous les détails du prix. Les avocats devraient tenir compte de l’impression générale transmise par une annonce et non seulement sa signification littérale.

[5] Le prix faisant l’objet du paragraphe a) de la règle 4.2-2.1 est un prix forfaitaire. Les seules exclusions permises sont la taxe de vente harmonisée et les débours permis spécifiquement mentionnés dans le paragraphe. Les frais payés au gouvernement, aux municipalités ou à toute autre autorité semblable pour des enquêtes de diligence raisonnable sont des débours permis à titre de droits imposés par le gouvernement. Pour plus de certitude, le prix forfaitaire doit nécessairement comprendre les frais d’administration, de personnel, de messagerie, les frais bancaires, postaux, de photocopie, de recherche de titre ou autre recherche effectuée par un praticien tiers, les frais de clôture et autres dépenses et débours qui ne sont pas spécifiquement mentionnés dans ce paragraphe.

[Nouveau – septembre 2017]

4.2-2.2 L’avocat doit se conformer à la règle 3.6-2.2 s’il annonce, y compris par la publicité, que la facture des clients peut comprendre des honoraires qui dépendent, en tout ou en partie, d’une décision favorable concernant l’affaire ou du règlement favorable de celle-ci.

[Nouveau – insert date]

Proposed Amendments to the Paralegal Rules of Conduct

1

Paralegal Rules of Conduct

[…]

Rule 5 Fees and Retainers

5.01 FEES AND RETAINERS

Reasonable Fees and Disbursements

5.01 (1) A paralegal shall not charge or accept any amount for a fee or disbursement unless it is fair and reasonable and has been disclosed in a timely fashion.

[…]

Contingency Fees

(7) Except in Criminal Code (Canada) or any other criminal or quasi-criminal or criminal matters, a paralegal may enter into a contingency fee written agreement in accordance with the Solicitors Act and the regulations made under it.that provides that the paralegal's fee is contingent, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of the matter for which the paralegal's services are to be provided.

(8) In determining the appropriate percentage or other basis of a the contingency fee under subrule (7), the paralegal shall consider a number of factors, advise the client on the factors that are being taken into account in determining the percentage or other basis, including the likelihood of success, the nature and complexity of the claim, the expense and risk of pursuing it, the amount of the expected recovery, and who is to receive an award of costs and the amount of costs awarded. The paralegal shall advise the client of these factors.

(8.1) A paralegal who enters into a contingency fee agreement must meet the following client disclosure requirements:

(a) provide the client with the Law Society’s consumer guide titled “Contingency fees: What you need to know,” available on the Law Society’s website, and a reasonable opportunity to review and consider it before entering into the agreement; and

(b) when billing for the contingency fee, deliver a bill to the client that:

(i) clearly shows the total amount of the settlement or award and the net amount that the client receives;

(ii) clearly itemizes and identifies disbursement costs, legal fees and taxes charged to the client;

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(iii) explains the reasonableness of the fee with reference to the following factors:

(a) the time expended by the paralegal;

(b) the legal complexity of the matter at issue;

(c) the results achieved; and

(d) the risk assumed by the paralegal, including the risk of non-payment where there is a real risk of an adverse finding on liability in the client’s case; and

(iv) states that the client has the right to apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an assessment of the bill in accordance with section 28.1 of the Solicitors Act 1990 and specifies the latest date for doing so.

(8.2) The requirements of subrule (8.1)(b)(iii) and (iv) do not apply where a court approves the contingency fee.

(9) The percentage or other basis of a contingency fee agreed upon under subrule (7) shall be fair and reasonable, taking into consideration all of the circumstances and the factors listed in subrule (8).A paralegal who markets legal services on the basis that clients may be charged fees contingent, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of a matter must publish a general maximum contingency fee percentage. The disclosure must be by publication on the paralegal’s website, or, if the paralegal does not have a website, by providing the maximum percentage to potential clients when they first contact the paralegal.

Transitional Requirements

(9.1) Subrules (8), (8.1), (8.2) and (9) do not apply to contingency fee agreements entered into before July 1, 2021.

[New – [Insert Date]]

[…]

8.03 MARKETING OF LEGAL SERVICES

Marketing of Legal Services

3

(1) In this Rule, "marketing" includes advertisements and other similar communications in various media as well as firm names (including trade names), letterhead, business cards and logos.

(2) A paralegal may market legal services only if the marketing

(a) is demonstrably true, accurate and verifiable;

(b) is neither misleading, confusing, or deceptive, nor likely to mislead, confuse or deceive; and

(c) is in the best interests of the public and is consistent with a high standard of professionalism.

Advertising of Fees

(3) A paralegal may advertise fees charged by the paralegal for legal services if

(a) the advertising is reasonably precise as to the services offered for each fee quoted;

(b) the advertising states whether other amounts, such as disbursements, third-party charges and taxes will be charged in addition to the fee; and

(c) the paralegal strictly adheres to the advertised fee in every applicable case.

(4) A paralegal must comply with subrule 5.01(9) if the paralegal markets legal services, including by advertising, on the basis that fees may be contingent, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of the matter for which the paralegal’s services are provided.

1

Code de déontologie des parajuristes

[…]

Règle 5 Les honoraires et les mandats

5.01 LES HONORAIRES ET LES MANDATS

Honoraires et débours raisonnables

5.01 (1) Le ou la parajuriste ne doit pas demander ni accepter des honoraires et des débours qui ne sont ni justes ni raisonnables et qui n’ont pas été divulgués en temps utile.

[…]

Honoraires conditionnels

(7) Sauf dans des affaires relevant du Code criminel (Canada) ou dans toute autre affaire criminelle ou quasi criminelle, le parajuriste peut conclure une entente écrite sur des honoraires conditionnels conforme à la Loi sur les procureurs et aux règlements pris en application de la loi. qui prévoit que tous les honoraires ou une partie des honoraires du parajuriste dépendront d’un règlement positif ou de la conclusion de l’affaire pour laquelle ses services ont été retenus.

(8) Dans l’évaluation du pourcentage approprié ou de tout autre taux du calcul des honoraires conditionnels dans le cadre du paragraphe (7), le parajuriste doit examiner un certain nombre de facteurs, informe le client des facteurs pris en compte à cette fin, y compris les chances de succès, la nature et la complexité de la réclamation, le cout et les risques reliés à celle-ci, le montant des dommages-intérêts prévus et la personne à qui seront adjugés les dépens. Le parajuriste doit informer le client de ces facteurs.

(8.1) Le parajuriste qui conclut une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels doit satisfaire aux exigences suivantes relatives à la divulgation de renseignements des clients :

a) remettre au client le guide du Barreau intitulé Honoraires conditionnels : ce que vous devez savoir, qui se trouve sur le site Web du Barreau, et lui donner un délai raisonnable pour le consulter avant de conclure une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels ;

b) lors de la facturation des honoraires conditionnels, remettre une facture au client qui :

(i) indique clairement le montant total du règlement ou des indemnités et le montant net que le client recevra ;

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(ii) indique clairement et en détail le cout des débours, les honoraires juridiques et les taxes imputés au client ;

(iii) explique le caractère raisonnable des honoraires en décrivant les facteurs suivants à prendre en compte :

a) le temps consacré au dossier par le parajuriste ;

b) la complexité juridique de l’affaire en cause ;

c) les résultats obtenus ;

d) le risque assumé par le parajuriste, notamment le risque de non-paiement s’il y a une possibilité réelle de décision défavorable sur la question de la responsabilité dans la cause du client ;

(iv) indique que le client a le droit de demander à la Cour supérieure de justice la liquidation du mémoire en application de l’article 28.1 de la Loi de 1990 sur les procureurs, et donne la date d’échéance pour faire une telle demande.

(8.2) Les exigences prévues aux alinéas (8.1) b) (iii) et (iv) ne s’appliquent pas si un tribunal a approuvé les honoraires conditionnels.

(9) Le pourcentage ou le taux de calcul des honoraires conditionnels convenu en application du paragraphe (7) est juste et raisonnable, compte tenu de toutes les circonstances et des facteurs énumérés au paragraphe (8). Le parajuriste qui annonce ses services juridiques avec l’idée de facturer à ses clients des honoraires conditionnels subordonnés, en tout ou en partie, à une décision favorable concernant l’affaire ou au règlement favorable de celle-ci doit publier le pourcentage maximum sur les honoraires conditionnels. Cette divulgation doit être publiée sur le site Web du parajuriste, ou si le parajuriste n’a pas de site Web, en fournissant le pourcentage maximum aux clients éventuels lors du premier contact.

Exigences de transition

(9.1) Les dispositions des règles (8), (8.1), (8.2) et (9) ne s’appliquent pas aux ententes sur des honoraires conditionnels conclues avant le 1er juillet 2021.

[Nouveau – [insert date]]

[…]

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8.03 MARKETING DES SERVICES JURIDIQUES

Marketing des services juridiques

(1) Dans la présente règle, « marketing » comprend les publicités et d’autres communications de même type sous diverses formes ainsi que le nom des cabinets (y compris la raison sociale commerciale), le papier entête, les cartes professionnelles et les logos.

(2) Un parajuriste peut faire la promotion de ses services juridiques seulement si la publicité :

a) est manifestement vraie, précise et vérifiable ;

b) n’est ni trompeuse ni déroutante, et ne risque pas de tromper ou de dérouter ;

c) est conforme à l’intérêt public et à une norme élevée de professionnalisme.

Publicité des honoraires

(3) Le parajuriste peut annoncer ses honoraires pour des services juridiques aux conditions suivantes :

a) l’annonce des honoraires indique de façon suffisamment précise les services compris pour chaque prix indiqué ;

b) l’annonce des honoraires indique si d’autres montants, tels que les débours, les frais payables à des tiers et les taxes, sont facturés en sus ;

c) Le parajuriste s’en tient aux frais annoncés dans tous les cas applicables ;

(4) Le parajuriste doit se conformer à la sous-règle 5.01 (9) s’il annonce, y compris par la publicité, que la facture des clients peut comprendre des honoraires qui dépendent, en tout ou en partie, d’une décision favorable concernant l’affaire ou du règlement favorable de celle-ci.

Contingency Fees Consumer Guide

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Contingency fees: What you need to know

A guide from the Law Society of Ontario

What is a contingency fee? When you have a legal matter, you may need to hire a lawyer or a paralegal. If you think you could receive money for your matter, you may be able to pay for their services on a contingency basis. That means you only pay legal fees if you receive money because you win your case or get a negotiated settlement. If you lose your case, you do not pay legal fees, although you may have to pay for other legal expenses.

Your lawyer or paralegal will usually charge a percentage of the money that you get as a contingency fee, plus HST.

Other ways of paying legal fees Contingency fees are just one way of paying for the services of a lawyer or paralegal. Other options could include paying an hourly rate, or paying a flat rate (one fixed amount) for the legal services.

How this guide can help you Read this guide carefully before you enter into any agreement about contingency fees. The contingency fee agreement is a document that is legally required. It is a signed contract, and you are bound by its terms.

This guide will help you to:

• Understand your rights • Ask important questions • Understand the different types of contingency fee agreements • Compare what different lawyers and paralegals are offering • Decide if contingency fees are right for you.

Lawyers and paralegals are required to give you this guide when you first meet with them to discuss contingency fees.

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Can lawyers and paralegals offer contingency fee agreements for any type of legal matter? No. They cannot offer contingency fee agreements for family law or criminal matters. They can for other matters where their client might receive money. This money might take the form of a negotiated settlement or an award ordered by a court or by a tribunal (such as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board).

Lawyers can represent clients on any matter that can be paid for with a contingency fee. Paralegals can offer a contingency fee only for small claims court and matters taken to an administrative tribunal.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of contingency fees? There are two advantages to having a contingency fee agreement. First, you don’t pay fees for legal services up front. Second, if you lose your case, you will not have to pay legal fees to your own lawyer or paralegal.

There are also possible disadvantages. If you settle or win your case early in the process, the percentage of the award your lawyer or paralegal gets is higher than if you had been paying hourly or fixed fees.

Another thing to think about is what would happen if you or your legal professional decide to end the contingency fee agreement before the case concludes. This could happen, for example, if you decide to hire a different lawyer or paralegal. It is likely that you would have to pay them fees for work they have already done, at an hourly rate, plus any other legal expenses. This condition is written into the contingency fee agreement.

Keep in mind that there are other legal expenses besides fees for lawyers or paralegals. Your contingency fee agreement may not cover these.

What are the other legal expenses besides fees? The fees you pay to a lawyer or paralegal usually only cover the cost of the time they spend working on your case. There are two other important types of legal expenses: disbursements and costs.

Disbursements These are expenses that your lawyer or paralegal pays on your behalf to third parties for items and services needed to support your case. Generally, disbursements do not include the ordinary costs of providing legal services. For example, overtime or fees for law

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clerks or administrative assistants cannot be charged to you as disbursements. However, disbursements can include expenses approved by a court or tribunal or authorized by a regulation known as “Tariff A,” even if these expenses relate to the costs of providing legal services.

Examples of disbursements that can be validly charged to you include:

• court filing fees • hiring court reporters • costs of transcripts • paying for expert witnesses, such as medical experts • cost of copies of documents prepared for the use of the judge (allowed by Tariff

A)

You will likely have to pay for disbursements even if you lose your case.

When do I pay for disbursements? It is most common for the lawyer or paralegal to pay for disbursements and then recover the money from you when your case concludes. In some cases, however, you may have to pay for disbursements as you go. Your agreement should state clearly when and how you agree to pay for disbursements.

Disbursements can be substantial sums of money. Your lawyer or paralegal has a duty to tell you if there are major expenses in your case and the impact they will have on the settlement or award you may receive.

Costs In legal proceedings, “costs” are the money that a court or tribunal may order the person who loses the case to pay to the person who wins the case (or a stage in the case). Costs can also be included as part of a settlement. In most cases, these awarded costs pay only a part of a person’s legal expenses.

If you lose your case, you may have to pay costs to the successful party. Having a contingency agreement does not protect you from having to pay costs. You should talk with your lawyer or paralegal about the risks involved in your case.

On the other hand, if you win or settle your case, you may receive costs. You can use this money to help pay for your legal expenses. Your lawyer or paralegal should try to get as much money for you in costs as they can.

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How would a deductible affect my award or settlement? If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to sue for your pain and suffering (also known as ‘general damages’). If the general damages in the award or settlement are under a certain amount, a ‘deductible’ may apply—reducing how much of the award or settlement is paid by the other side’s insurance company. This deductible is ´statutory´, meaning that it is set by insurance legislation. Before signing an agreement, ask your lawyer if these insurance rules could apply to you to reduce how much you are able to recover.

How do legal professionals set contingency fees? The lawyer or paralegal usually sets a percentage of the award or settlement as the contingency fee. The percentage also applies to any amount you receive for costs, but it does not apply to any amount you receive specifically to help you pay for disbursements.

The percentage can be higher or lower based on several factors.

For example, you may have a straightforward case that they think you are likely to settle or win early in the proceeding. In this case, the percentage may be lower.

On the other hand, if your case is complex, and they are taking on a lot of risk because you might lose, they may set the percentage of the contingency fee higher.

The main factors they consider are:

• how much time they think they will have to spend on your case • the risk that you might not win your case • how much money they think you might get as a settlement or award.

The legislation sets the maximum fee that a lawyer or paralegal can charge. The maximum fee cannot be more than the amount you receive from your award or settlement. To calculate the maximum fee allowed, the award or settlement will include costs but exclude disbursements and taxes.

In all cases, the fee must be fair and reasonable.

In exceptional situations, your legal professional will ask, in the contingency fee agreement, for the right to choose between the contingency fee or the costs awarded after a trial or hearing.

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Are there different ways of setting up contingency fees? Yes. Some contingency fee agreements cover all the legal fees for every stage of a case from start to finish. Others cover only some of your legal services.

Here are some examples of different ways the contingency fee could be structured:

A fixed percentage contingency fee is one where the percentage that the legal professional receives remains the same all through the proceeding.

A staged or graduated contingency fee is one where the percentage that the lawyer or paralegal receives changes, depending on the stage at which the matter is resolved. If it is resolved at an early stage, the percentage is lower. In later stages, the percentage goes up. This is to take into account the additional work the lawyer or paralegal does as the case goes on.

A partial contingency fee is one where you pay for some legal services at the outset of your case or as it proceeds, plus a contingency fee if you win or settle. The fee payments may be discounted (lower) than the usual rate because you have a partial contingency agreement.

How can I compare what lawyers and paralegals are offering? It is best to compare the contingency fees that lawyers and paralegals are offering before you sign any agreement.

Lawyers and paralegals have to post the maximum contingency fee they charge on their websites, or tell you when you contact them. Many lawyers and paralegals offer a free consultation before taking on your case to discuss your options.

For help finding a lawyer or paralegal, you can use the Law Society of Ontario’s website at lso.ca. From the home page, select “Public Resources.” Then select “Finding a Lawyer or Paralegal.”

You have the right to know about your legal professional’s education and experience. Many lawyers and paralegals will describe this on their websites. You can also ask about their experience in cases similar to yours.

Who will make the decisions about my case? You have the right to make all critical decisions about how your case is conducted. For example, your lawyer or paralegal has an obligation to ask for your instructions about critical decisions such as accepting a settlement or having a hearing.

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Can we end the agreement after it is signed? You have the right to end the agreement at any time.

Your lawyer or paralegal can also end the agreement, but only in certain circumstances. These include when:

• You tell them to do something that goes against their professional duty • You lie to them • You refuse to accept their advice on an important point • You persist in being unreasonable or uncooperative • You do not pay your bills in a timely manner • They cannot get the instructions they need from you to pursue your case • They feel that acting for you places them in a conflict of interest.

No matter who ends the agreement, you may still owe your lawyer or paralegal for their work and expenses so far, plus HST. They have the right to take this money from your settlement or award at the end of your case. These terms will be set out in the agreement.

If I win or settle my case, how and when do I get the money? Money that has been awarded by the court or negotiated in a settlement will usually be paid to your lawyer or paralegal. They hold it in trust for you.

Before they give the money to you, they prepare an account statement showing what they will deduct for fees, disbursements and applicable taxes. The account statement must clearly set out:

• The amount of the settlement or award • The amount of the contingency fee and amounts for any other legal services that

they will deduct, plus HST • The amount of all outstanding disbursements they will deduct, plus any applicable

taxes • The net amount of money that you will receive after the deductions • The way you will receive the money.

The account statement should clearly explain why the fees and deductions are reasonable, and what you can do if you feel that they are not reasonable.

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In some cases, such as those that go before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, benefits may be paid directly to you. You would then be responsible for paying your lawyer or paralegal.

If you are a party under disability represented by a litigation guardian, a judge must approve the agreement. This approval must happen either before the agreement is finalized or as part of the court’s approval of a settlement agreement or a consent judgment. When the court reviews a settlement agreement or a consent judgment, the court must also approve the legal fees, costs, taxes and disbursements.

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Some examples of how contingency fees work Here are some imaginary situations where a client receives a settlement or award. In each example, they pay a legal professional on a contingency fee basis. The examples do not predict what might happen in your case. They are just to help you understand how contingency fees are calculated and what a final account statement might look like.

Example #1 Stella was injured at work. However, her worker’s compensation claim was refused. She hired a paralegal to help her appeal to the tribunal.

Stella and her paralegal negotiated a settlement of $50,000 before going to the tribunal. The paralegal’s fee for services for settling at this early stage was 15%. No money was negotiated for costs.

Stella’s agreement required her to repay her paralegal for disbursements as they were incurred, which she did. So there were no disbursements outstanding.

When the money was paid, the paralegal put it in a trust account and prepared a final account statement for Stella:

Settlement amount $50,000 Less: Contingency fee at 15% of $50,000 -7,500 Less: HST on contingency fee at 13% -975 Outstanding disbursements 0 Stella will receive: $41,525

Example #2 Blanche was fired from her job. She believed the dismissal was unfair. She hired a lawyer to help her go to court to get compensation for lost wages.

Blanche and her lawyer prepared their case. After the examination for discovery, the employer offered to settle. This meant they would not have to go to court.

Blanche and her lawyer settled for $100,000 plus $15,000 in costs. This made the total settlement $115,000. They did not negotiate any money to cover disbursements.

The lawyer’s contingency fee for settling at this stage was 20%. On top of this, Blanche had agreed to pay for disbursements out of the money she was to receive. Her lawyer had incurred $13,000 in disbursements.

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When the money was paid, the lawyer put it in a trust account. She prepared a final account statement for Blanche:

Settlement amount ($100,000 + $15,000) $115,000 Less: Contingency fee at 20% of $115,000 - 23,000 Less: HST on contingency fee at 13% -2,990 Less: Disbursements owing -13,000 Less: HST on disbursements at 13% -1,690 Blanche will receive: $ 74,320

Example #3 Stanley had an operation that went badly. He believed that there was medical malpractice. He hired a lawyer to help him get compensation.

Stanley’s lawyer advised him that the other side would likely want to fight this matter out in court. He also felt there was a risk that he and Stanley might not win the case. But he believed it was important that Stanley’s case be heard. He offered to represent him on a contingency basis at a fee of 40%. Stanley agreed to pay for his disbursements at the end of the case.

After a hearing of several days, the Superior Court actually decided in Stanley’s favour. He was awarded $300,000, plus $175,000 in costs ($100,000 for legal fees and $75,000 for disbursements). By then, Stanley’s lawyer had incurred $97,500 in disbursements.

It took some time before the money was finally paid, so the court required the other side to pay $23,750 in interest on it as well. Stanley’s lawyer put all the money in a trust account. He prepared a final account statement for Stanley:

Amount awarded ($300,000 + $175,000 + $23,750 in interest) $498,750 Less: Contingency fee at 40% of $423,750 (total award minus the $75,000 awarded for disbursements)

-169,500

Less: HST on contingency fee at 13% -22,035 Less: Amount the court ordered for disbursements (including HST)

-75,000

Less: Amount Stanley still has to pay for disbursements -22,500 Less: HST on what Stanley pays for disbursements at 13% -2,925 Stanley will receive: $206,790

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Some questions to ask when you are comparing contingency fees Use this list of questions as a starting point when you have initial consultations with lawyers and paralegals. Your notes can help you make a choice among legal professionals.

Experience

1. What experience do you have with cases like mine?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What the agreement covers

2. What legal services does the contingency fee cover? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Calculating the contingency fee

3. What percentage will you charge me if I receive money at the end of my case? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. How do you calculate the percentage for your fee? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Based on your experience, do you think that we can resolve this case in the early stages? Is the percentage lower if I am likely to win or settle my case early? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Disbursements

6. Who will be paying for disbursements? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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7. If I am paying for disbursements, what type of disbursements do I have to pay for? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. If I am paying for disbursements, when do I pay for them? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Will you take a lower contingency fee if I pay for my disbursements throughout the course of the case? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Can you give me an estimate of how much disbursements could end up costing in my

case? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. What happens if I become unable to pay for disbursements? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Costs

12. If I win my case, will I likely be awarded costs? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. If I lose my case, is it likely I will have to pay costs? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Based on your experience, how much in costs will I have to pay to the other side if I lose? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Motor vehicle accident cases

15. Will a deductible apply to my motor vehicle accident case? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. If a deductible applies to my case, how could it affect my award or settlement? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

My settlement or award

17. If I win or settle, how will I receive my settlement or award money? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Based on your experience, how long will I have to wait for my settlement or award? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Honoraires conditionnels : ce que vous devez savoir

Guide du Barreau de l’Ontario

Que sont les honoraires conditionnels? Si vous avez un problème juridique, vous aurez sans doute besoin d’embaucher un avocat ou un parajuriste. Si vous vous attendez à recevoir de l’argent à la fin de votre affaire, vous pourriez vous entendre avec votre avocat ou parajuriste pour payer ses services au moyen d’honoraires conditionnels. Cela signifie que vous paierez seulement si vous recevez des fonds après avoir eu gain de cause ou réglé à l’amiable. Si vous perdez votre cause, vous ne paierez pas d’honoraires juridiques, bien que vous puissiez avoir d’autres frais à payer.

En général, les honoraires conditionnels de votre avocat ou de votre parajuriste seront constitués d’un pourcentage des sommes que vous obtiendrez, plus la TVH.

Autres façons de payer les honoraires juridiques Les honoraires conditionnels ne sont qu’un moyen parmi d’autres de payer pour les services d’un avocat ou d’un parajuriste. Un autre moyen pourrait être de payer un taux horaire ou forfaitaire (un montant fixe) pour les services juridiques.

Comment ce guide peut-il vous aider? Lisez ce guide attentivement avant de conclure une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels. La loi exige la conclusion de cette entente. C’est un contrat signé et vous êtes lié par ses modalités.

Le présent guide vous aidera :

• à comprendre vos droits ; • à poser d’importantes questions ; • à comprendre les différents types d’ententes sur des honoraires conditionnels ; • à comparer ce qu’offrent les avocats et les parajuristes ; • à décider si les honoraires conditionnels vous conviennent.

Les avocats et les parajuristes sont tenus de vous remettre le présent guide la première fois que vous les rencontrez pour discuter d’honoraires conditionnels.

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Les avocats et les parajuristes peuvent-ils proposer une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels pour tout type d’affaire juridique? Non. Ils ne peuvent pas proposer une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels pour des affaires de droit de la famille ou de droit criminel. Ils peuvent en proposer une pour les affaires dans lesquelles leur client pourrait recevoir de l’argent. Cet argent pourrait prendre la forme d’un règlement à l’amiable ou d’un montant adjugé par un tribunal (comme la Commission de la sécurité professionnelle et de l’assurance contre les accidents du travail).

Les avocats peuvent représenter des clients pour toute affaire pouvant être payée par des honoraires conditionnels. Les parajuristes peuvent proposer des honoraires conditionnels seulement pour les affaires entendues par la Cour des petites créances ou par un tribunal administratif.

Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients des honoraires conditionnels? Une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels comporte deux avantages à la base. Le premier, vous n’avez pas à payer les honoraires juridiques d’avance. Le second, si vous perdez votre cause, vous n’aurez pas à payer les honoraires juridiques à votre avocat ou à votre parajuriste.

Il peut aussi y avoir des inconvénients. Si vous réglez à l’amiable ou si vous avez gain de cause tôt dans le processus, le pourcentage de l’indemnisation que votre avocat ou votre parajuriste obtient pourrait être une somme supérieure à ce que vous auriez payé à un taux horaire ou forfaitaire.

Il faut aussi penser à ce qui arrive si vous ou votre professionnel juridique décidez de mettre fin à l’entente sur des honoraires conditionnels avant la fin de l’affaire. Cela pourrait se produire si, par exemple, vous décidiez de changer d’avocat ou de parajuriste. Vous devriez probablement payer un taux horaire pour le travail déjà effectué, en plus d’autres frais juridiques. Cette condition est inscrite dans l’entente sur des honoraires conditionnels.

Gardez en tête qu’il y a d’autres dépenses juridiques en plus des honoraires des avocats ou des parajuristes. Votre entente sur des honoraires conditionnels peut ne pas les couvrir.

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Quelles sont les autres dépenses juridiques outre les honoraires? Les honoraires que vous payez à un avocat ou à un parajuriste ne couvrent généralement que le temps qu’ils passent sur votre affaire. Il y a deux autres importants types de dépenses juridiques : les débours et les dépens.

Débours Il s’agit de montants que votre avocat ou votre parajuriste paie en votre nom à des tiers pour des documents ou des services nécessaires à votre affaire. En général, les débours ne comprennent pas les couts ordinaires de la prestation de services juridiques. Par exemple, les heures supplémentaires ou les frais d’adjoints juridiques ou administratifs ne peuvent pas vous être facturés comme débours. Cependant, les débours peuvent comprendre les dépenses approuvées par un tribunal judiciaire ou administratif ou autorisées par une formule des Règles de procédure civile appelée « tarif A », même si ces dépenses portent sur les couts associés à la prestation de services juridiques.

Voici des exemples de débours qui peuvent vous être facturés valablement :

• droits de dépôt perçus par le tribunal ; • embauche de sténographe ; • frais de transcription ; • paiement à des témoins experts, comme des experts médicaux ; • cout de copies de documents préparés pour le juge (permis par la formule du

tarif A).

Vous devrez vraisemblablement payer les débours même si vous perdez votre cause.

Quand dois-je payer les débours? Il est assez courant que l’avocat ou le parajuriste paie les débours et recouvre ces frais auprès de vous à la fin de votre affaire. Cependant, dans certains cas, vous pourriez devoir payer les débours au fur et à mesure. Votre entente devrait indiquer clairement quand et comment vous acceptez de payer les débours.

Les débours peuvent être d’importantes sommes d’argent. Votre avocat ou votre parajuriste a l’obligation de vous dire si votre affaire entraine des dépenses majeures et le cas échéant, leur incidence sur le règlement ou le montant qui pourrait vous être adjugé.

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Dépens Dans une instance juridique, les « dépens » sont les montants qu’un tribunal judiciaire ou administratif peut ordonner à la personne qui perd de payer à la personne qui a gain de cause (ou dans une étape de l’affaire). Des dépens peuvent aussi être inclus dans un règlement à l’amiable. Dans la plupart des cas, ces montants ne couvrent qu’une partie des dépenses juridiques d’une personne.

Si vous perdez votre cause, vous pourriez devoir payer des dépens à la partie gagnante. Une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels ne vous protège pas contre les dépens. Vous devriez parler avec votre avocat ou votre parajuriste des risques associés à votre affaire.

Par contre, si vous gagnez ou réglez à l’amiable, vous pourriez recevoir des dépens. Vous pouvez utiliser cet argent pour payer vos dépenses juridiques. Votre avocat ou votre parajuriste devrait essayer de vous obtenir autant de dépens que possible.

Quelle incidence une déduction peut-elle avoir sur mon indemnisation ou mon règlement? Si vous étiez blessé dans un accident de la route, vous auriez le droit de poursuivre pour souffrances et douleurs (ou « dommages-intérêts généraux »). Si les dommages-intérêts généraux de l’indemnisation ou du règlement sont inférieurs à un certain montant, une déduction peut être retranchée — réduisant le montant de l’indemnisation ou du règlement payé par la compagnie d’assurance de l’autre partie. Cette déduction est « légale », c’est-à-dire qu’elle est fixée par la législation sur les sociétés d’assurance. Avant de signer une entente, demandez à votre avocat si ces règles sur l’assurance pourraient s’appliquer à vous pour réduire le montant que vous pourriez recouvrer.

Comment les professionnels juridiques fixent-ils les honoraires conditionnels? En général, l’avocat ou le parajuriste fixe un pourcentage de l’indemnisation ou du règlement comme honoraires conditionnels. Le pourcentage s’applique aussi à tout montant que vous recevez pour les dépens, mais il ne s’applique pas aux montants que vous recevez spécifiquement pour vous aider à payer les débours.

Le pourcentage peut être plus ou moins élevé en fonction de divers facteurs.

Par exemple, vous pourriez avoir une affaire simple qui selon l’avocat ou le parajuriste ferait l’objet d’un règlement ou serait gagnée tôt dans le processus. Dans ce cas, le pourcentage pourrait être plus bas.

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Par contre, si votre affaire est complexe et qu’ils prennent beaucoup de risques parce que vous pourriez perdre, ils peuvent fixer le pourcentage des honoraires conditionnels à un taux plus élevé.

Voici les principaux facteurs à prendre en compte :

• combien de temps ils pensent devoir consacrer à votre affaire ; • le risque que vous perdiez votre affaire ; • combien d’argent ils croient que vous pourriez obtenir dans un règlement ou une

indemnisation.

La loi fixe le maximum qu’un avocat ou un parajuriste peut exiger. Les honoraires maximums ne peuvent pas dépasser le montant que vous recevez de votre indemnisation ou de votre règlement. Pour calculer le maximum permis, l’indemnisation ou le règlement inclura les dépens, mais exclura les débours et les taxes.

Dans tous les cas, les honoraires doivent être justes et raisonnables.

Dans des situations exceptionnelles, votre professionnel juridique demandera, dans l’entente sur les honoraires conditionnels, le droit de choisir entre des honoraires conditionnels et des dépens adjugés après un procès ou une audience.

Y a-t-il différentes façons de structurer les honoraires conditionnels? Oui. Certaines ententes sur des honoraires conditionnels couvrent tous les honoraires juridiques pour chaque étape d’une affaire du début à la fin. D’autres ne couvrent que certains de vos services juridiques.

Voici quelques exemples de façons dont les honoraires conditionnels pourraient être structurés :

Des honoraires conditionnels à pourcentage fixe : le pourcentage que le professionnel juridique reçoit demeure le même pendant toute la procédure.

Des honoraires conditionnels progressifs : le pourcentage que l’avocat ou le parajuriste reçoit change, en fonction du stade où l’affaire est résolue. Si elle est résolue tôt dans le processus, le pourcentage est plus bas. Plus tard, le pourcentage augmente. Cela sert à prendre en compte le travail additionnel que l’avocat ou le parajuriste accomplit au fur et à mesure que l’affaire se poursuit.

Des honoraires conditionnels partiels : vous payez pour certains des services juridiques au début de votre affaire ou à mesure qu’elle avance, plus des honoraires conditionnels

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si vous gagnez ou réglez à l’amiable. Les paiements d’honoraires peuvent être réduits à un taux inférieur au taux habituel parce que vous avez une entente d’honoraires partiels.

Comment puis-je comparer ce qu’offrent les avocats et les parajuristes? Il vaut mieux comparer les honoraires conditionnels que les avocats et les parajuristes offrent avant de signer une entente.

Les avocats et les parajuristes doivent afficher les honoraires conditionnels maximaux qu’ils demandent sur leur site Web, ou vous le dire lorsque vous communiquez avec eux. De nombreux avocats et parajuristes offrent une consultation gratuite avant de prendre votre affaire en charge pour discuter de vos options.

Pour trouver un avocat ou un parajuriste, vous pouvez aller sur le site Web du Barreau de l’Ontario au lso.ca. À partir de la page d’accueil, sélectionnez « Services au public » puis « Trouver un avocat ou un parajuriste ».

Vous avez le droit de connaitre le niveau de formation et d’expérience de votre professionnel juridique. De nombreux avocats et parajuristes le décrivent sur leur site Web. Vous pouvez aussi leur poser des questions sur leur expérience dans des affaires similaires à la vôtre.

Qui prendra les décisions sur mon affaire? Vous avez le droit de prendre toutes les décisions cruciales sur la façon de mener votre affaire. Par exemple, votre avocat ou votre parajuriste a l’obligation de vous demander vos instructions sur des décisions cruciales comme accepter un règlement ou avoir une audience.

Pouvons-nous mettre fin à l’entente une fois qu’elle est signée? Vous avez le droit de mettre fin à l’entente à tout moment.

Votre avocat ou votre parajuriste peut aussi y mettre fin, mais seulement dans certaines circonstances. Par exemple :

• si vous lui dites de faire quelque chose qui va à l’encontre de son devoir professionnel ;

• si vous lui mentez ; • si vous refusez ses conseils sur un point important ; • si vous persistez à être déraisonnable ou non coopératif ; • si vous ne payez pas vos factures en temps utile ;

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• s’il ne peut pas obtenir de vous les instructions dont il a besoin pour poursuivre votre affaire ;

• s’il se sent en conflit d’intérêts lorsqu’il vous représente.

Peu importe qui met fin à l’entente, vous devrez quand même payer à votre avocat ou à votre parajuriste les heures de travail accumulées et les dépenses faites jusque-là, plus la TVH. Il peut déduire ce montant de votre règlement ou de votre indemnisation à la fin de votre affaire. Ces modalités seront établies dans l’entente.

Si j’obtiens gain de cause, quand et comment recevrai-je l’argent? Le montant qui vous a été adjugé par le tribunal ou qui a été négocié dans un règlement sera généralement payé à votre avocat ou à votre parajuriste, qui le détiendra en fiducie pour vous.

Avant qu’il vous remette le montant, il préparera un relevé de compte montrant ce qu’il déduira pour les honoraires, les débours et les taxes applicables. Le relevé de compte doit clairement indiquer ce qui suit :

• le montant du règlement ou de l’indemnisation ; • le montant des honoraires conditionnels et les montants pour tout autre service

juridique qu’il déduira, plus la TVH ; • le montant de tous les débours impayés qu’il déduira, plus toutes taxes

applicables ; • le montant net d’argent que vous recevrez après les déductions ; • la façon dont vous recevrez l’argent.

Le relevé de compte devrait expliquer clairement pourquoi les honoraires et les déductions sont raisonnables, et ce que vous pouvez faire si vous ne les trouvez pas raisonnables.

Dans certains cas, comme ceux qui se retrouvent devant la Commission de la sécurité professionnelle et de l’assurance contre les accidents du travail, les indemnisations peuvent vous être payées directement. Il vous reviendra alors de payer votre avocat ou votre parajuriste.

Si vous êtes une partie souffrant d’une incapacité, représentée par un tuteur à l’instance, un juge doit approuver l’entente. Cette approbation doit être obtenue soit avant que l’entente soit finalisée soit dans le cadre de l’approbation par un tribunal d’une entente de règlement ou d’un jugement sur consentement. Quand le tribunal examine une

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entente de règlement ou un jugement sur consentement, le tribunal doit approuver les frais juridiques, les dépens, les taxes et les débours.

Exemples du fonctionnement des honoraires conditionnels Voici quelques situations fictives où un client reçoit un règlement ou une indemnisation. Dans chaque exemple, il paie des honoraires conditionnels à un professionnel juridique. Ces exemples ne prédisent pas ce qui peut se produire dans votre cas. Ils ne servent qu’à vous aider à comprendre comment les honoraires conditionnels sont calculés et à quoi pourrait ressembler le relevé de compte.

Exemple no 1 Stella s’est blessée au travail. Cependant, sa demande d’indemnisation pour accident de travail a été refusée. Elle a embauché une parajuriste pour l’aider à faire appel au tribunal.

Stella et sa parajuriste ont négocié un règlement de 50 000 $ avant de recourir au tribunal. Les honoraires de la parajuriste pour effectuer le règlement à ce stade du processus étaient de 15 %. Aucun montant n’a été négocié pour les dépens.

L’entente de Stella exigeait qu’elle rembourse les débours à la parajuriste au fur et à mesure qu’ils étaient engagés, ce qu’elle a fait. Il n’y avait donc aucuns débours impayés.

Quand l’argent a été payé, la parajuriste l’a mis dans un compte en fiducie et a préparé un relevé de compte final pour Stella :

Montant du règlement 50 000 $ Moins : honoraires conditionnels à 15 % de 50 000 $

-7 500

Moins : TVH sur les honoraires conditionnels à 13 %

-975

Débours impayés 0 Stella recevra : 41 525 $

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Exemple no 2 Blanche a été remerciée de ses services. Elle croit que le congédiement était injustifié. Elle a embauché une avocate pour l’aider à aller devant le tribunal pour obtenir une indemnisation pour perte de salaire.

Blanche et son avocate ont préparé leur affaire. Après l’interrogatoire préalable, l’employeur offre de régler à l’amiable. Cela signifie qu’ils n’auront pas à aller devant un tribunal.

Blanche et son avocate règlent pour 100 000 $, plus 15 000 $ de dépens. Cela porte le total du règlement à 115 000 $. Elles n’ont pas négocié de montant pour couvrir les débours.

Les honoraires conditionnels de l’avocate pour régler à ce stade étaient de 20 %. En plus, Blanche avait accepté de payer les débours à partir des fonds qu’elle devait recevoir. Son avocate a engagé des débours de 13 000 $.

Quand les fonds ont été payés, l’avocate les a mis dans un compte en fiducie. Elle a préparé un relevé de compte final pour Blanche :

Montant du règlement (100 000 $ + 15 000 $) 115 000 $ Moins : honoraires conditionnels à 20 % de 115 000 $ - 23 000 Moins : TVH sur les honoraires conditionnels à 13 % -2 990 Moins : débours dus -13 000 Moins : TVH sur les débours à13 % -1 690 Blanche recevra : 74 320 $

Exemple no 3 Stanley a subi une opération qui s’est mal passée. Il croit qu’il y a eu faute médicale. Il embauche une avocate pour l’aider à obtenir une indemnisation.

L’avocate de Stanley l’informe que la partie adverse voudra probablement se défendre devant un tribunal. Elle craint également que Stanley n’ait pas gain de cause. Toutefois, elle croit qu’il est important que l’affaire de Stanley soit entendue. Elle offre de le représenter sur une base d’honoraires conditionnels à un taux de 40 %. Stanley accepte de payer ses débours à la fin de l’affaire.

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Après une audience sur plusieurs jours, la Cour supérieure tranche en faveur de Stanley. Il se voit accorder 300 000 $, plus 175 000 $ en dépens (100 000 $ pour les frais juridiques et 75 000 $ pour les débours). Jusque-là, l’avocate de Stanley a engagé des débours de 97 500 $.

Il a fallu du temps avant que la somme soit enfin payée, et le tribunal a exigé que la partie adverse paie des intérêts de 23 750 $ en sus. L’avocate de Stanley a mis tout l’argent dans un compte en fiducie. Elle a préparé un relevé de compte final pour Stanley :

Montant adjugé (300 000 $ + 175 000 $ + 23 750 $ en intérêts)

498 750 $

Moins : honoraires conditionnels à 40 % de $ 750 423 (montant total moins les 75 000 $

)adjugés pour les débours

- 500 169

Moins : TVH sur les honoraires conditionnels à 13 %

-22 035

Moins : montant que le tribunal a ordonné de payer pour les débours (y compris la TVH)

-75 000

Moins : montant que Stanley doit encore payer pour les débours

- 500 22

Moins : TVH sur ce que Stanley paie pour les débours à 13 %

- 925 2

Stanley recevra : 206 790 $

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Questions à poser quand vous comparez les honoraires conditionnels Utilisez cette liste de questions comme point de départ quand vous avez vos premières consultations avec des avocats et des parajuristes. Vos notes peuvent vous aider à choisir parmi les différents professionnels du droit.

Expérience

1. Quelle expérience avez-vous dans des affaires comme la mienne?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Que couvre l’entente

2. Quels services juridiques les honoraires conditionnels couvrent-ils? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Calcul des honoraires conditionnels

3. Quel pourcentage me prendrez-vous si je reçois de l’argent à la fin de mon affaire? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Comment calculez-vous le pourcentage pour vos honoraires? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Selon votre expérience, croyez-vous que nous pourrons résoudre cette affaire tôt dans le processus? Le pourcentage est-il plus bas si j’ai de bonnes chances d’avoir gain de cause ou de régler à l’amiable assez tôt? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Débours

6. Qui va payer les débours? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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7. Si je paie les débours, quel type de débours devrai-je payer? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Si je paie les débours, quand dois-je les payer? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Prendrez-vous des honoraires conditionnels plus bas si je paie mes débours au cours de l’affaire? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Pouvez-vous me donner une estimation du montant de débours que mon affaire

pourrait entrainer? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Que se passe-t-il si je deviens incapable de payer les débours? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dépens

12. Si j’ai gain de cause, recevrai-je des dépens? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. Si je perds ma cause, devrai-je payer des dépens? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Selon votre expérience, combien de dépens devrai-je payer à la partie adverse si je perds? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13

Affaires d’accident d’automobile

15. Y aura-t-il une déduction sur mon affaire d’accident d’automobile? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Si des frais sont déduits de mon affaire, quelle en sera l’incidence sur mon indemnisation ou mon règlement? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mon règlement ou mon indemnisation

17. Si je gagne ou si je perds, comment recevrai-je l’argent du règlement ou de l’indemnisation? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Selon votre expérience, combien de temps devrai-je attendre avant de recevoir l’argent du règlement ou de l’indemnisation? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1

Amendments to the Solicitors Act Source: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90s15

Solicitors Act

R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER S.15

[…]

AGREEMENTS BETWEEN SOLICITORS AND CLIENTS Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the heading immediately before section 15 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 1)

COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS Definitions

15 In this section and in sections 16 to 33,

“client” includes a person who, as a principal or on behalf of another person, retains or employs or is about to retain or employ a solicitor, and a person who is or may be liable to pay the bill of a solicitor for any services; (“client”)

“contingency fee agreement” means an agreement referred to in section 28.1; (“entente sur des honoraires conditionnels”)

“services” includes fees, costs, charges and disbursements. (“service”) R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 15; 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 1.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Agreements between solicitors and clients as to compensation

16 (1) Subject to sections 17 to 33, a solicitor may make an agreement in writing with his or her client respecting the amount and manner of payment for the whole or a part of any past or future services in respect of business done or to be done by the solicitor, either by a gross sum or by commission or percentage, or by salary or otherwise, and either at the same rate or at a greater or less rate than that at which he or she would otherwise be entitled to be remunerated. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 16 (1).

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Definition

(2) For purposes of this section and sections 20 to 32,

“agreement” includes a contingency fee agreement. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 2. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Approval of agreement by assessment officer

17 Where the agreement is made in respect of business done or to be done in any court, except the Small Claims Court, the amount payable under the agreement shall not be received by the solicitor until the agreement has been examined and allowed by an assessment officer. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 17.

Opinion of court on agreement

18 Where it appears to the assessment officer that the agreement is not fair and reasonable, he or she may require the opinion of a court to be taken thereon. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 18.

Rejection of agreement by court

19 The court may either reduce the amount payable under the agreement or order it to be cancelled and the costs, fees, charges and disbursements in respect of the business done to be assessed in the same manner as if the agreement had not been made. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 19.

Agreement not to affect costs as between party and party

20 (1) Such an agreement does not affect the amount, or any right or remedy for the recovery, of any costs recoverable from the client by any other person, or payable to the client by any other person, and any such other person may require any costs payable or recoverable by the person to or from the client to be assessed in the ordinary manner, unless such person has otherwise agreed. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 20 (1).

Idem

(2) However, the client who has entered into the agreement is not entitled to recover from any other person under any order for the payment of any costs that are the subject of the agreement more than the amount payable by the client to the client’s own solicitor under the agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 20 (2).

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Awards of costs in contingency fee agreements

20.1 (1) In calculating the amount of costs for the purposes of making an award of costs, a court shall not reduce the amount of costs only because the client’s solicitor is being compensated in accordance with a contingency fee agreement. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 3.

Same

(2) Despite subsection 20 (2), even if an order for the payment of costs is more than the amount payable by the client to the client’s own solicitor under a contingency fee agreement, a client may recover the full amount under an order for the payment of costs if the client is to use the payment of costs to pay his, her or its solicitor. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 3.

Same

(3) If the client recovers the full amount under an order for the payment of costs under subsection (2), the client is only required to pay costs to his, her or its solicitor and not the amount payable under the contingency fee agreement, unless the contingency fee agreement is one that has been approved by a court under subsection 28.1 (8) and provides otherwise. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 3.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 20.1 (3) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 2) Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Claims for additional remuneration excluded

21 Such an agreement excludes any further claim of the solicitor beyond the terms of the agreement in respect of services in relation to the conduct and completion of the business in respect of which it is made, except such as are expressly excepted by the agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 21.

Agreements relieving solicitor from liability for negligence void

22 (1) A provision in any such agreement that the solicitor is not to be liable for negligence or that he or she is to be relieved from any responsibility to which he or she would otherwise be subject as such solicitor is wholly void. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 22.

Exception, indemnification by solicitor’s employer

(2) Subsection (1) does not prohibit a solicitor who is employed in a master-servant relationship from being indemnified by the employer for liabilities incurred by professional negligence in the course of the employment. 1999, c. 12, Sched. B, s. 14.

4

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Determination of disputes under the agreement

23 No action shall be brought upon any such agreement, but every question respecting the validity or effect of it may be examined and determined, and it may be enforced or set aside without action on the application of any person who is a party to the agreement or who is or is alleged to be liable to pay or who is or claims to be entitled to be paid the costs, fees, charges or disbursements, in respect of which the agreement is made, by the court, not being the Small Claims Court, in which the business or any part of it was done or a judge thereof, or, if the business was not done in any court, by the Superior Court of Justice. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 23; 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Enforcement of agreement

24 Upon any such application, if it appears to the court that the agreement is in all respects fair and reasonable between the parties, it may be enforced by the court by order in such manner and subject to such conditions as to the costs of the application as the court thinks fit, but, if the terms of the agreement are deemed by the court not to be fair and reasonable, the agreement may be declared void, and the court may order it to be cancelled and may direct the costs, fees, charges and disbursements incurred or chargeable in respect of the matters included therein to be assessed in the ordinary manner. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 24.

Reopening of agreement

25 Where the amount agreed under any such agreement has been paid by or on behalf of the client or by any person chargeable with or entitled to pay it, the Superior Court of Justice may, upon the application of the person who has paid it if it appears to the court that the special circumstances of the case require the agreement to be reopened, reopen it and order the costs, fees, charges and disbursements to be assessed, and may also order the whole or any part of the amount received by the solicitor to be repaid by him or her on such terms and conditions as to the court seems just. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 25; 2002, c. 24, Sched. B, s. 46 (2); 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Agreements made by client in fiduciary capacity

26 Where any such agreement is made by the client in the capacity of guardian or of trustee under a deed or will, or in the capacity of guardian of property that will be chargeable with the amount or any part of the amount payable under the agreement, the agreement shall, before payment, be laid before an assessment officer who shall

5

examine it and may disallow any part of it or may require the direction of the court to be made thereon. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 26; 1992, c. 32, s. 26.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Client paying without approval to be liable to estate

27 If the client pays the whole or any part of such amount without the previous allowance of an assessment officer or the direction of the court, the client is liable to account to the person whose estate or property is charged with the amount paid or any part of it for the amount so charged, and the solicitor who accepts such payment may be ordered by the court to refund the amount received by him or her. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 27.

Purchase of interest prohibited

28 A solicitor shall not enter into an agreement by which the solicitor purchases all or part of a client’s interest in the action or other contentious proceeding that the solicitor is to bring or maintain on the client’s behalf. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Contingency fee agreements

28.1 (1) A solicitor may enter into a contingency fee agreement with a client in accordance with this section. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Remuneration dependent on success

(2) A solicitor may enter into a contingency fee agreement that provides that the remuneration paid to the solicitor for the legal services provided to or on behalf of the client is contingent, in whole or in part, on the successful disposition or completion of the matter in respect of which services are provided. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

No contingency fees in certain matters

(3) A solicitor shall not enter into a contingency fee agreement if the solicitor is retained in respect of,

(a) a proceeding under the Criminal Code (Canada) or any other criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding; or

(b) a family law matter. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Written agreement

(4) A contingency fee agreement shall be in writing. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

6

Maximum amount of contingency fee

(5) If a contingency fee agreement involves a percentage of the amount or of the value of the property recovered in an action or proceeding, the amount to be paid to the solicitor shall not be more than the maximum percentage, if any, prescribed by regulation of the amount or of the value of the property recovered in the action or proceeding, how ever the amount or property is recovered. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Greater maximum amount where approved

(6) Despite subsection (5), a solicitor may enter into a contingency fee agreement where the amount paid to the solicitor is more than the maximum percentage prescribed by regulation of the amount or of the value of the property recovered in the action or proceeding, if, upon joint application of the solicitor and his or her client whose application is to be brought within 90 days after the agreement is executed, the agreement is approved by the Superior Court of Justice. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Factors to be considered in application

(7) In determining whether to grant an application under subsection (6), the court shall consider the nature and complexity of the action or proceeding and the expense or risk involved in it and may consider such other factors as the court considers relevant. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Agreement not to include costs except with leave

(8) A contingency fee agreement shall not include in the fee payable to the solicitor, in addition to the fee payable under the agreement, any amount arising as a result of an award of costs or costs obtained as part of a settlement, unless,

(a) the solicitor and client jointly apply to a judge of the Superior Court of Justice for approval to include the costs or a proportion of the costs in the contingency fee agreement because of exceptional circumstances; and

(b) the judge is satisfied that exceptional circumstances apply and approves the inclusion of the costs or a proportion of them. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 28.1 (8) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 3 (1))

Enforceability of greater maximum amount of contingency fee

(9) A contingency fee agreement that is subject to approval under subsection (6) or (8) is not enforceable unless it is so approved. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

7

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection 28.1 (9) of the Act is amended by striking out “or (8)”. (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 3 (2))

Non-application

(10) Sections 17, 18 and 19 do not apply to contingency fee agreements. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Assessment of contingency fee

(11) For purposes of assessment, if a contingency fee agreement,

(a) is not one to which subsection (6) or (8) applies, the client may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an assessment of the solicitor’s bill within 30 days after its delivery or within one year after its payment; or

(b) is one to which subsection (6) or (8) applies, the client or the solicitor may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an assessment within the time prescribed by regulation made under this section. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clauses 28.1 (11) (a) and (b) of the Act are amended by striking out “or (8)” wherever it appears. (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 3 (3))

Regulations

(12) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations governing contingency fee agreements, including regulations,

(a) governing the maximum percentage of the amount or of the value of the property recovered that may be a contingency fee, including but not limited to,

(i) setting a scale for the maximum percentage that may be charged for a contingency fee based on factors such as the value of the recovery and the amount of time spent by the solicitor, and

(ii) differentiating the maximum percentage that may be charged for a contingency fee based on factors such as the type of cause of action and the court in which the action is to be heard and distinguishing between causes of actions of the same type;

(b) governing the maximum amount of remuneration that may be paid to a solicitor pursuant to a contingency fee agreement;

(c) in respect of treatment of costs awarded or obtained where there is a contingency fee agreement;

(d) prescribing standards and requirements for contingency fee agreements, including the form of the agreements and terms that must be included in

8

contingency fee agreements and prohibiting terms from being included in contingency fee agreements;

(e) imposing duties on solicitors who enter into contingency fee agreements; (f) prescribing the time in which a solicitor or client may apply for an assessment

under clause (11) (b); (g) exempting persons, actions or proceedings or classes of persons, actions or

proceedings from this section, a regulation made under this section or any provision in a regulation. 2002, c. 24, Sched. A, s. 4.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause 28.1 (12) (g) of the Act is amended by striking out “from this section, a regulation made under this section or any provision in a regulation” at the end and substituting “from this section or any other provision in sections 16 and 20 to 32 in relation to contingency fee agreements, or from a regulation made under this section or any provision of such a regulation”. (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 3 (4)) Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Where solicitor dies or becomes incapable of acting after agreement

29 Where a solicitor who has made such an agreement and who has done anything under it dies or becomes incapable of acting before the agreement has been completely performed by him or her, an application may be made to any court that would have jurisdiction to examine and enforce the agreement by any person who is a party thereto, and the court may thereupon enforce or set aside the agreement so far as it may have been acted upon as if the death or incapacity had not happened, and, if it deems the agreement to be in all respects fair and reasonable, may order the amount in respect of the past performance of it to be ascertained by assessment, and the assessment officer, in ascertaining such amount, shall have regard, so far as may be, to the terms of the agreement, and payment of the amount found to be due may be ordered in the same manner as if the agreement had been completely performed by the solicitor. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 29.

Changing solicitor after making agreement

30 If, after any such agreement has been made, the client changes solicitor before the conclusion of the business to which the agreement relates, which the client is at liberty to do despite the agreement, the solicitor, party to the agreement, shall be deemed to have become incapable to act under it within the meaning of section 29, and upon any order being made for assessment of the amount due him or her in respect of the past performance of the agreement the court shall direct the assessment officer to have regard to the circumstances under which the change of solicitor took place, and upon the assessment the solicitor shall be deemed not to be entitled to the full amount of the remuneration agreed to be paid to him or her, unless it appears that there has been no default, negligence, improper delay or other conduct on his or her part affording reasonable ground to the client for the change of solicitor. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 30.

9

Bills under agreement not to be liable to assessment

31 Except as otherwise provided in sections 16 to 30 and sections 32 and 33, a bill of a solicitor for the amount due under any such agreement is not subject to any assessment or to any provision of law respecting the signing and delivery of a bill of a solicitor. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 31.

Security may be given to solicitor for costs

32 A solicitor may accept from his or her client, and a client may give to the client’s solicitor, security for the amount to become due to the solicitor for business to be transacted by him or her and for interest thereon, but so that the interest is not to commence until the amount due is ascertained by agreement or by assessment. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 32.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section: (See: 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 4) Contingency fee agreements and other licensees 32.1 (1) The provisions of this Act and the regulations that apply in relation to contingency fee agreements apply with necessary modifications to persons licensed under the Law Society Act to provide legal services in Ontario in the same manner as to solicitors, subject to any exceptions or modifications that may be prescribed under subsection (2). 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 4. Regulations (2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purposes of subsection (1) providing that any provision of this Act or a regulation made under this Act that applies in relation to contingency fee agreements does not apply to persons licensed under the Law Society Act to provide legal services in Ontario, or applies with specified modifications, including that it applies only with respect to specified actions or proceedings or classes of actions or proceedings. 2018, c. 8, Sched. 31, s. 4. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

Interest on unpaid accounts

33 (1) A solicitor may charge interest on unpaid fees, charges or disbursements, calculated from a date that is one month after the bill is delivered under section 2. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 33 (1).

Interest on overpayment of accounts

(2) Where, on an assessment of a solicitor’s bill of fees, charges and disbursements, it appears that the client has overpaid the solicitor, the client is entitled to interest on the overpayment calculated from the date when the overpayment was made. R.S.O. 1990, c. S.15, s. 33 (2).

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Rate to be shown

(3) The rate of interest applicable to a bill shall be shown on the bill delivered. 2009, c. 33, Sched. 2, s. 70.

Disallowance, variation on assessment

(4) On the assessment of a solicitor’s bill, if the assessment officer considers it just in the circumstances, the assessment officer may, in respect of the whole or any part of the amount allowed on the assessment,

(a) disallow interest; or (b) vary the applicable rate of interest. 2009, c. 33, Sched. 2, s. 70.

Regulations

(5) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations establishing a maximum rate of interest that may be charged under subsection (1) or (2) or that may be fixed under clause (4) (b). 2009, c. 33, Sched. 2, s. 70.

Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y)

1

Existing Contingency Fee Agreements Regulation Source: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/040195

Solicitors Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 195/04

CONTINGENCY FEE AGREEMENTS

Consolidation Period: From October 1, 2004 to the e-Laws currency date.

No amendments.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

1. Signing and dating contingency fee agreement 2. Contents of contingency fee agreements, general 3. Contents of contingency fee agreements, litigious matters 4. Matters not to be included in contingency fee agreements 5. Contingency fee agreement, person under disability 6. Contingency fee excludes costs and disbursements 7. Contingency fee not to exceed damages 8. Settlement or judgment money to be held in trust 9. Disbursements and taxes 10. Timing of assessment of contingency fee agreement

Signing and dating contingency fee agreement

1. (1) For the purposes of section 28.1 of the Act, in addition to being in writing, a contingency fee agreement,

(a) shall be entitled “Contingency Fee Retainer Agreement”; (b) shall be dated; and (c) shall be signed by the client and the solicitor with each of their signatures being

verified by a witness. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 1 (1).

(2) The solicitor shall provide an executed copy of the contingency fee agreement to the client and shall retain a copy of the agreement. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 1 (2).

2

Contents of contingency fee agreements, general

2. A solicitor who is a party to a contingency fee agreement shall ensure that the agreement includes the following:

1. The name, address and telephone number of the solicitor and of the client. 2. A statement of the basic type and nature of the matter in respect of which the

solicitor is providing services to the client. 3. A statement that indicates,

i. that the client and the solicitor have discussed options for retaining the solicitor other than by way of a contingency fee agreement, including retaining the solicitor by way of an hourly-rate retainer,

ii. that the client has been advised that hourly rates may vary among solicitors and that the client can speak with other solicitors to compare rates,

iii. that the client has chosen to retain the solicitor by way of a contingency fee agreement, and

iv. that the client understands that all usual protections and controls on retainers between a solicitor and client, as defined by the Law Society of Ontario and the common law, apply to the contingency fee agreement.

4. A statement that explains the contingency upon which the fee is to be paid to the solicitor.

5. A statement that sets out the method by which the fee is to be determined and, if the method of determination is as a percentage of the amount recovered, a statement that explains that for the purpose of calculating the fee the amount of recovery excludes any amount awarded or agreed to that is separately specified as being in respect of costs and disbursements.

6. A simple example that shows how the contingency fee is calculated. 7. A statement that outlines how the contingency fee is calculated, if recovery is by

way of a structured settlement. 8. A statement that informs the client of their right to ask the Superior Court of

Justice to review and approve of the solicitor’s bill and that includes the applicable timelines for asking for the review.

9. A statement that outlines when and how the client or the solicitor may terminate the contingency fee agreement, the consequences of the termination for each of them and the manner in which the solicitor’s fee is to be determined in the event that the agreement is terminated.

10. A statement that informs the client that the client retains the right to make all critical decisions regarding the conduct of the matter. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 2.

3

Contents of contingency fee agreements, litigious matters

3. In addition to the requirements set out in section 2, a solicitor who is a party to a contingency fee agreement made in respect of a litigious matter shall ensure that the agreement includes the following:

1. If the client is a plaintiff, a statement that the solicitor shall not recover more in fees than the client recovers as damages or receives by way of settlement.

2. A statement in respect of disbursements and taxes, including the GST payable on the solicitor’s fees, that indicates,

i. whether the client is responsible for the payment of disbursements or taxes and, if the client is responsible for the payment of disbursements, a general description of disbursements likely to be incurred, other than relatively minor disbursements, and

ii. that if the client is responsible for the payment of disbursements or taxes and the solicitor pays the disbursements or taxes during the course of the matter, the solicitor is entitled to be reimbursed for those payments, subject to section 47 of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998 (legal aid charge against recovery), as a first charge on any funds received as a result of a judgment or settlement of the matter.

3. A statement that explains costs and the awarding of costs and that indicates,

i. that, unless otherwise ordered by a judge, a client is entitled to receive any costs contribution or award, on a partial indemnity scale or substantial indemnity scale, if the client is the party entitled to costs, and

ii. that a client is responsible for paying any costs contribution or award, on a partial indemnity scale or substantial indemnity scale, if the client is the party liable to pay costs.

4. If the client is a plaintiff, a statement that indicates that the client agrees and directs that all funds claimed by the solicitor for legal fees, cost, taxes and disbursements shall be paid to the solicitor in trust from any judgment or settlement money.

5. If the client is a party under disability, for the purposes of the Rules of Civil Procedure, represented by a litigation guardian,

i. a statement that the contingency fee agreement either must be reviewed by a judge before the agreement is finalized or must be reviewed as part of the motion or application for approval of a settlement or a consent judgment under rule 7.08 of the Rules of Civil Procedure,

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ii. a statement that the amount of the legal fees, costs, taxes and disbursements are subject to the approval of a judge when the judge reviews a settlement agreement or consent judgment under rule 7.08 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, and

iii. a statement that any money payable to a person under disability under an order or settlement shall be paid into court unless a judge orders otherwise under rule 7.09 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 3.

Matters not to be included in contingency fee agreements

4. (1) A solicitor shall not include in a contingency fee agreement a provision that,

(a) requires the solicitor’s consent before a claim may be abandoned, discontinued or settled at the instructions of the client;

(b) prevents the client from terminating the contingency fee agreement with the solicitor or changing solicitors; or

(c) permits the solicitor to split their fee with any other person, except as provided by the Rules of Professional Conduct. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 4 (1).

(2) In this section,

“Rules of Professional Conduct” means the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Ontario. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 4 (2).

Contingency fee agreement, person under disability

5. (1) A solicitor for a person under disability represented by a litigation guardian with whom the solicitor is entering into a contingency fee agreement shall,

(a) apply to a judge for approval of the agreement before the agreement is finalized; or

(b) include the agreement as part of the motion or application for approval of a settlement or a consent judgment under rule 7.08 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 5 (1).

(2) In this section,

“person under disability” means a person under disability for the purposes of the Rules of Civil Procedure. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 5 (2).

Contingency fee excludes costs and disbursements

6. A contingency fee agreement that provides that the fee is determined as a percentage of the amount recovered shall exclude any amount awarded or agreed to

5

that is separately specified as being in respect of costs and disbursements. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 6.

Contingency fee not to exceed damages

7. Despite any terms in a contingency fee agreement, a solicitor for a plaintiff shall not recover more in fees under the agreement than the plaintiff recovers as damages or receives by way of settlement. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 7.

Settlement or judgment money to be held in trust

8. A client who is a party to a contingency fee agreement shall direct that the amount of funds claimed by the solicitor for legal fees, cost, taxes and disbursements be paid to the solicitor in trust from any judgment or settlement money. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 8.

Disbursements and taxes

9. (1) If the client is responsible for the payment of disbursements or taxes under a contingency fee agreement, a solicitor who has paid disbursements or taxes during the course of the matter in respect of which services were provided shall be reimbursed for the disbursements or taxes on any funds received as a result of a judgment or settlement of the matter. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 9 (1).

(2) Except as provided under section 47 of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998 (legal aid charge against recovery), the amount to be reimbursed to the solicitor under subsection (1) is a first charge on the funds received as a result of the judgment or settlement. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 9 (2).

Timing of assessment of contingency fee agreement

10. For the purposes of clause 28.1 (11) (b) of the Act, the client or the solicitor may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an assessment of the solicitor’s bill rendered in respect of a contingency fee agreement to which subsection 28.1 (6) or (8) of the Act applies within six months after its delivery. O. Reg. 195/04, s. 10.

11. OMITTED (PROVIDES FOR COMING INTO FORCE OF PROVISIONS OF THIS REGULATION). O. Reg. 195/04, s. 11.

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New Contingency Fee Agreements Regulation Source: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200563

Solicitors Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 563/20

CONTINGENCY FEE AGREEMENTS

Consolidation Period: From October 6, 2020 to the e-Laws currency date.

Note: THIS REGULATION IS NOT YET IN FORCE. It comes into force on July 1, 2021, the day subsection 3 (1) of Schedule 31 to the Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018 comes into force. No amendments.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

Contingency fee not to exceed award or settlement 1. A solicitor for a client who is a claimant shall not recover more in fees under a contingency fee agreement than the amount recovered by the client under an award or settlement from the party or parties against whom the claim was made, including any costs but excluding disbursements and taxes. Certain disbursements to be excluded 2. A contingency fee agreement that provides that the fee is determined as a percentage of the amount recovered by the client under an award or settlement shall exclude any amount that is specified as being in respect of disbursements that a court allows or would allow as recoverable from an adverse party. Money to be held in trust 3. A client who is a party to a contingency fee agreement shall direct that the amount of funds claimed by the solicitor for legal fees, costs, taxes and disbursements be paid to the solicitor in trust from any award or settlement. Disbursements and taxes 4. (1) If the client is responsible for the payment of disbursements or taxes under a contingency fee agreement, a solicitor who has paid disbursements or taxes during the course of the matter in respect of which services were provided shall be reimbursed for the disbursements or taxes on any amount recovered by the client under an award or settlement of the matter.

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(2) Except as provided under section 47 of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998 (legal aid charge against recovery), the amount to be reimbursed to the solicitor under subsection (1) is a first charge on the amount recovered under the award or settlement. Timing of assessment of contingency fee agreement 5. For the purposes of clause 28.1 (11) (b) of the Act, the client or the solicitor may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an assessment of the solicitor’s bill rendered in respect of a contingency fee agreement to which subsection 28.1 (6) of the Act applies within six months after its delivery. Person under disability 6. A solicitor for a person under disability, as defined in the Rules of Civil Procedure, who is represented by a litigation guardian with whom the solicitor is entering into a contingency fee agreement shall, (a) apply to a judge for approval of the agreement before the agreement is finalized; or (b) include the agreement as part of the motion or application for approval of a

settlement or a consent judgment under rule 7.08 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. Required form, terms 7. (1) For the purposes of section 28.1 of the Act, a contingency fee agreement shall be in the form titled “Standard Form Contingency Fee Agreement” and dated February 18, 2020, published by and available on the website of the Law Society of Ontario. (2) Despite subsection (1), a contingency fee agreement between a solicitor and a client referred to in subsection (3) is not required to be in the form referred to in subsection (1), if the solicitor ensures that the agreement meets the requirements of subsection (4). (3) Subsection (2) applies with respect to a client that is a business and that, (a) employs more than 25 individuals; (b) employs, as a legal advisor on a full-time basis, one or more persons authorized

under the Law Society Act to practise law in Ontario; or (c) has gross annual revenues that exceed $10 million. (4) For the purposes of subsection (2), the solicitor shall ensure that the contingency fee agreement includes the following: 1. A statement that sets out the method by which the fee is to be determined. 2. A statement that a solicitor for a client who is a claimant shall not recover more in

fees under a contingency fee agreement than the amount recovered by the client under an award or settlement from the party or parties against whom the claim was made, including any costs but excluding disbursements and taxes.

3. A statement in respect of disbursements and taxes, including the HST payable on the solicitor’s fees, that indicates that if the client is responsible for the payment of disbursements or taxes and the solicitor pays the disbursements or taxes during the course of the matter, the solicitor is entitled to be reimbursed for those payments, subject to section 47 of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998 (legal aid charge against

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recovery), as a first charge on any amount recovered under an award or settlement of the matter.

4. A statement that explains costs and the awarding of costs and that indicates that a client is responsible for paying any costs contribution or award, on a partial indemnity or substantial indemnity basis, if the client is the party liable to pay costs.

5. A statement that informs the client of the client’s right to ask the Superior Court of Justice to assess and approve of the solicitor’s bill, and that includes the applicable timelines for asking for the assessment set out under section 5 or clause 28.1 (11) (a) of the Act, as the case may be.

6. If the client is a party under disability, as defined in the Rules of Civil Procedure, who is represented by a litigation guardian, a statement that the contingency fee agreement either must be approved by a judge before the agreement is finalized or must be reviewed as part of the motion or application for approval of a settlement or a consent judgment under rule 7.08 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

7. A statement that outlines when and how the client or the solicitor may terminate the contingency fee agreement, the consequences of the termination for each of them and the manner in which the solicitor’s fee is to be determined in the event that the agreement is terminated.

8. A statement that informs the client that the client retains the right to make all critical decisions regarding the conduct of the matter.

(5) This section does not apply with respect to a contingency fee agreement if, (a) a court has approved the agreement; or (b) a court has approved the contingency fee set out in the agreement. Impermissible terms 8. A solicitor shall not include in a contingency fee agreement a provision that, (a) requires the solicitor’s consent before a claim may be abandoned, discontinued or

settled at the instructions of the client; (b) prevents the client from terminating the contingency fee agreement with the solicitor

or changing solicitors; or (c) permits the solicitor to split their fee with any other person, except as provided by the

Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Ontario. Application to other licensees 9. (1) For the purposes of section 32.1 of the Act, this Regulation applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to contingency fee agreements between clients and persons licensed under the Law Society Act to provide legal services in Ontario. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the reference in clause 8 (c) to the Rules of Professional Conduct shall be read as a reference to the Paralegal Rules of Conduct of the Law Society of Ontario applicable to persons licensed under the Law Society Act to provide legal services in Ontario.

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10. OMITTED (REVOKES OTHER REGULATIONS).

11. OMITTED (PROVIDES FOR COMING INTO FORCE OF PROVISIONS OF THIS REGULATION).

Contingency Fee Agreement

Using the Standard Form Contingency Fee Agreement

Markup

Instructions to the legal drafter are in [red italic type, inside square brackets]. Erase instructions as you complete each section of the template.

Square brackets around black type indicate that you need to fill in information, for example:

[Date]

[Client name]

Selecting, erasing and changing text

When the instructions tell you to select optional language, erase any other optional language that does not apply.

Section numbering

The sections of the template are numbered. If you delete a section because it is not relevant to this matter, the sections will renumber automatically.

Try to make your page breaks at the end of sections to help your client absorb each topic without interruptions.

Body type

The body type is 13-point Calibri with 6 points of space between paragraphs.

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Contingency Fee Agreement

[Date]

This agreement is between:

[Firm name] [Firm address] [Firm telephone] [Firm email] [Firm fax]

And

[Client name] [If client is a person under disability as defined in the Rules of Civil Procedure, represented by a litigation guardian, enter the client name followed by the phrase “as represented by [his/her] litigation guardian, [litigation guardian name].”]

[Client address] [Client telephone] [Client email] [Add name and contact information for any additional clients covered by the agreement.]

Regarding:

[Insert brief general description of the matter.]

1. Before you sign

You have been given a copy of Contingency fees: What you need to know. Read the guide first. Then, take as much time as you need to read this agreement.

[Select if client is not a party under disability as defined in the Rules of Civil Procedure:]

Do not sign until you feel you have answers to all of your questions and you have decided to proceed.

[Select if client is a party under disability as defined in the Rules of Civil Procedure, represented by a litigation guardian entering into this agreement:]

A judge must approve this agreement. We are required to ensure that this approval happens either before the agreement is finalized or as part of the court’s approval of a settlement agreement or a consent judgment.

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Do not sign until you feel you have answers to all of your questions and you have decided to proceed. 2. Services we will provide under this agreement

You retain us on a contingency fee basis to [Briefly describe the nature of the matter and the scope of the retainer.]

You retain us to represent you: [Select each bullet that applies. Erase what does not apply:]

• through to settlement

• through to the end of your hearing

• through an appeal if you lose your case and decide to appeal. You have the right to make all critical decisions about how we conduct this matter. 3. Services NOT covered by this agreement

[Delete Section 3 if it does not apply.]

We have discussed the following services and you have asked us not to take any action concerning them. That means they are not covered by this agreement:

• [service]

• [service]

[List in bullet form any legal courses of action related to the case but excluded from the agreement. The client may have a claim, for instance, in tort / for motor vehicle accident benefits / for long term disability / for CPP disability. Include any advice you gave, such as recommending they retain someone else, or reminding them of limitation periods.] 4. Other clients we are acting for in this matter

[Delete Section 4 if there are no other clients.]

We are also acting for:

[List clients:]

• [Client name]

• [Client name].

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Conflicts of interest [These clients have] [This client has] interests similar to yours. If a conflict of interest arises in future, and we cannot resolve it,

[Select what applies and join up sentence:]

we cannot continue to act for each of you.

we will continue to act for [client name] and will refer you to another legal professional.

[Include only if applicable:]

You are aware that we have been acting for [Name of client] and have a continuing relationship with this client. We have advised you to ask another legal professional for advice about this joint agreement before you sign it.

Sharing information among clients We cannot treat information that you give us about this matter as confidential from other clients we are acting for in the same matter. If you share something and instruct us to keep it from another client, we may have to stop acting for you, or even end the entire agreement. 5. How you will pay for disbursements

To support your case, we may have to pay for items and services from third parties. For example, we may have to pay for court filing fees and the services of expert witnesses (such as medical experts). These payments are considered ‘disbursements’ because we paid for them on your behalf.

We have the right to be reimbursed for these disbursements as a first charge on any amount you recover under an award or settlement of the matter. However, Legal Aid Ontario may have priority over us if you have received legal aid services in this matter.

Generally, internal firm costs will not be charged as disbursements. For example, we will not treat the cost of other lawyers, paralegals, law clerks and administrative assistants, or any overtime, as disbursements to be charged to you separately. They are part of the legal services provided to you and as such, are covered by our contingency fee.

However, expenses approved by a court or tribunal or authorized by a regulation known as “Tariff A” are also considered disbursements, even if they are internal firm costs (Tariff A is part of the Rules of Civil Procedure).

[Select the paragraph that applies.]

[Client pays, whether they win or lose, when case concludes or retainer ends:]

Disbursements, including taxes, are not covered by the contingency fee. They are payable whether you win or lose. We will charge you for disbursements when your case

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concludes. If our agreement ends before then, we will bill you for all outstanding disbursements. We will charge interest on anything unpaid at [__%] after one month from when our final account statement is delivered to you.

[Add if more than one client:]

Each of you is responsible for ensuring that bills are paid in full.

[Client pays for disbursements directly to supplier:]

Disbursements, including taxes, are not covered by the contingency fee. They are payable whether you win or lose. You are responsible for paying all bills for disbursements.

[Add if more than one client:]

Each of you is responsible for ensuring that bills are paid in full.

[Client reimburses legal firm as expenses incurred:]

Disbursements, including taxes, are not covered by the contingency fee. They are payable whether you win or lose. We will bill you for disbursements as we incur them. We will charge interest on anything unpaid at [__%] after one month from when our account statement is delivered to you.

[Add if more than one client:]

Each of you is responsible for ensuring that bills are paid in full.

[Firm reimbursed only if there is an award or settlement:]

Under this agreement, we will pay for disbursements, including taxes, up front. You will not have to repay us if you lose your case. However if you receive a settlement or award, it may include an amount to help you repay us for disbursements. We will take money from this amount, plus any additional money from the settlement or award needed to cover disbursements. We will show these deductions from your settlement or award in our final account statement. 6. Costs

If you win or settle your case, you may receive ‘costs’ – that is, money to help you pay for legal fees. In most cases, costs pay only for part of a person’s legal expenses. If you lose your case, a court or tribunal may order that you pay costs to the successful party on a ‘partial indemnity’ or ‘substantial indemnity’ basis. Partial indemnity typically means that you may have to pay between 60% and 80% of the successful party’s actual costs. Substantial indemnity typically means that you may have to pay for 80% or more of the successful party’s actual costs.

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7. How we calculate your contingency fee

The fee that you will pay us for legal services is a percentage of the money you get as a settlement or award. It also applies to any amount you receive for costs if you win your case or any amount specified as costs as part of a settlement. The percentage does not apply to any amount you receive specifically to help you pay for disbursements and taxes.

[Select if the client is a claimant or plaintiff.]

Our contingency fee cannot be more than the amount that you recover as an award or settlement from the other side, including costs and excluding disbursements and taxes.

Your Fee [Select if the contingency fee % is constant through all stages covered by the agreement:]

Your contingency fee will be [__%] of your settlement or award, plus HST.

[Partial contingency fees:

Select if this is a partial contingency fee arrangement with an hourly rate:]

You have agreed to pay us an hourly rate for legal services of [$___] /hour, plus a contingency fee of [__%] if you receive a settlement or award. HST will be charged on our fees.

Select if this is a partial contingency fee arrangement with a flat rate:]

You have agreed to pay us a flat amount of [$___] at the outset of your case, plus a contingency fee of [__%] if you receive a settlement or award. HST will be charged on our fees.

[Graduated contingency fees:

If the % is graduated, select the stages below that apply and erase all others. Adjust the stages and the percentage fees as needed to reflect this case and your firm’s practices.]

IF THEN

We settle your case before the examination for discovery (a meeting with the other side to share documents and ask questions)

The fee will be [__%] + HST

We settle your case after the examination for discovery but before the hearing

The fee will be [__%] + HST

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IF THEN

We settle your case before the settlement conference (a meeting to see if a mediated dispute can be achieved)

The fee will be [__%] + HST

We settle your case during the settlement conference The fee will be [__%] + HST

We settle your case after the settlement conference but before the hearing

The fee will be [__%] + HST

We settle your case during the hearing but before judgment

The fee will be [__%] + HST

The [court] [tribunal] hears your case and orders that you receive an award

The fee will be [__%] + HST

We appeal the [court’s] [tribunal’s] decision and settle before the appeal is heard

The fee will be [__%] + HST

We win your appeal and the [court] [tribunal] orders that you receive an award

The fee will be [__%] + HST

[NOTE: See Appendix for optional formulas to adjust costs for legal fees in exceptional circumstances.] 8. How you will receive your settlement or award

You agree and direct that all of the money you recover through an award or settlement be sent to us. We will put it in a trust account for you. You also agree and direct that all funds claimed by us for legal fees, disbursements and taxes be paid out of the award or settlement. We will give you a detailed account statement showing:

• what amounts go into the settlement or award

• what we are keeping to cover our fees and outstanding disbursements

• what we are keeping to pay for HST

• how much you will receive. [Select if the case may result in a structured settlement:]

The total amount that you will receive stays the same whether you take it all as a lump sum or take smaller amounts in regular payments.

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9. Interim costs

Sometimes a court or tribunal awards money before the case ends to help with legal fees and disbursements. The money is called ‘interim costs’.

[Select if client receives some of the interim costs:]

Interim costs awarded for legal fees If we settle or win your case, we will apply the interim costs already received to our fees on the final account statement.

If we do not settle or win your case, or the award or settlement is very low, the amount received in interim costs may turn out to be more than we are entitled to. We will pay the extra money to you.

[Select if the firm keeps the interim costs if case lost or award is low:]

Interim costs awarded for legal fees If we settle or win your case, we will apply the interim costs already received to our fees on the final account statement.

If we do not settle or win your case, or the award or settlement is very low, we will keep the interim costs to cover some of the fees for our work on your case.

[Select if firm is paying for disbursements up front:]

Interim costs awarded for disbursements If money is awarded for disbursements, we will use it to pay for disbursements incurred in your case.

[Select if client is paying for disbursements up front:]

Interim costs awarded for disbursements If money is awarded for disbursements, we will give this money to you to reimburse you for some of your disbursements. 10. Your right to a review of your final account statement

If you feel that the final account statement is unreasonable, contact the Superior Court to ask for a review. You should do this within 30 days of receiving the final account statement. Here is the contact information for the Superior Court in your region:

[Insert contact information for Superior Court in your region.] 11. Ending this agreement before your case concludes

You are free to end our agreement at any time.

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We can also end the agreement if our professional conduct rules require or permit us to do so.

If our agreement ends before your case concludes, you may still owe us for:

[Select what applies:]

• Disbursements that you are responsible for, plus taxes

• Our legal services, paid as hourly fees, up to the time the agreement ends, plus taxes.

We would collect this money from your settlement or award when your case concludes.

Our hourly fees: [Insert hourly fees for each person who may work on the matter.]

We will give you written notice if our hourly fees increase. 12. No guarantee of success

We will act in your best interests. However, we cannot promise that your case will succeed. 13. Signing this agreement

Please contact us if there is anything in this agreement you still want to discuss before signing.

If you want us to proceed based on this agreement, please sign and date this document where it says ‘client signature.’

Once the agreement is signed, we can agree to change it, but we must do so in writing. A court can also order changes to the agreement.

_______________________ _________________________ __________________

Client Name (Please print)

[Insert additional client signature lines as needed.]

Client or Litigation Guardian Signature

Date

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_______________________

________________________

__________________

For [Name of Firm] [Print name of firm representative.]

Signature, for [Name of Firm] Date

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Appendix for legal drafters

Optional contingency fee calculations for exceptional situations

[You may incorporate the optional passage below into Section 7 if you anticipate that:

• this case could result in a lengthy and complex hearing, and

• a contingency fee percentage of the combined award and costs may not adequately compensate your time.

Insert the passage right after you state your contingency fee percentage (or percentages, if graduated).

Note: These options are not available for small claims court matters and tribunals that do not award costs on the basis of partial, substantial and full indemnity.] [Full or substantial indemnity] Extra charges if the case goes through a hearing If you receive money for all or almost all of your costs on a full or ‘substantial indemnity’ basis (80% or more), we will charge you either:

• a contingency fee of [__%] of the total award, including the costs

or

• an amount equal to all of the costs, but none of the rest of the award.

We will charge the amount that is the greater of these two options. [Partial indemnity]

If you receive money for part of your costs on a ‘partial indemnity’ basis (typically between 60% and 80% of the actual costs), we can choose to charge you either:

A. a contingency fee of [__%] [Insert agreed contingency fee agreement % of the total award including the costs.]

or

B. an amount equal to all of the costs received, plus

an additional amount of up to 2/3 of the costs. This amount may not exceed one half of the amount of A.

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[Adjustments for mixed cost awards

In cases where costs are awarded on a mixed basis of full, substantial and partial indemnity, establish an amount that fairly reflects the approach above.]

Example based on a partial award for costs William slipped in the lobby of his luxury hotel and sustained an injury. He wanted compensation from the hotel, but they wanted to fight him in court.

At the hearing, William received an award of $100,000, plus $20,000 for partial costs. The other side was also ordered to pay $15,000 for disbursements that William owed to his lawyer.

William and his lawyer had agreed on a contingency fee of 25% of the combined award and costs. That meant she could receive $30,000 + HST.

However, their contingency fee agreement said that if his case went to a hearing, his lawyer could opt to charge him the $20,000 awarded for partial costs, plus an additional amount of up to 2/3 of the awarded costs ($13,200) to help make up for all her work on the case.

The agreement said this additional amount must not exceed half of the contingency fee that would have otherwise applied. In this case, the additional amount would not be permitted to exceed 50% of $30,000, or $15,000.

The extra $13,200 was under the $15,000 limit. So the additional amount was allowed.

William’s lawyer prepared a final account statement:

Award and partial costs ($100,000 + $20,000) $120,000

Less: Partial costs awarded -20,000

Less: Additional fee at 2/3 of partial costs (66% of $20,000)

-13,200

HST on total fees ($20,000 + $13,200 x 13%) -4,316

Plus: Disbursements paid by the other side (including HST)

15,000

Less: Disbursements owing to William’s lawyer -15,000

William will receive: $ 82,484

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Your Agreement Summary

[Firm Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email, Fax]

Client: [Insert names of all clients covered by the agreement.]

Client a party under disability – Court to approve agreement

[Select if client is a party under disability as defined in the Rules of Civil Procedure, represented by a litigation guardian. Delete this row if N/A.]

A judge must approve this agreement. We are required to ensure that this approval happens either before the agreement is finalized or as part of the court’s approval of a settlement agreement or a consent judgment.

Legal services covered

You retain us on a contingency fee basis to [Briefly describe the nature of the matter and the scope of the retainer.]

You retain us to represent you: [Select each bullet point that applies. Erase what does not apply:]

• through to settlement

• through to the end of your hearing

• through an appeal if you lose your case and decide to appeal.

You have the right to make all critical decisions about how your case is conducted.

Related legal issues not covered

[List excluded services in bullet points, if applicable. Delete this row if N/A.]

Disbursements We may have to pay for items and services from third parties, including taxes. These payments are considered disbursements because we paid for them on your behalf (for example, court filing fees and fees for expert witnesses).

Internal firm costs are not generally chargeable as disbursements. For example, disbursements do not include the cost of other lawyers, paralegals, law clerks and administrative assistants, or any overtime.

However, expenses approved by a court or tribunal or authorized by a regulation known as “Tariff A” are also considered disbursements, even if they are internal firm costs (Tariff A is part of the Rules of Civil Procedure).

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[Select what applies and delete all others:]

You pay for disbursements, whether you win or lose, at the end of the case.

You pay directly for disbursements as they are incurred.

We will bill you for disbursements over the course of your case.

You will only have to pay for disbursements if you win your case or receive a settlement.

Contingency fee [Insert a short summary of the fee, including the percentage and any other special conditions.]

If interim costs are awarded

[Select if client receives some of the interim costs:]

If we settle or win your case, we will reduce our fees in the final account statement by the amount we have already received.

If we do not settle or win your case, or the award or settlement is very low, the amount received in interim costs may turn out to be more than we are entitled to. We will pay the extra money to you.

[Select if the firm keeps the interim costs if case lost or award is low:]

If we settle or win your case, we will reduce our fees in the final account statement by the amount we have already received.

If we do not settle or win your case, or the award or settlement is very low, we will keep the interim costs to cover some of the fees for our work on your case.

[Select if firm is paying for disbursements up front:]

If money is awarded for disbursements, we will use it to pay for disbursed expenses incurred in your case.

[Select if client is paying for disbursements up front:]

If money is awarded for disbursements, we will give this money to you to reimburse you for some of the disbursements you have paid.

Your right to a review of the final account

If you feel that the final account statement is unreasonable, contact the Superior Court to ask for a review. You should do this within 30 days of receiving the final account statement.

Entente type sur des honoraires conditionnels

Indications

Les instructions au rédacteur juridique sont en [italiques rouges, dans les crochets]. Effacez les instructions à mesure que vous complétez chaque article du modèle.

Un texte en noir dans les crochets indique que vous devez saisir les renseignements demandés, par exemple :

[Date]

[Nom du client]

Choisir, effacer et changer le texte

Lorsque les instructions vous demandent de choisir un énoncé, effacez tout autre énoncé qui ne s’applique pas.

Numérotation d’article

Les articles du modèle sont numérotés. Si vous effacez un article parce qu’il ne s’applique pas, les articles seront automatiquement renumérotés.

Essayez d’insérer vos sauts de page à la fin des articles pour aider votre client à suivre chaque sujet sans interruption.

Taille

Utilisez une taille de police Calibri de point 13 avec 6 points entre les paragraphes.

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Entente sur des honoraires conditionnels

[Date]

Entente entre :

[Nom du cabinet] [Adresse du cabinet] [Téléphone du cabinet] [Courriel du cabinet] [Télécopieur du cabinet]

et

[Nom du client] [Si le client est un incapable, au sens des Règles de procédure civile, représenté par un tuteur à l’instance, saisissez le nom du client suivi de la phrase « tel(le) que représenté(e) par son tuteur à l’instance, [nom du tuteur à l’instance]. »] [Adresse du client] [Téléphone du client] [Courriel du client] [Ajoutez le nom et les coordonnées de tout client additionnel visé par l’entente.]

Concernant :

[Insérez une brève description générale de l’affaire.]

1. Avant de signer

Vous avez reçu une copie du guide Honoraires conditionnels : ce que vous devez savoir. Commencez par lire le guide. Prenez tout le temps qu’il vous faut pour lire la présente entente.

[Sélectionnez si le client n’est pas un incapable au sens des Règles de procédure civile.]

Ne signez pas avant d’avoir toutes les réponses à vos questions et d’avoir décidé de poursuivre l’affaire.

[Sélectionnez si le client est un incapable au sens des Règles de procédure civile, représenté par un tuteur à l’instance qui conclut la présente entente.]

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Un juge doit approuver cette entente. Nous devons veiller à ce que cette approbation soit donnée avant la conclusion de l’entente ou dans le cadre de la demande d’approbation par le tribunal d’un règlement ou d’un jugement par consentement.

Ne signez pas avant d’avoir toutes les réponses à vos questions et d’avoir décidé de poursuivre l’affaire. 2. Services que nous fournirons en vertu de cette entente

Vous retenez nos services moyennant des honoraires conditionnels pour [décrivez brièvement la nature de l’affaire et la portée du mandat.]

Vous retenez nos services pour vous représenter : [Sélectionnez chaque énoncé qui s’applique. Effacez ce qui ne s’applique pas.]

• jusqu’à la conclusion d’un règlement ;

• jusqu’à la fin de votre audience ;

• dans un appel si vous perdez votre cause et décidez de faire appel. Vous avez le droit de prendre toutes les décisions essentielles sur la façon dont nous conduisons cette affaire. 3. Services NON couverts par la présente entente

[Effacez l’article 3 s’il ne s’applique pas.]

Nous avons discuté des services suivants et vous nous avez demandé de ne pas agir à leur égard. Cela signifie qu’ils ne sont pas couverts par la présente entente :

• [service]

• [service]

[Énumérez sous forme de points tous les recours juridiques liés à la cause, mais exclus de l’entente. Le client peut avoir une réclamation, par exemple, en responsabilité civile délictuelle/pour des indemnités d’accident d’automobile/pour une invalidité de longue durée/pour une invalidité du RPC. Incluez tout conseil que vous avez donné, comme de recommander que le client retienne les services de quelqu’un d’autre, ou de lui rappeler les délais de prescription.] 4. Autres clients que nous représentons dans cette affaire

[Effacez l’article 4 s’il n’y a pas d’autres clients.]

Nous agissons aussi pour :

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[Énumérez les clients :]

• [Nom du client]

• [Nom du client]. Conflits d’intérêts [Ces clients ont] [Ce client a] des intérêts similaires aux vôtres. En cas de conflit d’intérêts que nous ne pourrions pas résoudre,

[Sélectionnez ce qui s’applique et combinez la phrase :]

nous ne pourrons pas continuer d’agir pour chacun de vous.

nous continuerons d’agir pour [nom du client] et vous renverrons à un autre professionnel juridique.

[Inclure seulement si applicable :]

Vous savez que nous agissons pour le compte de [nom du client] et que nous entretenons une relation continue avec ce client. Nous vous avons conseillé de demander l’avis d’un autre professionnel juridique au sujet de cette entente conjointe avant de la signer. Partage d’information entre clients Nous ne pouvons pas traiter l’information que vous nous fournissez sur cette affaire comme confidentielle à l’égard des autres clients que nous représentons dans la même affaire. Si vous nous faites part d’une information et que vous nous demandez de ne pas la divulguer à notre autre client, nous pourrions être contraints de cesser de vous représenter ou même de résilier l’entente.

5. Comment payer les débours

Pour étayer votre cause, nous pourrions être tenus de payer pour des biens ou services fournis par des tiers. Par exemple, nous pourrions devoir payer des droits de dépôt au tribunal et les honoraires des témoins experts (tels que des experts médicaux). Ces paiements sont réputés être des « débours », car nous les payons en votre nom.

Nous avons le droit de nous faire rembourser ces débours payés à titre de charge de premier rang sur la somme reçue au titre d’un montant adjugé ou d’un règlement. Toutefois, Aide juridique Ontario peut avoir priorité sur nous si vous avez reçu des services d’aide juridique dans cette affaire.

En règle générale, les coûts internes du cabinet ne sont pas facturés à titre de débours. Par exemple, les heures d’autres avocats, parajuristes, adjoints juridiques et adjoints administratifs, ou les heures supplémentaires, ne sont pas considérées comme étant

4

des débours et ne seront pas facturées séparément. Ces heures font partie des services juridiques rendus et sont donc couvertes par les honoraires conditionnels.

Cependant, les dépenses approuvées par un tribunal administratif ou judiciaire, et celles autorisées en vertu d’un règlement, désignées « tarif A », constituent également des débours, même si elles sont des coûts internes des cabinets (la formule « tarif A » fait partie intégrante des Règles de procédure civile).

[Sélectionnez le paragraphe qui s’applique.]

[Le client paie, qu’il obtienne gain de cause ou non, à la fin de l’affaire ou du mandat :]

Les débours, y compris les taxes, ne sont pas couverts par les honoraires conditionnels. Ils sont payables que vous obteniez gain de cause ou non. Nous vous facturerons les débours à la fin de votre affaire. Si notre entente prend fin avant la fin de votre affaire, nous vous facturerons tous les débours impayés. Nous facturerons des intérêts sur tout montant impayé, au taux de [__ %], un mois à partir du jour où nous vous remettons notre relevé de compte final.

[Ajoutez s’il y a plus d’un client :]

Chacun d’entre vous a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les factures soient intégralement payées.

[Le client paie les débours directement au fournisseur :]

Les débours, y compris les taxes, ne sont pas couverts par les honoraires conditionnels. Ils sont payables que vous obteniez gain de cause ou non. Vous êtes responsable de payer les débours facturés.

[Ajoutez s’il y a plus d’un client :]

Chacun d’entre vous a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les factures soient intégralement payées.

[Le client rembourse au cabinet d’avocat les dépenses engagées :]

Les débours, y compris les taxes, ne sont pas couverts par les honoraires conditionnels. Ils sont payables que vous obteniez gain de cause ou non. Nous vous facturerons les débours au fur et à mesure que nous les payons. Nous facturerons des intérêts sur tout montant impayé, au taux de [__ %], un mois à partir du jour où nous vous remettons notre relevé de compte final.

[Ajoutez s’il y a plus d’un client :]

Chacun d’entre vous a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les factures soient intégralement payées. [Le cabinet n’est remboursé que s’il y a eu un montant adjugé ou un règlement :]

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En vertu de cette entente, nous paierons d’avance les débours, y compris les taxes. Vous n’aurez pas à nous rembourser si vous perdez votre cause. Toutefois, si vous recevez une somme à titre de règlement ou d’indemnisation, il se peut qu’elle comprenne un montant pour vous aider à nous rembourser les débours. Nous déduirons une somme de ce montant nécessaire pour couvrir les débours, plus toute somme supplémentaire provenant de l’indemnisation ou du règlement. Nous indiquerons ces déductions dans notre relevé de compte final. 6. Dépens

Si vous gagnez ou réglez votre cause, vous pourriez recevoir des « dépens », c’est-à-dire de l’argent pour vous aider à payer les frais juridiques. Dans la plupart des cas, les dépens ne couvrent qu’une partie des frais juridiques d’une personne. Si vous perdez votre cause, un tribunal judiciaire ou administratif peut vous ordonner de payer des dépens à la partie gagnante sur une base d’« indemnisation partielle » ou d’« indemnisation substantielle ». L’indemnisation partielle signifie généralement que vous pourriez avoir à payer entre 60 % et 80 % des dépens réels de la partie gagnante. Une indemnisation substantielle signifie généralement que vous pourriez avoir à payer 80 % ou plus des dépens réels de la partie gagnante. 7. Comment nous calculons les honoraires conditionnels

Les honoraires que vous nous paierez pour des services juridiques représentent un pourcentage de l’argent que vous obtiendrez à titre de règlement ou d’indemnisation. Ils s’appliquent également à tout montant que vous recevez au titre des dépens si vous obtenez gain de cause ou tout montant précisé au titre des dépens dans le cadre d’un règlement. Le pourcentage ne s’applique pas aux montants que vous recevez spécifiquement pour vous aider à payer les débours et les taxes.

[Sélectionnez si le client est un demandeur :]

Nos honoraires conditionnels ne peuvent pas dépasser le montant que vous recouvrez de l’autre partie à titre de règlement ou d’indemnisation, incluant les dépens et excluant les débours et les taxes. Vos frais [Sélectionnez si le % des honoraires conditionnels est constant à tous les stades couverts par l’entente :]

Nos honoraires conditionnels constitueront [__ %] de votre règlement ou de votre indemnisation, plus la TVH.

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[Honoraires conditionnels partiels : Sélectionnez s’il s’agit d’une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels partiels à un taux horaire :]

Vous avez consenti à nous payer un taux horaire de [___ $]/l’heure pour des services juridiques, plus des honoraires conditionnels de [__ %] si vous recevez une indemnisation ou un règlement. La TVH sera ajoutée à nos frais.

Sélectionnez s’il s’agit d’une entente sur des honoraires conditionnels partiels à un taux fixe :]

Vous avez consenti à nous payer un taux fixe de [___ $] au début de votre affaire, plus des honoraires conditionnels de [__ %] si vous recevez une indemnisation ou un règlement. La TVH sera ajoutée à nos frais.

[Honoraires conditionnels progressifs :

Si le % est progressif, sélectionnez les stades ci-dessous qui s’appliquent et effacez les autres. Ajustez les stades et les pourcentages au besoin pour tenir compte de la cause et des pratiques de votre cabinet.]

SI ALORS

Nous réglons votre cause avant l’interrogatoire préalable (une rencontre avec l’autre partie pour partager des documents et poser des questions)

Les honoraires seront de

[__%] + TVH

Nous réglons votre cause après l’interrogatoire préalable, mais avant l’audience

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

Nous réglons votre cause avant la conférence en vue d’un règlement (une réunion pour voir s’il est possible de régler un différend par la médiation)

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

Nous réglons votre cause pendant la conférence en vue d’un règlement

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

Nous réglons votre cause après la conférence en vue d’un règlement, mais avant l’audience

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

Nous réglons votre cause pendant l’audience, mais avant le jugement

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

Le tribunal [judiciaire] [administratif] entend votre cause et ordonne que vous receviez une indemnisation

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

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SI ALORS

Nous faisons appel de la décision du tribunal [judiciaire] [administratif] et concluons un règlement avant que l’appel ne soit entendu

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

Nous gagnons votre appel et le tribunal [judiciaire] [administratif] ordonne que vous receviez une indemnité

Les honoraires seront de [__%] + TVH

[NOTA : L’annexe contient d’autres formules pour ajuster les frais juridiques dans des circonstances exceptionnelles.]

8. Comment vous recevrez votre règlement ou votre indemnisation Vous convenez et ordonnez que toute somme que vous recouvrez au titre d’un montant adjugé ou d’un règlement nous soit envoyée. Nous la placerons dans un compte en fiducie pour vous. Vous convenez et ordonnez également que tous les fonds que nous réclamons au titre des honoraires, débours et taxes soient prélevés sur le montant adjugé ou le règlement. Nous vous remettrons un relevé de compte détaillé indiquant :

• les montants qui sont affectés à la somme recouvrée au titre d’un montant adjugé ou d’un règlement ;

• le montant que nous gardons pour couvrir nos honoraires et débours non réglés ;

• le montant que nous gardons pour acquitter la TVH ;

• le montant que vous recevrez. [Sélectionnez si le dossier peut donner lieu à un règlement échelonné.]

Le montant total que vous recevrez reste le même, que vous le preniez en une fois ou que vous preniez des petits montants sous forme de versements réguliers.

9. Frais provisoires Parfois, un tribunal judiciaire ou administratif accorde un montant avant la fin de l’affaire pour aider à payer les honoraires juridiques et les débours. Ce montant est appelé « frais provisoires ».

[Sélectionnez si le client reçoit une partie des frais provisoires :]

Frais provisoires adjugés pour les frais juridiques Si nous obtenons un règlement ou gagnons votre cause, nous déduirons les frais provisoires déjà reçus de nos honoraires sur le relevé de compte final.

8

Si nous n’obtenons pas de règlement ou ne gagnons pas votre cause, ou si le montant adjugé ou le règlement est très bas, le montant reçu en frais provisoires pourrait être supérieur à celui auquel nous avons droit. Dans ce cas, nous vous paierons l’excédent.

[Sélectionnez si le cabinet garde les frais provisoires en cas de perte de la cause ou si l’indemnité est basse :]

Frais provisoires adjugés pour les frais juridiques Si nous obtenons un règlement ou gagnons votre cause, nous déduirons les frais provisoires déjà reçus de nos honoraires sur le relevé de compte final.

Si nous n’obtenons pas de règlement ou ne gagnons pas votre cause, ou si le montant adjugé ou le règlement est très bas, nous garderons les frais provisoires pour couvrir une partie des frais relatifs à notre travail dans votre affaire.

[Sélectionnez si le cabinet paie les débours d’avance :]

Frais provisoires adjugés pour les débours Si un montant est adjugé à titre de frais provisoires pour les débours, nous l’utiliserons pour payer les débours engagés pour votre affaire.

[Sélectionnez si le client paie les débours d’avance :]

Frais provisoires adjugés pour les débours Si un montant est adjugé à titre de frais provisoires pour les débours, nous vous remettrons cet argent pour rembourser les débours que vous avez engagés. 10. Votre droit de faire examiner votre relevé de compte final

Si vous trouvez que le relevé de compte final n’est pas raisonnable, communiquez avec la Cour supérieure pour demander un examen. Vous devriez présenter une demande à cette fin dans les 30 jours suivant la réception du relevé de compte final. Voici les coordonnées de la Cour supérieure dans votre région :

[Insérez les coordonnées de la Cour supérieure dans votre région.] 11. Résiliation de l’entente avant la fin de votre affaire

Vous êtes libre de mettre fin à la présente entente à tout moment.

Nous pouvons également y mettre fin si les règles de notre Code de déontologie le requièrent ou nous le permettent.

Si notre entente est résiliée avant la fin de votre affaire, vous pourriez tout de même devoir nous payer :

[Sélectionnez ce qui s’applique :]

• les débours dont vous êtes responsable, plus les taxes ;

9

• nos services juridiques, payés à l’heure, jusqu’à la résiliation de l’entente, plus les taxes.

Nous recouvrerons cette somme de la somme que vous recevrez au titre d’un montant adjugé ou d’un règlement lorsque votre affaire sera terminée.

Notre taux horaire : [Insérez le taux horaire pour chaque personne qui pourrait travailler sur le dossier.]

Nous vous donnerons un avis écrit si notre taux horaire augmente. 12. Aucune garantie de succès

Nous agirons dans votre intérêt. Cependant, nous ne pouvons pas promettre que vous aurez gain de cause. 13. Signature de la présente entente

Veuillez nous contacter s’il y a quoi que ce soit dans cette entente dont vous voulez encore discuter avant de signer.

Si vous souhaitez que nous procédions sur la base de cette entente, veuillez signer et dater ce document où il est écrit « signature du client ». Une fois l’entente signée, nous pouvons accepter de la modifier, mais nous devons le faire par écrit. Un tribunal peut également ordonner que des modifications y soient apportées. _______________________ _________________________ __________________

Nom du client (en caractères d’imprimerie)

[Insérez des lignes additionnelles de signature de client au besoin.]

Signature du client ou du tuteur à l’instance

Date

_______________________

________________________

__________________

10

Pour [nom du cabinet] [Écrire en caractères d’imprimerie le nom du représentant du cabinet.]

Signature, pour [nom du cabinet]

Date

Annexe pour les rédacteurs juridiques Calculs facultatifs des honoraires conditionnels

dans des circonstances exceptionnelles

[Vous pouvez incorporer le passage ci-dessous à l’article 7 dans les cas suivants :

• vous anticipez que cette affaire pourrait entraîner une audience longue et complexe,

• vous croyez qu’un pourcentage d’honoraires conditionnels prélevé sur le montant combiné de l’indemnisation et des dépens pourrait ne pas indemniser vos heures de travail de façon adéquate.

Insérez le passage après que vous indiquez votre pourcentage d’honoraires conditionnels (ou les pourcentages, s’ils sont progressifs).

Nota : Ces options ne s’appliquent pas à des affaires devant la Cour des petites créances et des tribunaux administratifs qui n’adjugent pas des dépens sur la base d’une indemnisation partielle, substantielle et complète.] [Indemnisation complète ou substantielle] Frais supplémentaires si l’affaire fait l’objet d’une audience Si vous recevez de l’argent pour tous ou presque tous vos dépens sur une base d’« indemnisation substantielle » (80 % ou plus), nous vous facturerons l’un ou l’autre des montants suivants :

• des honoraires conditionnels de [__ %] de l’indemnisation totale, y compris les dépens ;

• un montant égal à tous les dépens, mais pas le reste de l’indemnisation.

Nous vous facturerons le montant le plus élevé de ces deux options. [Indemnisation partielle] Si vous recevez de l’argent pour une partie de vos dépens sur une base d’« indemnisation partielle » (généralement entre 60 % et 80 % des dépens réels), nous pouvons choisir de vous facturer l’un ou l’autre des montants suivants :

11

A. des honoraires conditionnels de [__ %] ; [Insérez dans l’entente convenue sur des honoraires conditionnels le % de l’indemnisation totale avec les dépens.]

B. un montant égal à tous les dépens reçus, plus

un montant additionnel pouvant atteindre les 2/3 des dépens. Ce montant ne peut pas excéder la moitié du montant à la disposition A.

[Ajustements pour des dépens mixtes Dans les cas où des dépens sont adjugés sur la base d’un mélange d’indemnisations complète, substantielle et partielle, fixez un montant qui reflète adéquatement la méthode indiquée ci-dessus.]

Exemple d’adjudication de dépens sur la base d’une indemnisation partielle William glisse dans le hall de son hôtel de luxe et se blesse. Il réclame une indemnisation de l’hôtel, mais celui-ci veut contester sa demande devant le tribunal.

À l’issue de l’audience, William reçoit une indemnisation de 100 000 $, plus 20 000 $ pour les dépens partiels. L’autre partie est également condamnée à payer 15 000 $ pour les débours que William doit à son avocate.

William et son avocate s’étaient entendus sur des honoraires conditionnels correspondant à 25 % de l’indemnisation et des dépens combinés. Cela signifie qu’elle pourrait recevoir 30 000 $ + la TVH.

Toutefois, leur entente sur des honoraires conditionnels stipulait que si la cause faisait l’objet d’une audience, l’avocate pourrait choisir de lui facturer les 20 000 $ adjugés pour les dépens partiels, plus un montant additionnel pouvant atteindre les deux tiers des dépens adjugés (13 200 $) pour compenser tout son travail sur le dossier.

L’entente stipulait que ce montant supplémentaire ne devait pas dépasser la moitié des honoraires conditionnels qui auraient autrement été versés. Dans ce cas, le montant additionnel ne pourrait pas dépasser 50 % de 30 000 $, soit 15 000 $.

Le montant supplémentaire de 13 200 $ étant inférieur à la limite de 15 000 $, il a été accordé.

L’avocate de William a préparé un relevé de compte final :

Indemnisation et dépens partiels (100 000 $ + 20 000 $)

120 000 $

Moins : dépens partiels adjugés -20 000

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Moins : Frais additionnels correspondant aux 2/3 des dépens partiels (66 % de 20 000 $)

-13 200

TVH sur les frais totaux (20 000 $ + 13 200 $ x 13 %)

-4 316

Plus : Débours payés par l’autre partie (avec la TVH)

15 000

Moins : Débours dus à l’avocate de William -15 000

William recevra : 82 484 $

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Résumé de votre entente

[Nom, adresse, numéro de téléphone, courriel, numéro de télécopieur du cabinet]

Client : [Insérez les noms de tous les clients couverts par l’entente.]

Le client est un incapable – la Cour doit approuver l’entente

[Sélectionnez si le client est un incapable au sens des Règles de procédure civile, représenté par un tuteur à l’instance. Effacez cette rangée si s.o.]

Un juge doit approuver l’entente. Nous devons veiller à ce que cette approbation soit donnée avant la conclusion de l’entente ou dans le cadre de la demande d’approbation par le tribunal d’un règlement ou d’un jugement par consentement.

Services juridiques couverts

Vous retenez nos services moyennant des honoraires conditionnels pour [décrire brièvement la nature de l’affaire et la portée du mandat.]

Vous retenez nos services pour vous représenter : [Sélectionnez chaque énoncé qui s’applique. Effacez ce qui ne s’applique pas :]

• jusqu’à la conclusion d’un règlement ;

• jusqu’à la fin de votre audience ;

• dans un appel si vous perdez votre cause et décidez de faire appel.

Vous avez le droit de prendre toutes les décisions essentielles sur la façon dont nous conduisons cette affaire.

Questions juridiques connexes non couvertes

[Faites une liste des services exclus, le cas échéant. Effacez cette rangée si s.o.]

Débours Nous pourrions être tenus de payer pour des biens ou services fournis par des tiers, y compris les taxes. Ces paiements sont réputés être des débours, car nous les payons en votre nom (par exemple, les droits de dépôt au tribunal et les honoraires des témoins experts).

En règle générale, les coûts internes du cabinet ne peuvent pas être facturés à titre de débours. Par exemple, les débours ne comprennent

14

ni les heures d’autres avocats, de parajuristes, d’adjoints juridiques et d’adjoints administratifs ni les heures supplémentaires.

Cependant, les dépenses approuvées par un tribunal administratif ou judiciaire, et celles autorisées en vertu d’un règlement, désignées « tarif A », constituent également des débours, même si elles sont des coûts internes des cabinets (la formule « tarif A » fait partie intégrante des Règles de procédure civile).

[Sélectionnez ce qui s’applique et effacez tout le reste :]

Vous payez les débours, que vous gagniez ou perdiez, à la fin de l’affaire.

Vous payez directement les débours à mesure qu’ils sont payés.

Nous vous facturerons les débours pendant le déroulement de votre affaire.

Vous ne devrez payer les débours que si vous obtenez gain de cause ou recevez un règlement.

Honoraires conditionnels

[Insérez un résumé des frais, avec le pourcentage et toutes autres conditions particulières.]

Si des frais provisoires sont adjugés

[Sélectionnez si le client reçoit une partie de frais provisoires :]

Si nous obtenons un règlement ou gagnons votre cause, nous déduirons les frais déjà reçus de nos honoraires sur le relevé de compte final.

Si nous n’obtenons pas un règlement ou ne gagnons pas votre cause, ou si le montant adjugé ou le règlement est très bas, le montant reçu en frais provisoires pourrait être supérieur à celui auquel nous avons droit. Nous vous paierons l’excédent.

[Sélectionnez si le cabinet garde les frais provisoires en cas de perte de la cause ou si le montant adjugé est bas :]

Si nous obtenons un règlement ou gagnons votre cause, nous déduirons les frais déjà reçus de nos honoraires sur le relevé de compte final.

Si nous n’obtenons pas un règlement ou ne gagnons pas votre cause, ou si le montant adjugé ou le règlement est très bas, nous garderons les frais provisoires pour couvrir une partie des frais pour notre travail dans votre affaire.

[Sélectionnez si le cabinet paie les débours d’avance :]

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Si un montant est adjugé pour des débours, nous l’utiliserons pour payer les dépenses engagées pour votre affaire.

[Sélectionnez si le client paie les débours d’avance :]

Si un montant est adjugé pour des débours, nous vous le donnerons pour vous rembourser une partie des débours que vous avez payés.

Votre droit de faire examiner le compte final

Si vous trouvez que le relevé de compte final n’est pas raisonnable, communiquez avec la Cour supérieure pour demander un examen. Vous devriez présenter une demande à cette fin dans les 30 jours suivant la réception du relevé de compte final.

Professional Regulation Committee

Amendments to the Law Society’s By-Laws (Fee Exemptions for Licensees Over 65 and Life Members) October 22, 2020

Committee Members:

Megan Shortreed (Chair) Jacqueline Horvat (Vice-Chair) Michelle Lomazzo (Vice-Chair) Robert Adourian Gerard Charette Etienne Esquega Julian Falconer Jorge Pineda Jonathan Rosenthal Clare Sellers Andrew Spurgeon Nicholas Wright

Authored By: Matthew Wylie mwylie@lso.ca

1

Table of Contents Motion ................................................................................................................................ 2

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 2

Context ............................................................................................................................... 4

A. Convocation’s Decision ............................................................................................. 4

B. Current By-Law Provisions ........................................................................................ 4

Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 6

A. Reaction in the Professions ....................................................................................... 6

B. Services and Programs Available to Exempt Licensees ............................................ 7

C. Costs Associated with Exempt Licensees ................................................................. 8

D. Contribution to Pro Bono Ontario ............................................................................. 10

E. Nomenclature .......................................................................................................... 11

F. The Committee’s Discussions ................................................................................. 11

Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 16

Next Steps ........................................................................................................................ 17

2

Motion The Professional Regulation Committee recommends that Convocation adopt the following motions:

1. In accordance with Convocation’s decision on August 6, 2020, that amendments to the Law Society’s By-Laws 4 and 5, as attached at Tab 2.2.1 be approved to remove the exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee for licensees who have practised law in Ontario for a period of 50 years, effective January 1, 2021.

2. To amend Convocation’s decision of August 6, 2020, that amendments to the Law Society’s By-Laws 4 and 5, as attached at Tab 2.2.2, be approved to establish a new Over 65 (retired) Annual Fee (applicable to licensees over 65 years of age who no longer practice law or provide legal services) at ten percent of the Annual Fee, effective January 1, 2021.1

Executive Summary At its August 2020 meeting, Convocation approved amendments in principle to the Law Society’s by-laws to remove the exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee for licensees who:

• Are over 65 years of age and do not practise law or provide legal services except to provide certain pro bono legal services in permitted circumstances; or

• Have practised law for a period of 50 years.

These proposed amendments were part of a package of strategic change items recommended by the Priority Planning Committee designed to:

• Achieve savings and internal efficiencies • Reduce regulatory burden on licensees • Modernize and streamline the Law Society’s internal processes, providing flexibility

to adapt to new circumstances and challenges.

At its September and October meetings, the Professional Regulation Committee considered the implementation of the removal of the exemptions in the context of feedback that has been received, primarily from licensees who are exempt or are approaching the age at which the exemption would become available.

1 The proposed amendments are detailed in redlined and clean versions of By-Law 4, Part I and By-Law 5, in both English and French, at Tab 10.

3

The Committee also considered additional issues that were raised in the feedback and had been referred to it by Convocation. In particular,

• Whether the nomenclature used on the Law Society Directory to refer to licensees who are over 65 years of age and no longer practice law, or who surrender their licence, should be changed to acknowledge that they have “retired”.

• Whether an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee should be granted to Treasurers and Benchers who are over 65 or who have practised law for a period of 50 years.

• Whether an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee should be granted to Deputy Judges over the age of 65 who are retired from the practice of law.

Based on the Committee’s discussions, the following conclusions were reached, which would be implemented by amendments to By-Laws 4 and 5 detailed at Tab 2.2.1, and operational changes, including to the Law Society Directory.

1. The fee exemption for licensees who have practised law for a period of 50 years or more (“Life Members”) should be eliminated effective January 1, 2021, in accordance with Convocation’s resolution in August 2020, without any grand-parenting provisions.

2. The nomenclature used on the Law Society Directory should be changed to allow licensees who are over 65 years of age, who retire from practice, and who choose to surrender their licence, to be able to opt to appear as, for example, “Licence Surrendered – Retired”.

3. The fee exemption for licensees over 65 years of age should be eliminated effective January 1, 2021, in accordance with Convocation’s resolution of August 2020, but the decision should be modified to create a new fee category for Over 65 (retired) licensees as follows:

i. A nominal “retired annual fee” set at ten percent of the annual fee, will replace the fee exemption for licensees over 65 years of age.

ii. The nominal fee will not be pro-rated in circumstances where a licensee’s status changes throughout the year, and the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan should not be available with respect to the nominal fee

iii. Licensees who are approved for the nominal fee will remain licensees of the Law Society with access to all Law Society services, programs and benefits as are currently available to exempt licensees (being the same as available to all licensees).

iv. Lawyers who are approved for the nominal fee will still be permitted to provide pro bono services on application, as currently permitted in the by-laws.

v. Licensees who are approved for the nominal fee will appear on the Law Society Directory as, for example, “Not Practising Law/Not Providing Legal Services – Retired”.

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4. No exemptions to the fee structure governing all licensees should be created for

Treasurers, Benchers, or Deputy Judges.

Context A. Convocation’s Decision On August 6, 2020 Convocation approved amendments in principle to By-Law 5 to remove:

• The exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee for licensees who are over 65 years of age and who do not practise law or provide legal services, except in those pro bono situations detailed in By-Law 4; and

• The exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee for Life Members.

These amendments were recommended by the Priority Planning Committee (PPC) to Convocation based on a number of strategic change items proposed by the Law Society’s CEO intended to:

• Achieve savings and internal efficiencies; • Reduce regulatory burden on licensees; and • Modernize and streamline the Law Society’s internal processes, providing flexibility

to adapt to new circumstances and challenges.

The removal of the fee exemptions formed part of a package of changes that was considered by PPC in July 2020 and Convocation in August 2020. As noted at that time, removing the fee exemptions was estimated to generate approximately $2,700,000 in budgeted revenue per year.2

B. Current By-Law Provisions • By-Law 5 - Annual Fee

Section 1 of By-Law 5 provides that a licensee shall pay an annual fee, unless exempt. Subsections 2(2) to 2(4) delineate three Annual Fee categories:

• 100% - applicable to all licensees who practise law or provide legal services

• 50% - applicable to licensees who do not practise law or provide legal services but who are otherwise employed, including licensees employed in education, government, or in a corporate position where they are not required to practise law or provide legal services

2 The PPC Report to Convocation of August 6, 2020 is available on the Law Society’s website.

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• 25% - applicable to licensees

o who do not engage in any remunerative work and do not practise law or provide legal services,

o who are in full-time attendance at a university, college or designated educational institution and do not practise law or provide legal services; or

o who are on a pregnancy or parental leave and do not practise law or provide legal services.

On the basis of these categories, licensees who are over 65 years of age and who retire and/or leave practice but choose to remain licensees of the Law Society are assessed fees at either 50%, if they engage in any remunerative work, or 25% if they are no longer working.

• Licensees Over 65 Years of Age Subsection 4(1) of By-Law 5 provides an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee for licensees who are:

• over sixty-five years of age; and • do not practise law or provide legal services in Ontario, or • pursuant to subsection 3(2) of By-Law 4, practise law in Ontario only on a pro bono

basis through o a program registered with Pro Bono Law Ontario, or o a clinic, within the meaning of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998, funded by

Legal Aid Ontario, that is approved by Pro Bono Law Ontario.3 Licensees who satisfy these requirements may apply to the By-Law Administration Services department for an exemption from the Annual Fee payment, even if they are receiving remuneration. There is no fee for an exemption application.

The fee exemption for licensees who are over 65 was recommended to Convocation by the Special Committee on Fees on March 20, 1970. At that time, a process was approved to allow members over 65 years of age who had permanently retired to apply for a reduced fee of $25.4 The in-camera report of the Special Committee on Fees did not address the rationale for the exemption, but did refer to it as a “privilege of paying a reduced annual fee”.

3 Retired lawyers were permitted to provide limited pro bono legal services based on the recommendation of this Committee to Convocation in June 2006. 4 The $25 fee for licensees over 65 years of age was approximately 17.8% of the $140 Annual Fee in 1970. The same percentage of the 2020 Annual Fee would be approximately $370 (without HST) or $415 (with HST).

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In June 1978, Convocation approved a recommendation from the Legislation and Rules Committee to eliminate the $25 annual fee for retired licensees over the age of 65 so that no fee would be payable. The Committee Report did not offer a rationale for this change.

In 1984, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the eligibility age for the exemption was reduced to 60 years of age. That remained in place until 1989 when it was restored to 65 years of age.

• Life Members

Subsection 4(6) of By-Law 5 provides that a licensee who has practised law in Ontario for a period of 50 years is exempt from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee.

The exemption for Life Members began in 1959, when, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, Convocation approved a class of “Honorary Life Members” for those members who had paid fees for 50 years or over. Effective December 1, 1959, Honorary Life Members were no longer liable to pay fees, including the Compensation Fund levy.

The in-camera Report of the Finance Committee at that time did not include any information about the rationale for this exemption.

Discussion In its discussions, in addition to the original PPC report to Convocation, the Committee considered the following information:

• The reaction in the professions to the elimination of the exemptions • Services and programs available to exempt licensees • An estimate of the cost of services available to exempt licensees • Contribution of exempt licensees to Pro Bono Ontario • The nomenclature in the Law Society Directory for exempt licensees

A. Reaction in the Professions The Law Society received considerable feedback about Convocation’s decision to remove the fee exemptions. Almost all of this correspondence was from exempt licensees already benefiting from the over 65 exemption, or licensees who are approaching 65 years of age and anticipated receiving the exemption once eligible.5 There was minimal feedback respecting the elimination of the Life Member exemption.

The reactions are summarized as follows:

5 Copies of the feedback received is available for Benchers in the Resource Centre of Diligent Boards.

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• Many opposed the amendments on principle and suggested that there should have been consultation prior to the amendments being proposed

• Many suggested that those who are currently exempt should have been “grand-parented” to receive continued entitlement to the benefit, which they have relied on and budgeted for in retirement.

• Some non-practising licensees who are nearing the age of 65 indicated that they have been paying fees up to this point only in anticipation of the exemption and they would not have done so had their known the exemption was going to be removed

• Some suggested that exempt lawyers do not receive any Law Society services, do not cost the Law Society anything, and therefore should not have to pay for their continuing status as a licensee.

• Some suggested that exempt licensees who currently provide pro bono services would surrender their licence and no longer work on a pro bono basis, thereby removing senior, experienced lawyers from Pro Bono Ontario programs and legal clinics.

• Many exempt lawyers indicated that being a lawyer is part of their identity, that they have been honoured to refer to themselves as such even in retirement, and that being forced to surrender their licence would impact their dignity.

• Some suggested that the Law Society’s reputation would be negatively affected by the proposed amendments, and that the Law Society would lose the goodwill that it had previously with retired licensees.

• Some suggested that the Law Society create a special category for exempt licensees with a nominal fee.

B. Services and Programs Available to Exempt Licensees Licensees who have been granted an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee continue to be subject to Law Society regulation and to receive services, programs, and benefits on exactly the same basis as all other licensees. The current by-laws do not vary these licensees’ obligations or privileges in any way.

Exempt licensees may have interactions with the Law Society including:

• Complaints and Discipline (in particular for Life Members who continue to practise and licensees over 65 who continue in remunerative work or to provide pro bono services)

• Administrative Suspensions (in particular for those licensees who remain subject to the Annual Report and CPD requirements)

• Annual Report – development, processing, and reminder follow up (for those who are not exempt from the requirement)

• Law Society Administrative assistance, which may include: o Development and processing of exemption applications, and telephone or

email inquiries about the exemption process and completing applications

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o Manual adjusted billings when a licensee changes to an exempt status o Personal and business contact information changes o Questions about status and scope of services that can be provided when

retired (i.e. notary services) o Questions about succession planning and winding up a practice

In addition, exempt licensees have access to all Law Society programs and services, including:

• The Member Assistance Program • Practice Management Helpline and other Practice Supports and Resources • The Great Library and LSO Archives staff assistance/LIRN/County Law

Libraries/CanLII collection (paper and electronic – in person and virtual), access and use

• LSO communications (including the Ontario Reports, notices, updates, critical policy and rule changes)

• Trustee Services / Practice Disposition (primarily upon retirement) • Coach and Advisor Network • Continuing Professional Development programs – licensees who are over the age

of 65 and who are no longer in practice continue to participate to keep up to date, engage and support mentoring or coaching, or to support their ongoing education applied in their non-private practice workplace settings and activities (including Board of Director work, etc.)

• Voting in Bencher elections and receipt of all relevant voting guides, resources and provision of ballots.

Licensees who have received an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee continue to have the right to run as a Bencher and may attend and address the Annual General meeting.

Therefore, the assertion in some of the feedback provided that the licensees who are exempt from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee receive no services is not accurate. Exempt licensees have all the same benefits and privileges as other classes of licensees.

C. Costs Associated with Exempt Licensees There are currently approximately 700 Life Members, most of whom are in the full-time practising class, and approximately 5200 licensees in the over 65 exempt class, who would otherwise pay fees at the 50% or 25% level but for the exemption. Together these exempt licensees account for approximately 10% of total licensees regulated by the Law Society.

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Administration costs attributable to exempt licensees is not something that the Law Society has tracked and is not easily calculable, often requiring portions of employee time across the organization. However, there is a significant, if unquantifiable, administrative cost associated with exemption applications and granting Life Member status.

Licensees who are over 65 and who no longer practise law or provide legal services (other than pro bono legal services as permitted by the by-laws) must apply for an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee and file the Annual Report. Exemption applications are reviewed and approved in the By-Law Administration Services department of the Client Service Centre. The process is largely manual and is time consuming. In 2019, the Law Society received over 700 exemption applications, up from just under 500 in 2018. Lawyers who have practised for a period of 50 years are identified each year though a manual process in the Membership Services department of the Client Service Centre. Once identified, Life Members are notified of their status and changes are made by Membership Services to manually effect the necessary status adjustments. Each year between approximately 75–100 licensees are granted Life Member status. Regulatory interactions do not appear to be a significant cost associated with exempt licensees as a group. For instance, although approximately two-thirds of the work of the Trustee Services department relates to licensees over 65 years of age, most of those interactions would not be with licensees who have received an exemption. Licensees who apply to receive the exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee and file the Annual Report must wind up their practice and provide information about the location of client files and the disposition of client matters. As such, most of the work that can be attributed to exempt licensees would be administrative in nature, including providing information to former clients about the location of files, and proactively assisting licensees with the wind up of their practices as they work toward obtaining exemptions.6 Complaints and discipline costs for this group are dependent on practice status. Life Members, the majority of whom remain in practice, appear to be subject to complaints at a rate that is consistent with other groups of practising licensees, and account for approximately 1% of all complaints received each year, consistent with their proportion as licensees overall. Exempt over 65 licensees account for less than 1% of all Law Society complaints in a year, despite making up approximately 8% of licensees. As a group, they are subject to complaints at a low rate, which is to be expected since they are not practising law or providing legal services. However, exempt licensees remain subject to

6 Life Members who continue to practice may be subject to formal trusteeships or voluntary arrangements to wind-up their practice, which consume significant resources in the Trustee Services Department.

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regulatory oversight, and there are some complaints and discipline processes referable to licensees in this class each year (e.g. 16 complaints in 2019).

While all Law Society programs and services are available to all retired licensees, they are not used by exempt licensees uniformly or with any consistency. In order to arrive at a rough estimate of those costs that can be attributed to this group of licensees (excluding general administrative and regulatory costs), a conservative approach was taken by the Committee. Consideration was given only to the approximate annual costs of the programs listed below:

• Member Assistance Program ($500,000) • Practice Management Helpline and other Practice Supports ($700,000) • The Great Library / LIRN / County Law Library / CanLII collection ($12,000,000) • LSO communications ($250,000) • CPD ($4,000,000) • LSO administrative assistance ($500,000) • Voting in bencher election ($100,000) • Annual Report development and processing ($250,000) • Coach and Advisor Network – ($250,000)

Total program and services costs - $18,500,000

The circumstances of these licensees were considered in relation to these estimated costs. There are approximately 6,000 exempt licensees who are Life Members or in the over 65 exempt class. Therefore, approximately ten percent of licensees are currently exempt from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee.

Ten percent of the total program costs is $1,850,000. If those program costs are attributed individually to the 6,000 exempt licensees, there is an estimated cost of approximately $300 per year, per licensee. This does not include unquantifiable administrative and regulatory costs associated with the Law Society’s continuing regulatory oversight of these licensees.

D. Contribution to Pro Bono Ontario Exempt licensees may apply to practise law on a pro bono basis through a program registered with Pro Bono Law Ontario or through a LAO clinic that is approved by Pro Bono Law Ontario. Between 2010 and 2020, the Law Society has only approved the provision of pro bono services by 8 lawyers over 65 years of age who have received an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee. This appears to correspond with information received from PBO, which indicated that the number of lawyers who have received the exemption and who provide pro bono services is “very low”. However, PBO indicates that there has been an “exacerbation of legal need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic”, and that there is a pressing need for more volunteers, which may be addressed by licensees over 65 who are no longer in practice.

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E. Nomenclature In the discussion among Benchers at Convocation, it was suggested that there should be a “retired” designation for those licensees over 65 years of age who would otherwise be exempt. This idea was echoed in the feedback the Law Society received.

Currently, licensees who are not practising law or providing legal services can avoid either paying fees or administrative suspensions by surrendering their licences. If they surrender their licences, they continue to appear on the Law Society Directory for a period of three years. During that time, they are listed as “Licence Surrendered – Administrative Surrender of Licence”.

Exempt licensees and Life Members, who are employed other than in the practise of law or the provision of legal services, and would be in the 50% fee category, are currently listed as “Not Practising Law – Employed” or “Not Providing Legal Services – Employed”. Exempt licensees who do not engage in any remunerative work and are in the 25% fee category are listed as “Not Practising Law” or “Not Providing Legal Services”.

F. The Committee’s Discussions The Committee considered Convocation’s decision to remove the exemptions at its meetings in September and October 2020. Discussion focussed on the issues as follows:

Life Members

The Committee noted that there are approximately 700 licensees who have been granted Life Member status. Of those, approximately 450 appear to still be working in a law firm, government or in-house setting and approximately 250 have advised that they are not working.

The Committee noted that there was very little feedback associated with removing the exemption for Life Members, likely because most are in the full practising class.

Consistent with Convocation’s decision in August 2020, the Committee agreed that licensees who are practising law should be required to pay the Annual Fee, regardless of the number of continuous years that they have been in practice. Similarly, the Committee agreed that those Life Members who are no longer in practice should be treated identically to other licensees over 65 years of age and should have the same options with respect to licensing and fees.

While not asked to do so by Convocation, in light of the feedback received, the Committee considered whether current Life Members should be grand-parented such that the new by-law requirement that licensees to pay fees according to their status would not apply to them. Although the majority did not agree, a significant minority of Committee members were of the view that the current 700 Life Members should retain their status through grand-parenting provisions.

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The majority of the Committee noted that eliminating the exemption would generate additional revenue, commensurate with the cost of regulating licensees in this category, most of whom are practising. This would allow the Law Society to reduce fees across the board at a time when many licensees are suffering financially as a result of the pandemic. Eliminating the exemption also provides burden reduction for the Law Society, which would be lost if this class of licensees are grand-parented. Grand-parenting approximately 700 licensees would require continued technical and administrative solutions for the Law Society’s operational departments and would cause the loss of almost all of the savings the elimination of the exemption was intended to generate.

Nomenclature On Surrender of Licence

The Committee was unanimously of the view that the nomenclature on the Law Society Directory should be changed for those who choose to surrender their licence by reason of retirement over age 65. This is an administrative change and does not require a resolution of Convocation.

This issue was raised during the Convocation debate in August 2020. Further, some feedback from the professions suggested that the language used on the Law Society Directory for licensees who surrender due to retirement does not respect the dignity and professional contribution of those licensees. The Committee received information that a nomenclature change can be implemented with very little administrative cost.

As a means to recognize and resolve this issue, the Committee unanimously agreed that the nomenclature on the Law Society Directory should be changed. Licensees who are over 65 years of age, who retire from practice, and who choose to surrender their licence should be able to opt to appear as, for example, “Licence Surrendered - Retired”.

Licensees Over 65 Years of Age

The fee exemption for licensee over 65 years of age was the subject of considerable discussion at both Committee meetings. The Committee noted that approximately 5,200 licensees have currently been granted an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee based on being over 65 years of age. In addition, it was noted that the vast majority (in excess of ninety five percent) of these licensees are not engaged in any remunerative work and would therefore be required to pay fees at the 25% rate, with an Annual Fee payment of $516.50 (plus HST) for 2020.7

7 For 2020, the 50% fee category is $1,033 plus HST.

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There was little appetite amongst Committee members to reverse Convocation’s decision by maintaining the existing exemption, or to grand-parent such a large class of licensees. Instead, the Committee considered:

A. A complete elimination of the exemption as decided by Convocation, versus B. A modification to eliminate and replace the exemption with a nominal fee that is

roughly commensurate to administrative costs for licensees over 65 who retire from practice.

Considering all of these factors set out below, the Committee had difficulty coming to a consensus as between a complete elimination of the exemption, or the modified elimination and replacement with a nominal fee. Ultimately, a slim majority of the Committee favoured creating a new nominal fee category for retired licensees. By-Law changes have been drafted accordingly and are before Convocation for approval.

When considering these options, the Committee’s discussion included the following:

The need to implement Convocation’s previous elimination of the exemption and the impact on the budget if the exemptions were to remain in place

Concern that feedback from the professions about the decision in principle to eliminate the exemption for licensees over 65 should be fully considered and addressed in any final report to Convocation.

Inter-generational equity is an issue. It is simply not fair that younger licensees (including those who are no longer in practice) pay fees to fund the Law Society’s regulatory functions, programs, and services, while exempt licensees over 65 do not. Exempt licensees remain subject to regulation and benefit from programs and services. The costs of regulation should be borne equally by all licensees who choose to be governed by the Law Society.

The nomenclature change discussed above will enable licensees over 65 years of age to be described as retired, thus preserving their dignity and recognizing their contributions to the professions.

Licensure provides access not only to Law Society oversight, but also to Law Society programs and services, and brings certain privileges, rights, and benefits.

Licensees who are no longer in practice but who wish to have continued access to the privileges of having a licence should be required to pay some amount, even if they are over 65 and would otherwise qualify for exemptions.

Using a conservative approach with respect to estimating costs, a nominal fee assessed at ten percent of the Annual Fee ($206 for lawyers, $106 for paralegals in 2020) is reasonable for retired

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licensees over age 65 who wish to retain their licence and with it their access to Law Society privileges, programs, and services.

A nominal fee of ten percent of an annual fee would be roughly in line with amounts charged in other provinces and would provide some degree of cost recovery with respect to the regulatory and administrative costs, programs and services associated with this group of licensees.

Rather than a flat fee, a percentage of the Annual Fee, that is not subject to pro-rating or the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan would easier and more efficient to administer for the Law Society.

Under the eliminate and replace model, there would be a significant revenue reduction from the initial estimate with respect to removing the exemptions for licensees over 65. Full cost savings will also not be realized.

Also under the eliminate and replace model, the existing exemption from the requirement to file the Annual Report should remain in place and continue to be available upon application for licensees over 65 who meet the requirements in By-Law 8. If licensees are required to apply for a nominal fee, there is little additional administrative work required to continue with the existing dual application process for an exemption from the requirement to file the Annual Report.

Licensees who are assessed a nominal fee should continue to be permitted to provide pro bono services on application as currently detailed in the by-laws, and so no amendments to the by-laws are contemplated in this regard.

The Committee was concerned about the access to justice implications of a reduction in exempt licensees eligible to provide pro bono services through PBO; however, the Committee was satisfied that this is currently not a significant issue, as there are almost no exempt lawyers over 65 who have registered to provide pro bono services. Pro Bono Ontario (PBO) is hopeful that those numbers will increase and will continue to serve access to justice goals. The nominal fee category allows for this.

There does not appear to be a significant risk associated with retired licensees over 65 providing pro bono services through institutional PBO programs or clinics, given the low uptake to date. If the number of retired lawyers over 65 who provide pro bono services increases, elements of risk could be reassessed.

Benchers and Former Treasurers

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During the discussion at Convocation, the Treasurer indicated that the Committee should consider the circumstances of former Treasurers and Benchers when reviewing the removal of the fee exemptions.

Former Treasurers and current elected or Life Benchers who are over 65 years of age are currently eligible to apply for the exemptions from fees and filings. Those who have practised law for over 50 years may have been granted Life Member status.

Former Treasurers, Life Benchers, or elected Benchers may continue to serve as Benchers and participate in Convocation and Committees, as applicable, regardless of their fee category.8 However, if a former Treasurer, a Life Bencher, or a current Bencher elected to surrender their licence rather than pay fees in the 10%, 25% or 50% category, they would not be eligible to continue as a Bencher.

Many former Treasurers and Benchers participate in Convocation and Committees and provide valuable institutional knowledge and guidance to their Bencher colleagues and to staff. In some instances, they do so on a voluntary basis. While licensees in these circumstances could opt to move into the applicable fee categories, if they were to elect to surrender their licence and become ineligible to participate in Convocation or Committees, it would be to the detriment of the Law Society and contrary to the existing governance structure.

While acknowledging the contribution to the Law Society of Former Treasurers and Benchers, the Committee was of the view that a special treatment was inappropriate and unanimously agreed that Benchers and Former Treasurers should not be subject to a fee exemption that is not available to similarly situated licensees.

Deputy Judges

The Committee considered a request for an exemption from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee for those Deputy Judges in Small Claims Court who would otherwise meet the requirements for the current exemption. The request noted that many Deputy Judges who no longer practise law continue as Deputy Judges in Small Claims Court as a public service, and for a small amount of income. It was also highlighted that Deputy Judges pay their own expenses with little opportunity to recover anything by deducting those fees from income.

While acknowledging this request, the Committee unanimously agreed that Deputy Judges should not be subject to a fee exemption that is not available to other licensees. The Committee noted that Deputy Judges are remunerated for that work, and if a condition of

8 Subject to requirements set out in By-Law 3, former Treasurers have the right to participate in debate at Convocation. Life Benchers, which includes every person who, by June 1, 2015, held the office of elected bencher for at least 16 years, may participate and vote in Committees.

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their appointment is that they be licensed as lawyers9 they should be required to pay an Annual Fee that is appropriate to their circumstances, like any other employed licensee.

Recommendations Based on their discussions, the Committee came to the following recommendations, which are reflected in the proposed by-law amendments at Tab 2.2.1, or would be implemented operationally (see points below respecting the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan and nomenclature on the Law Society Directory):

1. The fee exemption for licensees who have practised law for a period of 50 years or more (“Life Members”) should be eliminated effective January 1, 2021, in accordance with Convocation’s resolution in August 2020, without any grand-parenting provisions.

2. The nomenclature used on the Law Society Directory should be changed to allow licensees over 65 years of age who are retired from practice, and who choose to surrender their licence, to be able to opt to appear as, for example, “Licence Surrendered – Retired”.

3. The exemptions for licensees over 65 years of age from the requirement to pay the Annual Fee should be modified as follows:

i. Apply a yearly nominal fee, assessed at ten percent of an annual fee, for Licensees over 65 who meet the current requirements for the Annual Fee exemption.

ii. The nominal fee applicable to this group of licensees would not be pro-

rated or reduced for licensees who switch their licensing status throughout the year and the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan would not be available for this group of licensees.

iii. Licensees who are required to pay the nominal fee should:

• Continue to have access to all Law Society services, programs and benefits;

• Continue to be able to apply for an exemption from the requirement to file the Annual Report;

• Continue to be permitted to provide pro bono services on application as currently detailed in the by-laws; and

9 Per s. 32 of the Courts of Justice Act

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• Appear on the Law Society Directory as, for example, “Not Practising Law / Not Providing Legal Services – Retired”

Next Steps If approved by Convocation, the by-law amendments attached at Tab 2.2.1 would come into force on January 1, 2021. Those amendments will:

• Remove the exemption for Life Members; and • Remove the exemption for licensees over 65 years of age and establish the Over

65 (retired) Annual Fee assessed at ten percent of the Annual Fee.

The Committee’s additional conclusions detailed above, including with respect to the nomenclature used in the Law Society Directory, will be implemented operationally.

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LAW SOCIETY OF ONTARIO

BY-LAWS MADE UNDER SUBSECTIONS 62 (0.1) AND (1) OF THE LAW SOCIETY ACT

MOTION TO BE MOVED AT THE MEETING OF CONVOCATION ON OCTOBER 22, 2020 MOVED BY SECONDED BY THAT By-Laws 4 [Licensing] and 5 [Annual Fee], in force immediately before this motion is moved, be amended as follows:

BY-LAW 4 [LICENSING]

1. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 3 (4) of By-Law 4 is revoked.

BY-LAW 5 [ANNUAL FEE]

2. Effective January 1, 2021, subsections 4 (6) to (10) of the English version of By-Law 5 are revoked and the following substituted: Expiration of exemption previously obtained (6) An exemption from a requirement to pay an annual fee available to a licensee under subsection (6) of By-Law 5, as it reads immediately before January 1, 2021, continues to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee in existence prior to January 1, 2021 but ceases to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee that comes into existence beginning or after January 1, 2021. 3. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 4 (6) to (10) of the French version of By-Law 5 are revoked and the following substituted: Expiration des exonérations obtenues auparavant (6) Une exonération de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle dont un titulaire de permis peut se prévaloir en vertu du paragraphe (6) du Règlement administratif no 5, selon son libellé immédiatement avant le 1er janvier 2021, continue de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle en vigueur avant le 1er janvier 2021, mais cesse de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer de la cotisation annuelle qui entre en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2021.

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LAW SOCIETY OF ONTARIO

BY-LAWS MADE UNDER SUBSECTIONS 62 (0.1) AND (1) OF THE LAW SOCIETY ACT

MOTION TO BE MOVED AT THE MEETING OF CONVOCATION ON OCTOBER 22, 2020 MOVED BY SECONDED BY THAT By-Laws 4 [Licensing] and 5 [Annual Fee] be amended as follows:

BY-LAW 4 [LICENSING]

1. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 3 (2) of the English version of By-Law 4 in force on that day is amended by striking out “granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by meeting the requirements described in subsection 4 (1)” and substituting “approved for payment of a retired annual fee under section 4.1”. 2. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 3 (2) of the French version of By-Law 4 in force on that day is amended by striking out “qui sont exemptés de la cotisation annuelle, car ils satisfont aux conditions énoncées au paragraphe 4 (1)” and substituting “qui sont autorisés à payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application de l’article 4.1”. 3. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 3 (3) of the By-Law 4 in force on that day is amended by striking out “4 (2)” and substituting “4 (1)”. 4. Effective January 1, 2021, subection 6.1 (1) the English version of By-Law 4 in force on that day is amended by striking out “granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by meeting the requirements described in subsection 4 (1)” and substituting “approved for payment of a retired annual fee under section 4.1”. 5. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 6.1 (1) of the French version of By-Law 4 in force on that day is amended by striking out “qui satisfont aux conditions d’exemption de la cotisation annuelle énoncées au paragraphe 4 (1)” and substituting “qui sont autorisés à payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application de l’article 4.1”. 6. Effective January 1, 2021, subsection 6.1 (2) of By-Law 4 in force on that day is amended by striking out “4 (2)” and substituting “4 (1)”.

2

BY-LAW 5 [ANNUAL FEE]

7. Effective January 1, 2021, section 4 of the English version of By-Law 5 in force on that day is revoked and the following substituted: Application for exemption from payment of annual fee: incapacity 4. (1) A licensee who is incapacitated within the meaning of the Act may apply to the Society for an exemption from payment of an annual fee. Application form (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be in a form provided by the Society. Consideration of application (3) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1) and, if satisfied that the requirements described therein are met, the Society shall approve the application. Effective date of exemption (4) A licensee whose application is approved is exempt from payment of the annual fee beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society. Expiration of exemptions previously obtained (5) An exemption from a requirement to pay an annual fee available to a licensee under subsection 4 (1), (1.1) or (6) of By-Law 5, as it reads immediately before January 1, 2021, continues to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee in existence prior to January 1, 2021 but ceases to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee that comes into existence beginning or after January 1, 2021. 8. Effective January 1, 2021, section 4 of the French version of By-Law 5 in force on that day is revoked and the following substituted: Demande d’exonération du paiement de la cotisation annuelle : incapacité 4. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont incapables d’exercer le droit au sens de la Loi peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour être exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle. Formulaire de demande (2) Une demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) est présentée dans le formulaire prescrit par le Barreau. Examen de la demande (3) Le Barreau examine chaque demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) et, si les exigences énoncées aux présentes sont satisfaites, le Barreau approuve la demande. Date d’entrée en vigueur de l’exonération

3

(4) Les titulaires de permis dont la demande d’exonération est approuvée sont exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours duquel ils ont présenté un formulaire de demande d’exonération considéré comme complet par le Barreau. Expiration des exonérations obtenues auparavant (5) Une exonération de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle dont un titulaire de permis peut se prévaloir en vertu des paragraphes 4 (1), (1.1) ou (6) du Règlement administratif no 5, selon son libellé immédiatement avant le 1er janvier 2021, continue de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle en vigueur avant le 1er janvier 2021, mais cesse de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle qui entre en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2021. 9. Effective January 1, 2021, the English version of By-Law 5 in force on that day is amended by adding a new section 4.1 as follows preceded by the heading “OVER SIXTY-FIVE: RETIRED ANNUAL FEE”: Application to pay retired annual fee: over sixty-five 4.1. (1) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not practise law, or practises law only as described in subsection 3 (2) of By-Law 4, may apply to the Society to pay a retired annual fee pursuant to this section. Same (2) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not provide legal services may apply to the Society to pay a retired annual fee pursuant to this section. Application form (3) An application under subsection (1) shall be in a form provided by the Society. Consideration of application (4) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1) or (2) and, if satisfied that the requirements described therein are met, the Society shall approve the application. Transition to retired annual fee (5) If a licensee's application is approved, beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society, and continuing so long as the licensee continues to meet the requirments set out in subsection (1) or (2), as applicable, (a) this section, and section 1, subsections 2 (1) and (2) and sections 4, 5 and 6, with references to “annual fee” therein read as references to “retired annual fee”, apply to the licensee; and (b) subsections 2 (3) to (7) and sections 3 and 3.1 do not apply to the licensee. Amount of retired annual fee (6) The amount of a retired annual fee in a year is 10 percent of the annual fee for the year.

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10. Effective January 1, 2021, the French version of By-Law 5 in force on that day is amended by adding a new section 4.1 as follows preceded by the heading “PLUS DE SOIXANTE-CINQ ANS : COTISATION ANNUELLE DE RETRAITÉ(E)”: Demande de paiement de cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) : plus de soixante-cinq ans 4.1. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont âgés de plus de 65 ans et qui n’exercent pas le droit, ou l’exercent seulement tel qu’énoncé au paragraphe 3 (2) du Règlement administratif no 4, peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application du présent article. Idem (2) Les titulaires de permis qui sont âgées de plus de 65 ans qui ne fournissent pas de services juridiques peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application du présent article. Formulaire de demande (3) Une demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) est présentée dans le formulaire prescrit par le Barreau. Examen de la demande (4) Le Barreau examine chaque demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) ou (2) et, si les exigences énoncées aux présentes sont satisfaites, le Barreau approuve la demande. Disposition de transition à la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) (5) Si la demande d’un titulaire de permis est approuvée, à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours duquel ils ont présenté un formulaire de demande d’exonération considéré comme complet par le Barreau, et continue aussi longtemps que le titulaire satisfait aux exigences énoncées aux paragraphes (1) ou (2), selon le cas : a) le présent article et l’article 1, les paragraphes 2 (1) et (2) et les articles 4, 5 et 6, mentionnant « cotisation annuelle » qui renvoie désormais à « cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) », s’appliquent au titulaire de permis ; b) les paragraphes 2 (3) à (7) et les articles 3 et 3.1 ne s’appliquent pas au titulaire. Montant de la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) (6) Le montant de la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) correspond à 10 pour cent de la cotisation annuelle pour l’année.

1

BY-LAW 4

Made: May 1, 2007 Amended: May 25, 2007

June 28, 2007 September 20, 2007

October 25, 2007 (editorial changes) January 24, 2008 April 24, 2008 May 22, 2008 June 26, 2008

December 19, 2008 (editorial changes) January 29, 2009

January 29, 2009 (editorial changes) June 25, 2009

June 25, 2009 (editorial changes) June 29, 2010

July 8, 2010 (editorial changes) September 29, 2010

September 30, 2010 (editorial changes) October 28, 2010

April 28, 2011 May 2, 2011 (editorial changes)

June 23, 2011 September 22, 2011 November 24, 2011 October 25, 2012 February 27, 2014

March 4, 2014 January 29, 2015

June 25, 2015 October 19, 2015 (editorial changes)

April 28, 2016 May 16, 2016 (editorial changes)

February 23, 2017 January 15, 2018 (editorial changes)

May 23, 2019 (editorial changes) June 25, 2019 (editorial changes)

September 11, 2019 February 27, 2020

LICENSING

2

PART I

CLASSES OF LICENCE

LICENCE TO PRACTISE LAW

Classes of licence 1. (1) There shall be the following classes of licence to practise law in Ontario as a

barrister and solicitor: 1. Class L1.

2. Class L2.

3. Class L3.

Transition

Interpretation

(2) In subsections (3) and (4), “member” means a member as defined in section 1 of the Act as it read immediately before May 1, 2007;

“temporary member” means a person admitted as a temporary member of the Society under section 28.1 of the Act as it read immediately before May 1, 2007.

Member other than temporary member

(3) Every person who is a member, other than a temporary member, immediately

before May 1, 2007 is deemed, on May 1, 2007, to hold a Class L1 licence. Temporary member

(4) Every person who is a temporary member immediately before May 1, 2007 is

deemed, on May 1, 2007, to hold a Class L2 licence. Scope of activities

3

Class L1 2. (1) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class of

licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class L1 licence is entitled to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor.

Class L2

(2) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class

of licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class L2 licence is entitled to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor in the employ of the Attorney General for Ontario or, if appointed under the Crown Attorneys Act, as a Crown Attorney or as an assistant Crown Attorney.

Class L3

(3) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class

of licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class L3 licence is authorized to do any of the following:

1. Give a person advice with respect to,

i. the laws of Quebec, ii. the laws of Canada, and iii. public international law.

2. Select, draft, complete or revise a document for use in a proceeding with respect

to matters concerning the laws of Canada.

3. Represent a person in a proceeding before an adjudicative body with respect to matters concerning the laws of Canada.

Terms, etc.: Class L1 licence

Application of section

3. (1) This section applies to licensees who hold a Class L1 licence. Over 65 years

(2) A licensee who is granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by

meeting the requirements described in subsection 4 (1) approved for payment of a retired annual fee under section 4.1 of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is subject to the following terms,

4

conditions, limitations and restrictions:

1. The licensee is restricted to practising law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor on a pro bono basis through,

i. a program registered with Pro Bono Law Ontario, or

ii. a clinic, within the meaning of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998, funded

by Legal Aid Ontario, that is approved by Pro Bono Law Ontario. Incapacity

(3) A licensee who is granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by

meeting the requirements described in subsection 4 (2) 4(1) of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is subject to the following terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

1. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and

solicitor. Exempt from payment of insurance premium levies

(4) A licensee who is required to pay the annual fee, or who would be required to

pay the annual fee but for being granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee on the grounds that he or she has been entitled to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor for a period of fifty years, and who is exempt from the payment of insurance premium levies is subject to the following terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

1. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and

solicitor through a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a professional corporation or any arrangement that permits two or more licensees to share all or certain common expenses but to practise law as independent practitioners other than on a pro bono basis,

i. for or on behalf of non-profit organizations, or

ii. through a program registered with Pro Bono Law Ontario.

Authorized to practise law outside Ontario

(5) A licensee who is authorized to practise law in a province or territory of Canada

outside Ontario is subject to any term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on the licensee’s authority to practise law in that province or territory.

Duration of terms, etc.

5

(6) A term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on a licensee under this section remains in effect until it is cancelled under section 4.

Cancellation of terms, etc.

4. (1) A licensee who is subject to terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions under

section 3 may apply to the Society to have the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions cancelled and the Society may,

(a) cancel the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions;

(b) require the licensee to complete education and obtain experience that the Society

determines is necessary to ensure that the licensee has the skills necessary to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor without any terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions, and, if the licensee completes the education and obtains the experience, cancel the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions; or

(c) cancel the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions subject to the following

terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

(i) the licensee must practise law only,

(A) as an employee of a person approved by the Society,

(B) as an employee or partner, and under the supervision, of a licensee who holds a Class L1 licence who is approved by the Society, or

(C) under the supervision of a licensee who holds a Class L1 licence

who is approved by the Society,

(ii) the licensee must, within a time specified by the Society, complete education and obtain experience that the Society determines is necessary to ensure that the licensee has the skills necessary to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor without any terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions.

Breach of terms, etc. imposed under subs. (1)

(2) If a licensee fails to comply with a term, condition, limitation or restriction

imposed on the licensee under clause (1) (c), the cancellation of terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions under clause (1) (c) is deemed thereafter to be void.

Information to be provided by licensee

6

(3) A licensee shall provide to the Society all documents and information, as may be required by the Society, relating to this section.

Terms, etc.: Class L3 licence

4.1 A licensee who holds a Class L3 licence is subject to the following terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

1. The licensee is subject to any term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on

the licensee’s authority to practise law in Quebec.

2. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor if the licensee is prohibited from practising law in Quebec.

3. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and

solicitor if the licensee does not maintain the full mandatory professional liability insurance coverage required by the Barreau du Québec.

LICENCE TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES Classes of licence

5. There shall be the following classes of licence to provide legal services in Ontario:

1. Class P1.

Scope of activities

Class P1

Interpretation

6. (1) In this section, unless the context requires otherwise, “amendment day” means the day sections 316 and 317.1 of An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts come into force;

“claim” means a claim for statutory accident benefits within the meaning of the Insurance Act, excluding a claim of an individual who has or appears to have a catastrophic impairment within the meaning of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule;

7

“party” means a party to a proceeding; “proceeding” means a proceeding or intended proceeding,

(a) in the Small Claims Court,

(b) in the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act, (c) in a summary conviction court under the Criminal Code (Canada),

(i) in respect of an offence where under the Criminal Code (Canada)

immediately before the amendment day an accused was permitted to appear or examine or cross-examine witnesses by agent, or

(ii) in respect of an offence under subsection 320.13 (1), subsection 320.16

(1), section 320.17 or subsection 320.18 (1) of the Criminal Code (Canada),

(d) before a tribunal established under an Act of the Legislature of Ontario or under

an Act of Parliament, or

(e) before a person dealing with a claim or a matter related to a claim, including a mediator, a person performing an evaluation, an arbitrator or the Director acting under section 280, 280.1, 282 or 283 or 284, respectively, of the Insurance Act;

“Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule” means the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule within the meaning of the Insurance Act.

Activities authorized

(2) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class

of licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class P1 licence is authorized to do any of the following:

1. Give a party advice on his, her or its legal interests, rights or responsibilities with

respect to a proceeding or the subject matter of a proceeding.

2. Represent a party before,

i. in the case of a proceeding in the Small Claims Court, before the Small Claims Court,

ii. in the case of a proceeding under the Provincial Offences Act, before the

Ontario Court of Justice,

8

iii in the case of a proceeding under the Criminal Code, before a summary conviction court,

iv. in the case of a proceeding before a tribunal established under an Act of

the Legislature of Ontario or under an Act of Parliament, before the tribunal, and

v. in the case of a proceeding before a person dealing with a claim or a

matter related to a claim, before the person.

3. Anything mentioned in subsection 1 (7) of the Act, provided the activity is required by the rules of procedure governing a proceeding.

4. Select, draft, complete or revise, or assist in the selection, drafting, completion or

revision of, a document for use in a proceeding.

5. Negotiate a party’s legal interests, rights or responsibilities with respect to a proceeding or the subject matter of a proceeding.

6. Select, draft, complete or revise, or assist in the selection, drafting, completion or

revision of, a document that affects a party’s legal interests, rights or responsibilities with respect to a proceeding or the subject matter of a proceeding.

Terms, etc.

Over 65 years

6.1 (1) A licensee who is granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by meeting the requirements described in subsection 4 (1.1) approved for payment of a retired annual fee under section 4.1 of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is prohibited from providing legal services in Ontario.

Incapacity

(2) A licensee who is granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by meeting the requirements described in subsection 4 (2) 4(1) of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is prohibited from providing legal services in Ontario.

Duration of terms, etc.

(3) A term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on a licensee under this section remains in effect until it is cancelled under section 6.2.

Cancellation of terms, etc.

9

6.2 A licensee who is subject to a term, condition, limitation or restriction under section 6.1 may apply to the Society to have the term, condition, limitation or restriction cancelled and the Society may cancel the term, condition, limitation or restriction.

1

BY-LAW 4

Made: May 1, 2007 Amended: May 25, 2007

June 28, 2007 September 20, 2007

October 25, 2007 (editorial changes) January 24, 2008 April 24, 2008 May 22, 2008 June 26, 2008

December 19, 2008 (editorial changes) January 29, 2009

January 29, 2009 (editorial changes) June 25, 2009

June 25, 2009 (editorial changes) June 29, 2010

July 8, 2010 (editorial changes) September 29, 2010

September 30, 2010 (editorial changes) October 28, 2010

April 28, 2011 May 2, 2011 (editorial changes)

June 23, 2011 September 22, 2011 November 24, 2011 October 25, 2012 February 27, 2014

March 4, 2014 January 29, 2015

June 25, 2015 October 19, 2015 (editorial changes)

April 28, 2016 May 16, 2016 (editorial changes)

February 23, 2017 January 15, 2018 (editorial changes)

May 23, 2019 (editorial changes) June 25, 2019 (editorial changes)

September 11, 2019 February 27, 2020

LICENSING

2

PART I

CLASSES OF LICENCE

LICENCE TO PRACTISE LAW

Classes of licence 1. (1) There shall be the following classes of licence to practise law in Ontario as a

barrister and solicitor: 1. Class L1.

2. Class L2.

3. Class L3.

Transition

Interpretation

(2) In subsections (3) and (4), “member” means a member as defined in section 1 of the Act as it read immediately before May 1, 2007;

“temporary member” means a person admitted as a temporary member of the Society under section 28.1 of the Act as it read immediately before May 1, 2007.

Member other than temporary member

(3) Every person who is a member, other than a temporary member, immediately

before May 1, 2007 is deemed, on May 1, 2007, to hold a Class L1 licence. Temporary member

(4) Every person who is a temporary member immediately before May 1, 2007 is

deemed, on May 1, 2007, to hold a Class L2 licence. Scope of activities

3

Class L1 2. (1) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class of

licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class L1 licence is entitled to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor.

Class L2

(2) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class

of licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class L2 licence is entitled to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor in the employ of the Attorney General for Ontario or, if appointed under the Crown Attorneys Act, as a Crown Attorney or as an assistant Crown Attorney.

Class L3

(3) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class

of licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class L3 licence is authorized to do any of the following:

1. Give a person advice with respect to,

i. the laws of Quebec, ii. the laws of Canada, and iii. public international law.

2. Select, draft, complete or revise a document for use in a proceeding with respect

to matters concerning the laws of Canada.

3. Represent a person in a proceeding before an adjudicative body with respect to matters concerning the laws of Canada.

Terms, etc.: Class L1 licence

Application of section

3. (1) This section applies to licensees who hold a Class L1 licence. Over 65 years

(2) A licensee who is approved for payment of a retired annual fee under section

4.1 of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is subject to the following terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

4

1. The licensee is restricted to practising law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor on a pro bono basis through,

i. a program registered with Pro Bono Law Ontario, or

ii. a clinic, within the meaning of the Legal Aid Services Act, 1998, funded

by Legal Aid Ontario, that is approved by Pro Bono Law Ontario. Incapacity

(3) A licensee who is granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by

meeting the requirements described in subsection 4(1) of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is subject to the following terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

1. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and

solicitor. Authorized to practise law outside Ontario

(4) A licensee who is authorized to practise law in a province or territory of Canada

outside Ontario is subject to any term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on the licensee’s authority to practise law in that province or territory.

Duration of terms, etc.

(5) A term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on a licensee under this section remains in effect until it is cancelled under section 4.

Cancellation of terms, etc.

4. (1) A licensee who is subject to terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions under

section 3 may apply to the Society to have the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions cancelled and the Society may,

(a) cancel the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions;

(b) require the licensee to complete education and obtain experience that the Society

determines is necessary to ensure that the licensee has the skills necessary to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor without any terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions, and, if the licensee completes the education and obtains the experience, cancel the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions; or

(c) cancel the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions subject to the following

terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

5

(i) the licensee must practise law only,

(A) as an employee of a person approved by the Society,

(B) as an employee or partner, and under the supervision, of a licensee

who holds a Class L1 licence who is approved by the Society, or

(C) under the supervision of a licensee who holds a Class L1 licence who is approved by the Society,

(ii) the licensee must, within a time specified by the Society, complete

education and obtain experience that the Society determines is necessary to ensure that the licensee has the skills necessary to practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor without any terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions.

Breach of terms, etc. imposed under subs. (1)

(2) If a licensee fails to comply with a term, condition, limitation or restriction

imposed on the licensee under clause (1) (c), the cancellation of terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions under clause (1) (c) is deemed thereafter to be void.

Information to be provided by licensee

(3) A licensee shall provide to the Society all documents and information, as may be required by the Society, relating to this section.

Terms, etc.: Class L3 licence

4.1 A licensee who holds a Class L3 licence is subject to the following terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions:

1. The licensee is subject to any term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on

the licensee’s authority to practise law in Quebec.

2. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor if the licensee is prohibited from practising law in Quebec.

3. The licensee is prohibited from practising law in Ontario as a barrister and

solicitor if the licensee does not maintain the full mandatory professional liability insurance coverage required by the Barreau du Québec.

LICENCE TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES

6

Classes of licence

5. There shall be the following classes of licence to provide legal services in Ontario:

1. Class P1.

Scope of activities

Class P1

Interpretation

6. (1) In this section, unless the context requires otherwise, “amendment day” means the day sections 316 and 317.1 of An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts come into force;

“claim” means a claim for statutory accident benefits within the meaning of the Insurance Act, excluding a claim of an individual who has or appears to have a catastrophic impairment within the meaning of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule; “party” means a party to a proceeding;

“proceeding” means a proceeding or intended proceeding,

(a) in the Small Claims Court,

(b) in the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act, (c) in a summary conviction court under the Criminal Code (Canada),

(i) in respect of an offence where under the Criminal Code (Canada)

immediately before the amendment day an accused was permitted to appear or examine or cross-examine witnesses by agent, or

(ii) in respect of an offence under subsection 320.13 (1), subsection 320.16

(1), section 320.17 or subsection 320.18 (1) of the Criminal Code (Canada),

(d) before a tribunal established under an Act of the Legislature of Ontario or under

an Act of Parliament, or

(e) before a person dealing with a claim or a matter related to a claim, including a mediator, a person performing an evaluation, an arbitrator or the Director acting

7

under section 280, 280.1, 282 or 283 or 284, respectively, of the Insurance Act; “Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule” means the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule within the meaning of the Insurance Act.

Activities authorized

(2) Subject to any terms, conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed on the class

of licence or on the licensee and subject to any order made under the Act, a licensee who holds a Class P1 licence is authorized to do any of the following:

1. Give a party advice on his, her or its legal interests, rights or responsibilities with

respect to a proceeding or the subject matter of a proceeding.

2. Represent a party before,

i. in the case of a proceeding in the Small Claims Court, before the Small Claims Court,

ii. in the case of a proceeding under the Provincial Offences Act, before the

Ontario Court of Justice, iii in the case of a proceeding under the Criminal Code, before a summary

conviction court,

iv. in the case of a proceeding before a tribunal established under an Act of the Legislature of Ontario or under an Act of Parliament, before the tribunal, and

v. in the case of a proceeding before a person dealing with a claim or a

matter related to a claim, before the person.

3. Anything mentioned in subsection 1 (7) of the Act, provided the activity is required by the rules of procedure governing a proceeding.

4. Select, draft, complete or revise, or assist in the selection, drafting, completion or

revision of, a document for use in a proceeding.

5. Negotiate a party’s legal interests, rights or responsibilities with respect to a proceeding or the subject matter of a proceeding.

6. Select, draft, complete or revise, or assist in the selection, drafting, completion or

revision of, a document that affects a party’s legal interests, rights or responsibilities with respect to a proceeding or the subject matter of a proceeding.

8

Terms, etc. Over 65 years

6.1 (1) A licensee who is approved for payment of a retired annual fee under section 4.1 of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is prohibited from providing legal services in Ontario.

Incapacity

(2) A licensee who is granted an exemption from payment of the annual fee by meeting the requirements described in subsection 4(1) of By-Law 5 [Annual Fee] is prohibited from providing legal services in Ontario.

Duration of terms, etc.

(3) A term, condition, limitation or restriction imposed on a licensee under this section remains in effect until it is cancelled under section 6.2.

Cancellation of terms, etc. 6.2 A licensee who is subject to a term, condition, limitation or restriction under section 6.1 may apply to the Society to have the term, condition, limitation or restriction cancelled and the Society may cancel the term, condition, limitation or restriction.

1

RÈGLEMENT ADMINISTRATIF No 4

Fait le 1er mai 2007 Modifié le 25 mai 2007

28 juin 2007 20 septembre 2007

25 octobre 2007 (modifications éditoriales) 24 janvier 2008 24 avril 2008 22 mai 2008 26 juin 2008

19 décembre 2008 (modifications éditoriales) 29 janvier 2009

29 janvier 2009 (modifications éditoriales) 25 juin 2009

25 juin 2009 (modifications éditoriales) 29 juin 2010

8 juillet 2010 (modifications éditoriales) 29 septembre 2010

30 septembre 2010 (modifications éditoriales) 28 octobre 2010

28 avril 2011 2 mai 2011 (modifications éditoriales)

23 juin 2011 22 septembre 2011 24 novembre 2011 25 octobre 2012 27 février 2014

4 mars 2014 29 janvier 2015

25 juin 2015 19 octobre 2015 (modifications éditoriales)

28 avril 2016 16 mai 2016 (modifications éditoriales)

23 février 2017 15 janvier 2018 (modifications éditoriales)

23 mai 2019 (modifications éditoriales) 25 juin 2019 (modifications éditoriales)

11 septembre 2019 27 février 2020

2

OCTROI DE PERMIS

PARTIE I

CATÉGORIES DE PERMIS

PERMIS D’EXERCICE DU DROIT

Catégories de permis 1. (1) Les catégories suivantes de permis autorisent l’exercice du droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate :

1. La catégorie L1.

2. La catégorie L2.

3. La catégorie L3.

Disposition transitoire

Interprétation

(2) Aux paragraphes (3) et (4) : « membre » S’entend d’une personne qui est membre selon la définition qu’en donne l’article 1 de la Loi dans sa version en vigueur immédiatement avant le 1er mai 2007.

« membre provisoire » S’entend d’une personne reçue à titre de membre provisoire du Barreau en vertu de l’article 28.1 de la Loi dans sa version en vigueur immédiatement avant le 1er mai 2007.

Membre qui n’est pas membre provisoire

(3) Quiconque, à l’exception des membres provisoires, est membre immédiatement

avant le 1er mai 2007 est réputé détenir un permis de catégorie L1 le 1er mai 2007. Membre provisoire

(4) Quiconque est membre provisoire immédiatement avant le 1er mai 2007 est réputé détenir un permis de catégorie L2 le 1er mai 2007.

Champ d’application des activités

3

Catégorie L1

2. (1) Sous réserve des conditions applicables ou des restrictions imposées à une catégorie de permis ou aux titulaires de permis et de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie L1 sont autorisés à exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate.

Catégorie L2

(2) Sous réserve des conditions applicables ou des restrictions imposées à une

catégorie de permis ou aux titulaires de permis et de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie L2 sont habilités à exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate au service du procureur général de l’Ontario ou, s’ils sont nommés en vertu de la Loi sur les procureurs de la Couronne, procureurs de la Couronne ou procureurs adjoints de la Couronne.

Catégorie L3

(3) Sous réserve des conditions applicables ou des restrictions imposées à une

catégorie de permis ou aux titulaires de permis et de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie L3 sont autorisés à poser les actes suivants :

1. Donner des conseils concernant :

i. le droit du Québec,

ii. le droit du Canada,

iii. le droit international public.

2. Choisir, rédiger, achever ou réviser un document devant servir dans une instance

tenue à l’égard d’affaires concernant le droit du Canada.

3. Agir pour autrui dans le cadre d’une instance tenue devant un organisme juridictionnel à l’égard d’affaires concernant le droit du Canada.

Conditions : permis de catégorie L1

Application de l’article

3. (1) Le présent article s’applique aux titulaires d’un permis de catégorie L1.

Plus de 65 ans

4

(2) Les titulaires de permis qui sont autorisés à payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application de l’article 4.1qui sont exemptés de la cotisation annuelle, car ils satisfont aux conditions énoncées au paragraphe 4 (1) du règlement Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Les titulaires de permis sont autorisés à exercer le droit en Ontario, à titre

bénévole, dans le cadre :

i. d’un programme agréé par Pro Bono Law Ontario,

ii. d’une clinique, au sens où l’entend la Loi de 1998 sur les services d’aide juridique, financée par Aide juridique Ontario, et approuvée par Pro Bono Law Ontario.

Incapacité

(3) Les titulaires de permis qui sont exemptés de la cotisation annuelle, car ils

satisfont aux conditions énoncées au paragraphe 4 (21) du règlement Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis d’exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat

ou d’avocate. Exonération du paiement des contributions au titre des assurances

(4) Les titulaires de permis qui sont tenus de payer la cotisation annuelle, ou qui le

seraient si on ne les avait pas exemptés de la cotisation annuelle du fait qu’ils sont habilités à exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate depuis au moins cinquante ans, et qui sont exemptés du paiement des contributions au titre des assurances sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Les titulaires de permis ne peuvent exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou

d’avocate au sein d’une entreprise individuelle, d’une société de personnes, d’une société professionnelle ou en vertu de tout arrangement qui permet à au moins deux titulaires de permis de partager les dépenses communes en totalité ou en partie tout en exerçant le droit à titre de praticien autonome, mais non à titre bénévole, i. pour le compte ou au nom d’organismes sans but lucratif,

ii. par l’intermédiaire d’un programme agréé par Pro Bono Law Ontario.

Autorisation d’exercer le droit à l’extérieur de l’Ontario

5

(5)(4) Les titulaires de permis autorisés à exercer le droit dans une province ou un

territoire du Canada autre que l’Ontario sont assujettis aux conditions ou aux restrictions visant l’autorisation d’exercer le droit dans cette province ou ce territoire.

Durée des dispositions

(6)(5) Les conditions ou restrictions imposées aux titulaires de permis en vertu du

présent article demeurent en vigueur jusqu’à leur annulation en vertu de l’article 4. Annulation des dispositions

4. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont assujettis à des conditions ou à des restrictions en vertu de l’article 3 peuvent s’adresser au Barreau pour faire annuler ces conditions ou restrictions, et le Barreau peut :

a) annuler ces conditions ou restrictions ;

b) exiger que les titulaires de permis terminent leur formation et acquièrent

l’expérience que le Barreau juge nécessaire pour s’assurer que les titulaires de permis possèdent les compétences requises pour exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate sans conditions ni restrictions et, si les titulaires de permis terminent leur formation et acquièrent l’expérience prescrite, annuler les conditions et les restrictions ;

c) annuler les conditions ou les restrictions sous réserve des conditions et des

restrictions suivantes :

i. les titulaires de permis ne doivent exercer le droit :

(A) qu’à titre d’employés d’une personne approuvée par le Barreau ;

(B) qu’à titre d’employé ou d’associé, et sous la surveillance d’un

ou d’une titulaire de permis de catégorie L1 qui est approuvé(e) par le Barreau ;

(C) que sous l’autorité d’un ou d’une titulaire de permis de catégorie L1 qui est approuvé(e) par le Barreau ;

(ii) les titulaires de permis doivent, dans le délai prescrit par le Barreau,

suivre la formation et acquérir l’expérience que le Barreau juge nécessaire pour s’assurer que les titulaires de permis possèdent les compétences requises pour exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate sans conditions ni restrictions.

6

Violation des conditions imposées en application du paragraphe (1)

(2) Si les titulaires de permis omettent de se conformer à une restriction ou à une

condition qui leur est imposée en vertu de l’alinéa (1) c), l’annulation des conditions et des restrictions prévues en vertu de l’alinéa (1) c) est dès lors réputée sans effet.

Renseignements que les titulaires de permis sont tenus de communiquer

(3) Les titulaires de permis sont tenus de communiquer au Barreau tous les

documents et renseignements que peut exiger le Barreau au sujet du présent article. Conditions : permis de catégorie L3

4.1 Les titulaires d’un permis de catégorie L3 sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Les titulaires de permis sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions dont est

assorti leur pouvoir d’exercer la profession d’avocat au Québec.

2. Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis d’exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate s’il leur est interdit d’exercer la profession d’avocat au Québec.

3. Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis d’exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat

ou d’avocate s’ils ne souscrivent pas dans son intégralité la protection d’assurance responsabilité professionnelle obligatoire du Barreau du Québec.

PERMIS AUTORISANT LA PRESTATION DE SERVICES JURIDIQUES Catégories de permis

5. Les catégories de permis suivantes autorisent la prestation de services juridiques en

Ontario : 1. La catégorie P1.

Champ d’activité

Catégorie P1

Définitions

6. (1) Dans le présent article, sauf indication contraire du contexte :

7

« Annexe sur les indemnités d’accident légales » S’entend de l’Annexe sur les indemnités d’accident légales au sens de la Loi sur les assurances.

« demande d’indemnité » S’entend d’une demande d’indemnité d’accident légale au sens de la Loi sur les assurances, sauf une demande d’indemnité de la part d’une personne qui a ou qui semble avoir une déficience invalidante au sens de l’Annexe sur les indemnités d’accident légales.

« instance » S’entend d’une instance réelle ou d’une instance projetée

a) devant la Cour des petites créances,

b) devant la Cour de justice de l’Ontario en vertu de la Loi sur les infractions

provinciales,

c) devant un tribunal des poursuites sommaires en vertu du Code criminel (Canada),

(i) à l’égard d’une infraction lorsque, en vertu du Code criminel (Canada), immédiatement avant le jour de la modification, un accusé était autorisé à comparaitre ou à faire interroger ou contrinterroger des témoins par un mandataire,

(ii) à l’égard d’une infraction en vertu du paragraphe 320.13 (1), du

paragraphe 320.16 (1), de l’article 320.17 ou du paragraphe 320.18 (1) du Code criminel (Canada),

d) devant un tribunal constitué en vertu d’une loi de l’Ontario ou en vertu d’une loi

fédérale,

e) devant une personne qui traite une demande d’indemnité ou une question liée à une demande d’indemnité dont un médiateur ou une médiatrice, une personne qui effectue une évaluation, un ou une arbitre ou un administrateur ou une administratrice en vertu des articles 280, 280.1, 282 ou 283 ou 284, respectivement, de la Loi sur les assurances.

« jour de la modification » désigne le jour où les articles 316 et 317.1 de la Loi modifiant le Code criminel, la Loi sur le système de justice pénale pour les adolescents et d’autres lois et apportant des modifications corrélatives à certaines lois entrent en vigueur ;

« partie » S’entend d’une partie à une instance judiciaire.

Activités autorisées

(2) Sous réserve des conditions ou des restrictions imposées à la catégorie de permis

8

ou aux titulaires de permis, et sous réserve de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie P1 sont autorisés à poser les actes suivants :

1. fournir un avis à une personne concernant ses intérêts juridiques et ses

responsabilités ou ses droits légaux relativement à une instance ou à l’objet d’une instance.

2. représenter une partie :

i. dans le cadre d’une instance à la Cour des petites créances, devant la Cour

des petites créances,

ii. dans le cadre d’une instance en vertu de la Loi sur les infractions provinciales, devant la Cour de justice de l’Ontario,

iii. dans le cadre d’une instance en vertu du Code criminel, devant un

tribunal des poursuites sommaires,

iv. dans le cadre d’une instance devant un tribunal constitué en vertu d’une loi de l’Ontario ou en vertu d’une loi fédérale, devant le tribunal,

v. dans le cadre d’une instance devant une personne qui traite une demande

d’indemnité ou une question liée à une demande d’indemnité, devant la personne.

3. Poser tout acte mentionné au paragraphe 1 (7) de la Loi, à condition que l’activité

soit prescrite par les règles de procédure régissant une instance.

4. Choisir, rédiger, achever, réviser ou aider au choix, à la rédaction, à l’achèvement ou à la révision d’un document devant servir dans une instance.

5. Négocier les intérêts juridiques, droits ou responsabilités d’une personne relativement à une instance ou à l’objet d’une instance.

6. Choisir, rédiger, achever, réviser un document qui touche les intérêts juridiques et

les responsabilités ou les droits légaux d’une personne relativement à une instance ou à l’objet d’une instance ou aider au choix, à la rédaction, à l’achèvement ou à la révision d’un tel document.

Conditions

Plus de 65 ans

6.1 (1) Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis qui sont autorisés à payer une cotisation

9

annuelle de retraité(e) en application de l’article 4.1qui satisfont aux conditions d’exemption de la cotisation annuelle énoncées au paragraphe 4 (1.1) du Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] de fournir des services juridiques en Ontario.

Incapacité

(2) Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis qui satisfont aux conditions d’exemption de

la cotisation annuelle énoncées au paragraphe 4 (21) du Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] de fournir des services juridiques en Ontario.

Durée des dispositions

(3) Les conditions ou restrictions imposées aux titulaires de permis en vertu du

présent article demeurent en vigueur jusqu’à leur annulation en vertu de l’article 6.2. Annulation des dispositions

6.2 Les titulaires de permis qui sont assujettis à des conditions ou à des restrictions en vertu de l’article 6.1 peuvent s’adresser au Barreau pour faire annuler ces conditions ou restrictions et le Barreau peut acquiescer à cette demande.

1

RÈGLEMENT ADMINISTRATIF No 4

Fait le 1er mai 2007 Modifié le 25 mai 2007

28 juin 2007 20 septembre 2007

25 octobre 2007 (modifications éditoriales) 24 janvier 2008 24 avril 2008 22 mai 2008 26 juin 2008

19 décembre 2008 (modifications éditoriales) 29 janvier 2009

29 janvier 2009 (modifications éditoriales) 25 juin 2009

25 juin 2009 (modifications éditoriales) 29 juin 2010

8 juillet 2010 (modifications éditoriales) 29 septembre 2010

30 septembre 2010 (modifications éditoriales) 28 octobre 2010

28 avril 2011 2 mai 2011 (modifications éditoriales)

23 juin 2011 22 septembre 2011 24 novembre 2011 25 octobre 2012 27 février 2014

4 mars 2014 29 janvier 2015

25 juin 2015 19 octobre 2015 (modifications éditoriales)

28 avril 2016 16 mai 2016 (modifications éditoriales)

23 février 2017 15 janvier 2018 (modifications éditoriales)

23 mai 2019 (modifications éditoriales) 25 juin 2019 (modifications éditoriales)

11 septembre 2019 27 février 2020

2

OCTROI DE PERMIS

PARTIE I

CATÉGORIES DE PERMIS

PERMIS D’EXERCICE DU DROIT

Catégories de permis 1. (1) Les catégories suivantes de permis autorisent l’exercice du droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate :

1. La catégorie L1.

2. La catégorie L2.

3. La catégorie L3.

Disposition transitoire

Interprétation

(2) Aux paragraphes (3) et (4) : « membre » S’entend d’une personne qui est membre selon la définition qu’en donne l’article 1 de la Loi dans sa version en vigueur immédiatement avant le 1er mai 2007.

« membre provisoire » S’entend d’une personne reçue à titre de membre provisoire du Barreau en vertu de l’article 28.1 de la Loi dans sa version en vigueur immédiatement avant le 1er mai 2007.

Membre qui n’est pas membre provisoire

(3) Quiconque, à l’exception des membres provisoires, est membre immédiatement

avant le 1er mai 2007 est réputé détenir un permis de catégorie L1 le 1er mai 2007. Membre provisoire

(4) Quiconque est membre provisoire immédiatement avant le 1er mai 2007 est réputé détenir un permis de catégorie L2 le 1er mai 2007.

Champ d’application des activités

3

Catégorie L1

2. (1) Sous réserve des conditions applicables ou des restrictions imposées à une catégorie de permis ou aux titulaires de permis et de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie L1 sont autorisés à exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate.

Catégorie L2

(2) Sous réserve des conditions applicables ou des restrictions imposées à une

catégorie de permis ou aux titulaires de permis et de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie L2 sont habilités à exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate au service du procureur général de l’Ontario ou, s’ils sont nommés en vertu de la Loi sur les procureurs de la Couronne, procureurs de la Couronne ou procureurs adjoints de la Couronne.

Catégorie L3

(3) Sous réserve des conditions applicables ou des restrictions imposées à une

catégorie de permis ou aux titulaires de permis et de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie L3 sont autorisés à poser les actes suivants :

1. Donner des conseils concernant :

i. le droit du Québec,

ii. le droit du Canada,

iii. le droit international public.

2. Choisir, rédiger, achever ou réviser un document devant servir dans une instance

tenue à l’égard d’affaires concernant le droit du Canada.

3. Agir pour autrui dans le cadre d’une instance tenue devant un organisme juridictionnel à l’égard d’affaires concernant le droit du Canada.

Conditions : permis de catégorie L1

Application de l’article

3. (1) Le présent article s’applique aux titulaires d’un permis de catégorie L1.

Plus de 65 ans

4

(2) Les titulaires de permis qui sont autorisés à payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application de l’article 4.1 4 (1) du Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Les titulaires de permis sont autorisés à exercer le droit en Ontario, à titre

bénévole, dans le cadre :

i. d’un programme agréé par Pro Bono Law Ontario,

ii. d’une clinique, au sens où l’entend la Loi de 1998 sur les services d’aide juridique, financée par Aide juridique Ontario, et approuvée par Pro Bono Law Ontario.

Incapacité

(3) Les titulaires de permis qui sont exemptés de la cotisation annuelle, car ils

satisfont aux conditions énoncées au paragraphe 4 (1) du Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis d’exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat

ou d’avocate. Autorisation d’exercer le droit à l’extérieur de l’Ontario

(4) Les titulaires de permis autorisés à exercer le droit dans une province ou un

territoire du Canada autre que l’Ontario sont assujettis aux conditions ou aux restrictions visant l’autorisation d’exercer le droit dans cette province ou ce territoire.

Durée des dispositions

(5) Les conditions ou restrictions imposées aux titulaires de permis en vertu du

présent article demeurent en vigueur jusqu’à leur annulation en vertu de l’article 4. Annulation des dispositions

4. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont assujettis à des conditions ou à des restrictions en vertu de l’article 3 peuvent s’adresser au Barreau pour faire annuler ces conditions ou restrictions, et le Barreau peut :

a) annuler ces conditions ou restrictions ;

b) exiger que les titulaires de permis terminent leur formation et acquièrent

l’expérience que le Barreau juge nécessaire pour s’assurer que les titulaires de

5

permis possèdent les compétences requises pour exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate sans conditions ni restrictions et, si les titulaires de permis terminent leur formation et acquièrent l’expérience prescrite, annuler les conditions et les restrictions ;

c) annuler les conditions ou les restrictions sous réserve des conditions et des

restrictions suivantes :

i. les titulaires de permis ne doivent exercer le droit :

(A) qu’à titre d’employés d’une personne approuvée par le Barreau ;

(B) qu’à titre d’employé ou d’associé, et sous la surveillance d’un

ou d’une titulaire de permis de catégorie L1 qui est approuvé(e) par le Barreau ;

(C) que sous l’autorité d’un ou d’une titulaire de permis de catégorie L1 qui est approuvé(e) par le Barreau ;

(ii) les titulaires de permis doivent, dans le délai prescrit par le Barreau,

suivre la formation et acquérir l’expérience que le Barreau juge nécessaire pour s’assurer que les titulaires de permis possèdent les compétences requises pour exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate sans conditions ni restrictions.

Violation des conditions imposées en application du paragraphe (1)

(2) Si les titulaires de permis omettent de se conformer à une restriction ou à une

condition qui leur est imposée en vertu de l’alinéa (1) c), l’annulation des conditions et des restrictions prévues en vertu de l’alinéa (1) c) est dès lors réputée sans effet.

Renseignements que les titulaires de permis sont tenus de communiquer

(3) Les titulaires de permis sont tenus de communiquer au Barreau tous les

documents et renseignements que peut exiger le Barreau au sujet du présent article. Conditions : permis de catégorie L3

4.1 Les titulaires d’un permis de catégorie L3 sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions suivantes :

1. Les titulaires de permis sont assujettis aux conditions et aux restrictions dont est

assorti leur pouvoir d’exercer la profession d’avocat au Québec.

6

2. Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis d’exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate s’il leur est interdit d’exercer la profession d’avocat au Québec.

3. Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis d’exercer le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat

ou d’avocate s’ils ne souscrivent pas dans son intégralité la protection d’assurance responsabilité professionnelle obligatoire du Barreau du Québec.

PERMIS AUTORISANT LA PRESTATION DE SERVICES JURIDIQUES Catégories de permis

5. Les catégories de permis suivantes autorisent la prestation de services juridiques en

Ontario : 1. La catégorie P1.

Champ d’activité

Catégorie P1

Définitions

6. (1) Dans le présent article, sauf indication contraire du contexte : « Annexe sur les indemnités d’accident légales » S’entend de l’Annexe sur les indemnités d’accident légales au sens de la Loi sur les assurances.

« demande d’indemnité » S’entend d’une demande d’indemnité d’accident légale au sens de la Loi sur les assurances, sauf une demande d’indemnité de la part d’une personne qui a ou qui semble avoir une déficience invalidante au sens de l’Annexe sur les indemnités d’accident légales.

« instance » S’entend d’une instance réelle ou d’une instance projetée

a) devant la Cour des petites créances,

b) devant la Cour de justice de l’Ontario en vertu de la Loi sur les infractions

provinciales,

c) devant un tribunal des poursuites sommaires en vertu du Code criminel (Canada),

(i) à l’égard d’une infraction lorsque, en vertu du Code criminel (Canada), immédiatement avant le jour de la modification, un accusé était autorisé à comparaitre ou à faire interroger ou contrinterroger des témoins par un

7

mandataire,

(ii) à l’égard d’une infraction en vertu du paragraphe 320.13 (1), du paragraphe 320.16 (1), de l’article 320.17 ou du paragraphe 320.18 (1) du Code criminel (Canada),

d) devant un tribunal constitué en vertu d’une loi de l’Ontario ou en vertu d’une loi

fédérale,

e) devant une personne qui traite une demande d’indemnité ou une question liée à une demande d’indemnité dont un médiateur ou une médiatrice, une personne qui effectue une évaluation, un ou une arbitre ou un administrateur ou une administratrice en vertu des articles 280, 280.1, 282 ou 283 ou 284, respectivement, de la Loi sur les assurances.

« jour de la modification » désigne le jour où les articles 316 et 317.1 de la Loi modifiant le Code criminel, la Loi sur le système de justice pénale pour les adolescents et d’autres lois et apportant des modifications corrélatives à certaines lois entrent en vigueur ;

« partie » S’entend d’une partie à une instance judiciaire.

Activités autorisées

(2) Sous réserve des conditions ou des restrictions imposées à la catégorie de permis

ou aux titulaires de permis, et sous réserve de toute ordonnance rendue en vertu de la Loi, les titulaires de permis qui détiennent un permis de catégorie P1 sont autorisés à poser les actes suivants :

1. fournir un avis à une personne concernant ses intérêts juridiques et ses

responsabilités ou ses droits légaux relativement à une instance ou à l’objet d’une instance.

2. représenter une partie :

i. dans le cadre d’une instance à la Cour des petites créances, devant la Cour

des petites créances,

ii. dans le cadre d’une instance en vertu de la Loi sur les infractions provinciales, devant la Cour de justice de l’Ontario,

iii. dans le cadre d’une instance en vertu du Code criminel, devant un

tribunal des poursuites sommaires,

iv. dans le cadre d’une instance devant un tribunal constitué en vertu d’une

8

loi de l’Ontario ou en vertu d’une loi fédérale, devant le tribunal,

v. dans le cadre d’une instance devant une personne qui traite une demande d’indemnité ou une question liée à une demande d’indemnité, devant la personne.

3. Poser tout acte mentionné au paragraphe 1 (7) de la Loi, à condition que l’activité

soit prescrite par les règles de procédure régissant une instance.

4. Choisir, rédiger, achever, réviser ou aider au choix, à la rédaction, à l’achèvement ou à la révision d’un document devant servir dans une instance.

5. Négocier les intérêts juridiques, droits ou responsabilités d’une personne relativement à une instance ou à l’objet d’une instance.

6. Choisir, rédiger, achever, réviser un document qui touche les intérêts juridiques et

les responsabilités ou les droits légaux d’une personne relativement à une instance ou à l’objet d’une instance ou aider au choix, à la rédaction, à l’achèvement ou à la révision d’un tel document.

Conditions

Plus de 65 ans

6.1 (1) Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis qui sont autorisés à payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application de l’article 4.1du Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] de fournir des services juridiques en Ontario.

Incapacité

(2) Il est interdit aux titulaires de permis qui satisfont aux conditions d’exemption de

la cotisation annuelle énoncées au paragraphe 4 (1) du Règlement administratif no 5 [Cotisation annuelle] de fournir des services juridiques en Ontario.

Durée des dispositions

(3) Les conditions ou restrictions imposées aux titulaires de permis en vertu du

présent article demeurent en vigueur jusqu’à leur annulation en vertu de l’article 6.2. Annulation des dispositions

6.2 Les titulaires de permis qui sont assujettis à des conditions ou à des restrictions en vertu de l’article 6.1 peuvent s’adresser au Barreau pour faire annuler ces conditions ou restrictions et le Barreau peut acquiescer à cette demande.

1

BY-LAW 5

May 1, 2007 Amended: June 28, 2007

Revoked and Replaced: January 24, 2008 Amended: April 24, 2008

June 26, 2008 October 28, 2010 October 25, 2012

November 21, 2016 (editorial changes)

ANNUAL FEE

REQUIREMENT TO PAY ANNUAL FEE Requirement to pay annual fee

1. (1) Every year, a licensee shall pay an annual fee, in accordance with sections 2 and 3, unless the licensee is exempt from payment of the annual fee.

Levy for Compensation Fund

(2) An annual fee shall include a Compensation Fund levy.

AMOUNT PAYABLE AND DUE DATE Payment due

2. (1) Subject to subsection (7), payment of an annual fee is due on January 1 every year.

Amount payable

(2) Subject to subsections (3), (4), (5) and (6), a licensee shall pay the full amount of

an annual fee and any taxes that the Society is required to collect from the licensee in respect of the payment of the annual fee.

Same: fifty percent

(3) A licensee who does not practise law or provide legal services, including a

licensee employed in education, in government or in a corporation in a position where he or she is not required to practise law or provide legal services, shall pay fifty percent of an annual fee

2

and any taxes that the Society is required to collect from the licensee in respect of the payment of the annual fee.

Same: twenty-five percent

(4) The following licensees shall pay twenty-five percent of an annual fee and any

taxes that the Society is required to collect from the licensee in respect of the payment of the annual fee:

1. A licensee who does not engage in any remunerative work and does not practise

law or provide legal services.

2. A licensee who is in full-time attendance at a university, college or designated educational institution within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and does not practise law or provide legal services.

3. A licensee who is on a pregnancy or parental leave and does not practise law or

provide legal services. Licence issued after January 1

(5) A licensee who was issued a licence after January 1, shall pay, in respect of the

year in which the licence was issued, an amount of an annual fee determined by the formula,

(A ÷ 12) × B where,

A is the amount of the annual fee the licensee would have been required to pay under

subsection (2), (3) or (4) if the licence was issued on January 1, and

B is the number of whole calendar months remaining in the year beginning with the first month following the month in which the licence was issued.

Licence restored after January 1

(6) A licensee whose licence was restored under section 31 of the Act after January 1,

shall pay, in respect of the year in which the licence was restored, an amount of an annual fee determined by the formula,

(A ÷ 12) × B

where,

3

A is the amount of the annual fee the licensee would have been required to pay under subsection (2), (3) or (4) if the licence was not in abeyance on January 1, and

B is the number of whole calendar months remaining in the year beginning with the first

month following the month in which the licence is restored. Same: payment due

(7) Payment of an annual fee by a licensee to whom subsection (5) or (6) applies is

due on the first day of the first month following the month in which the licence was issued or restored.

CHANGE IN STATUS Change in status

3. (1) If a licensee who is required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee becomes entitled to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee, the licensee shall pay,

(a) an amount determined by the formula

(A ÷ 12) × B

where

A is the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee, and

B is the number of whole or part calendar months during which the licensee

is required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of the annual fee; and

(b) an amount determined by the formula

(C ÷ 12) × D

where

C is fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of the annual fee, and

D is the number of whole calendar months during which the licensee is required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee.

Same

4

(2) If a licensee who is required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee becomes required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee, the licensee shall pay, in respect of the period of time during which he or she is required to pay the lesser amount of an annual fee and the period of time during which he or she is required to pay the higher amount of an annual fee,

(a) an amount determined by the formula

(E ÷ 12) × F

where

E is fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of the annual fee, and

F is the number of whole calendar months during which the licensee is

required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee; and

(b) an amount determined by the formula

(G ÷ 12) × H

where

G is the full amount, or fifty percent, of the annual fee, and

H is the number of part or whole calendar months during which the licensee is required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee.

Same

(3) If a licensee who is required to pay the full amount, fifty percent or twenty-five

percent of an annual fee becomes exempt from payment of an annual fee, the licensee shall pay an amount determined by the formula

( I ÷ 12) × J

where

I is the full amount, fifty percent or twenty-five percent of the annual fee, and

J is the number of whole or part calendar months during which the licensee is required to pay the full amount, fifty percent or twenty-five percent of an annual fee.

5

When payment due

(4) If under this section, a licensee is required to pay, in respect of a year, an amount that is greater than the amount required to be paid under section 2, the difference between the amount that the licensee is required to pay under this section and the amount that the licensee is required to be pay under section 2 shall be due on a date to be specified by the Society.

Application for refund

(5) If under this section, a licensee is required to pay, in respect of a year, an amount

that is less than the amount required to be paid under section 2, subject to subsections (6) and (7), the licensee is entitled to a refund of the difference between the amount that the licensee is required to pay under section 2 and the amount that the licensee is required to be pay under this section.

Application for refund

(6) A licensee shall apply to the Society to claim an entitlement to a refund under

subsection (5). Time for making application

(7) An application to the Society under subsection (6) shall be made before the end of

the year in respect of which the licensee claims an entitlement to a refund under subsection (5). No entitlement to refund

(8) A licensee who does not comply with subsection (7) is not entitled to receive a refund.

EXEMPTION FROM CHANGE IN STATUS Exemption from change in status: practising law on pro bono basis

3.1 A licensee who is required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee shall not become required to pay the full amount of an annual fee even though he or she practises law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor if the following conditions are met:

1. The licensee’s practice of law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor is restricted to

practising law on a pro bono basis through a program registered with Pro Bono Ontario.

2. Prior to practising law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor, the licensee applies

6

to the Society to be exempt from the requirement to pay the full amount of the annual fee.

EXEMPTION FROM REQUIREMENT TO PAY ANNUAL FEE Application for exemption from payment of annual fee: over sixty-five years of age

4. (1) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not practise law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor or practises law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor only as described in subsection 3 (2) of By-Law 4 [Licensing] may apply to the Society for an exemption from payment of an annual fee.

Same

(1.1) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not provide any legal

services may apply to the Society for an exemption from payment of the annual fee. Same: incapacity

(2) A licensee who is incapacitated within the meaning of the Act may apply to the

Society for an exemption from payment of an annual fee. Application form

(3) An application under subsection (1), (1.1) or (2) shall be in a form provided by the

Society. Consideration of application

(4) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1), (1.1) or

(2) and, if satisfied that the requirements described in subsection (1), (1.1) or (2), as the case may be, are met, the Society shall approve the application.

Effective date of exemption

(5) A licensee whose application is approved is exempt from payment of the annual

fee beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society.

Exemption from payment of annual fee: practising law for fifty years

(6) A licensee who has practised law in Ontario as a barrister, as a solicitor or as a

barrister and solicitor for a period of fifty years is exempt from payment of the annual fee.

7

Period of fifty years

(7) The following periods of time may be counted towards the period of fifty years required by subsection (6):

1. A period of time during which the licensee’s licence is in abeyance under section

31 of the Act.

2. A period of time during which the licensee’s practice of law is interrupted by war service.

3. Subject to subsection (8), a period of time during which the licensee’s licence is

suspended for failure to pay a fee or levy.

4. In the absolute discretion of the Professional Development and Competence Committee, a period of time during which the licensee’s licence is suspended for a reason other than for failure to pay a fee or levy.

Period of suspension for non-payment: limit on time that may be counted

(8) Subject to subsection (9), the total amount of time that may be counted under

paragraph 3 of subsection (7) towards the period of fifty years required by subsection (6) is one year.

Period of suspension for non-payment: exception to limit

(9) In appropriate circumstances, the Professional Development and Competence

Committee may permit a period of time in excess of one year to be counted under paragraph 3 of subsection (7) towards the fifty years required under subsection (6).

Exercise of powers by Committee

(10) The performance of any duty, or the exercise of any power, given to the

Professional Development and Competence Committee under this section is not subject to the approval of Convocation.

Application for exemption from payment of annual fee: incapacity 4. (1) A licensee who is incapacitated within the meaning of the Act may apply to the Society for an exemption from payment of an annual fee. Application form (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be in a form provided by the Society.

8

Consideration of application (3) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1) and, if satisfied that the requirements described therein are met, the Society shall approve the application. Effective date of exemption (4) A licensee whose application is approved is exempt from payment of the annual fee beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society. Expiration of exemptions previously obtained (5) An exemption from a requirement to pay an annual fee available to a licensee under subsection 4 (1), (1.1) or (6) of By-Law 5, as it reads immediately before January 1, 2021, continues to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee in existence prior to January 1, 2021 but ceases to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee that comes into existence beginning or after January 1, 2021. Expiration of exemption previously obtained (6) An exemption from a requirement to pay an annual fee available to a licensee under subsection (6) of By-Law 5, as it reads immediately before January 1, 2021, continues to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee in existence prior to January 1, 2021 but ceases to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee that comes into existence beginning or after January 1, 2021.

OVER SIXTY-FIVE: RETIRED ANNUAL FEE Application to pay retired annual fee: over sixty-five 4.1. (1) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not practise law, or practises law only as described in subsection 3 (2) of By-Law 4, may apply to the Society to pay a retired annual fee pursuant to this section. Same (2) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not provide legal services may apply to the Society to pay a retired annual fee pursuant to this section. Application form (3) An application under subsection (1) shall be in a form provided by the Society. Consideration of application

9

(4) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1) or (2) and, if satisfied that the requirements described therein are met, the Society shall approve the application. Transition to retired annual fee (5) If a licensee's application is approved, beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society, and continuing so long as the licensee continues to meet the requirements set out in subsection (1) or (2), as applicable, (a) this section, and section 1, subsections 2 (1) and (2) and sections 4, 5 and 6, with references to “annual fee” therein read as references to “retired annual fee”, apply to the licensee; and (b) subsections 2 (3) to (7) and sections 3 and 3.1 do not apply to the licensee. Amount of retired annual fee (6) The amount of a retired annual fee in a year is 10 percent of the annual fee for the year.

SUMMARY SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT Period of default

5. (1) For the purpose of subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay an annual fee is 120 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Period of default: 2013

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), beginning January 1, 2013, for the purposes of subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay an annual fee is 90 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Period of default: 2014 and later

(1.2) Despite subsections (1) and (1.1), beginning January 1, 2014, for the purposes of

subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay an annual fee is 60 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Payment plan: deemed date of failure to pay

(2) Where the Society arranges or permits a schedule for the payment of an annual fee

by instalments or otherwise and a required payment is not made by a scheduled date, failure to pay an annual fee will be deemed to have occurred on January 1.

Reinstatement of licence

10

(3) If a licensee’s licence has been suspended under subsection 46 (1) of the Act for failure to pay an annual fee in a given year, for the purpose of subsection 46 (3) of the Act, the licensee shall pay an amount equal to the amount of the annual fee which the licensee is required to pay in respect of that year and a reinstatement fee.

LATE PAYMENT FEE Late payment fee: 2013

6. (1) Beginning January 1, 2013, a licensee who does not pay an annual fee on or before the day that is 90 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due shall pay a late payment fee.

Late payment fee: 2014 and later

(2) Despite subsection (1), beginning January 1, 2014, a licensee who does not pay an

annual fee on or before the day that is 60 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due shall pay a late payment fee.

Payment due

(3) The late payment fee is due on the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Period of default: 2013

(4) Beginning January 1, 2013, for the purposes of subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay the late payment fee is 90 days after the day on which payment of the late payment fee is due.

Period of default: 2014 and later

(5) Despite subsection (4), beginning January 1, 2014, for the purposes of subsection

46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay the late payment fee is 60 days after the day on which payment of the late payment fee is due.

Reinstatement of licence

(6) If a licensee’s licence has been suspended under subsection 46 (1) of the Act for

failure to pay a late payment fee, for the purposes of subsection 46 (3) of the Act, the licensee shall pay an amount equal to the late payment fee that the licensee failed to pay.

1

BY-LAW 5

May 1, 2007 Amended: June 28, 2007

Revoked and Replaced: January 24, 2008 Amended: April 24, 2008

June 26, 2008 October 28, 2010 October 25, 2012

November 21, 2016 (editorial changes)

ANNUAL FEE

REQUIREMENT TO PAY ANNUAL FEE Requirement to pay annual fee

1. (1) Every year, a licensee shall pay an annual fee, in accordance with sections 2 and 3, unless the licensee is exempt from payment of the annual fee.

Levy for Compensation Fund

(2) An annual fee shall include a Compensation Fund levy.

AMOUNT PAYABLE AND DUE DATE Payment due

2. (1) Subject to subsection (7), payment of an annual fee is due on January 1 every year.

Amount payable

(2) Subject to subsections (3), (4), (5) and (6), a licensee shall pay the full amount of

an annual fee and any taxes that the Society is required to collect from the licensee in respect of the payment of the annual fee.

Same: fifty percent

(3) A licensee who does not practise law or provide legal services, including a

licensee employed in education, in government or in a corporation in a position where he or she is not required to practise law or provide legal services, shall pay fifty percent of an annual fee

2

and any taxes that the Society is required to collect from the licensee in respect of the payment of the annual fee.

Same: twenty-five percent

(4) The following licensees shall pay twenty-five percent of an annual fee and any

taxes that the Society is required to collect from the licensee in respect of the payment of the annual fee:

1. A licensee who does not engage in any remunerative work and does not practise

law or provide legal services.

2. A licensee who is in full-time attendance at a university, college or designated educational institution within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and does not practise law or provide legal services.

3. A licensee who is on a pregnancy or parental leave and does not practise law or

provide legal services. Licence issued after January 1

(5) A licensee who was issued a licence after January 1, shall pay, in respect of the

year in which the licence was issued, an amount of an annual fee determined by the formula,

(A ÷ 12) × B where,

A is the amount of the annual fee the licensee would have been required to pay under

subsection (2), (3) or (4) if the licence was issued on January 1, and

B is the number of whole calendar months remaining in the year beginning with the first month following the month in which the licence was issued.

Licence restored after January 1

(6) A licensee whose licence was restored under section 31 of the Act after January 1,

shall pay, in respect of the year in which the licence was restored, an amount of an annual fee determined by the formula,

(A ÷ 12) × B

where,

3

A is the amount of the annual fee the licensee would have been required to pay under subsection (2), (3) or (4) if the licence was not in abeyance on January 1, and

B is the number of whole calendar months remaining in the year beginning with the first

month following the month in which the licence is restored. Same: payment due

(7) Payment of an annual fee by a licensee to whom subsection (5) or (6) applies is

due on the first day of the first month following the month in which the licence was issued or restored.

CHANGE IN STATUS Change in status

3. (1) If a licensee who is required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee becomes entitled to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee, the licensee shall pay,

(a) an amount determined by the formula

(A ÷ 12) × B

where

A is the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee, and

B is the number of whole or part calendar months during which the licensee

is required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of the annual fee; and

(b) an amount determined by the formula

(C ÷ 12) × D

where

C is fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of the annual fee, and

D is the number of whole calendar months during which the licensee is required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee.

Same

4

(2) If a licensee who is required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee becomes required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee, the licensee shall pay, in respect of the period of time during which he or she is required to pay the lesser amount of an annual fee and the period of time during which he or she is required to pay the higher amount of an annual fee,

(a) an amount determined by the formula

(E ÷ 12) × F

where

E is fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of the annual fee, and

F is the number of whole calendar months during which the licensee is

required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee; and

(b) an amount determined by the formula

(G ÷ 12) × H

where

G is the full amount, or fifty percent, of the annual fee, and

H is the number of part or whole calendar months during which the licensee is required to pay the full amount, or fifty percent, of an annual fee.

Same

(3) If a licensee who is required to pay the full amount, fifty percent or twenty-five

percent of an annual fee becomes exempt from payment of an annual fee, the licensee shall pay an amount determined by the formula

( I ÷ 12) × J

where

I is the full amount, fifty percent or twenty-five percent of the annual fee, and

J is the number of whole or part calendar months during which the licensee is required to pay the full amount, fifty percent or twenty-five percent of an annual fee.

5

When payment due

(4) If under this section, a licensee is required to pay, in respect of a year, an amount that is greater than the amount required to be paid under section 2, the difference between the amount that the licensee is required to pay under this section and the amount that the licensee is required to be pay under section 2 shall be due on a date to be specified by the Society.

Application for refund

(5) If under this section, a licensee is required to pay, in respect of a year, an amount

that is less than the amount required to be paid under section 2, subject to subsections (6) and (7), the licensee is entitled to a refund of the difference between the amount that the licensee is required to pay under section 2 and the amount that the licensee is required to be pay under this section.

Application for refund

(6) A licensee shall apply to the Society to claim an entitlement to a refund under

subsection (5). Time for making application

(7) An application to the Society under subsection (6) shall be made before the end of

the year in respect of which the licensee claims an entitlement to a refund under subsection (5). No entitlement to refund

(8) A licensee who does not comply with subsection (7) is not entitled to receive a refund.

EXEMPTION FROM CHANGE IN STATUS Exemption from change in status: practising law on pro bono basis

3.1 A licensee who is required to pay fifty percent, or twenty-five percent, of an annual fee shall not become required to pay the full amount of an annual fee even though he or she practises law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor if the following conditions are met:

1. The licensee’s practice of law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor is restricted to

practising law on a pro bono basis through a program registered with Pro Bono Ontario.

2. Prior to practising law in Ontario as a barrister and solicitor, the licensee applies

6

to the Society to be exempt from the requirement to pay the full amount of the annual fee.

EXEMPTION FROM REQUIREMENT TO PAY ANNUAL FEE Application for exemption from payment of annual fee: incapacity 4. (1) A licensee who is incapacitated within the meaning of the Act may apply to the Society for an exemption from payment of an annual fee. Application form (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be in a form provided by the Society. Consideration of application (3) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1) and, if satisfied that the requirements described therein are met, the Society shall approve the application. Effective date of exemption (4) A licensee whose application is approved is exempt from payment of the annual fee beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society. Expiration of exemptions previously obtained (5) An exemption from a requirement to pay an annual fee available to a licensee under subsection 4 (1), (1.1) or (6) of By-Law 5, as it reads immediately before January 1, 2021, continues to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee in existence prior to January 1, 2021 but ceases to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee that comes into existence beginning or after January 1, 2021. Expiration of exemption previously obtained (6) An exemption from a requirement to pay an annual fee available to a licensee under subsection (6) of By-Law 5, as it reads immediately before January 1, 2021, continues to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee in existence prior to January 1, 2021 but ceases to apply with respect to a requirement to pay an annual fee that comes into existence beginning or after January 1, 2021.

7

OVER SIXTY-FIVE: RETIRED ANNUAL FEE Application to pay retired annual fee: over sixty-five 4.1. (1) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not practise law, or practises law only as described in subsection 3 (2) of By-Law 4, may apply to the Society to pay a retired annual fee pursuant to this section. Same (2) A licensee who is over sixty-five years of age and does not provide legal services may apply to the Society to pay a retired annual fee pursuant to this section. Application form (3) An application under subsection (1) shall be in a form provided by the Society. Consideration of application (4) The Society shall consider every application made under subsection (1) or (2) and, if satisfied that the requirements described therein are met, the Society shall approve the application. Transition to retired annual fee (5) If a licensee's application is approved, beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the licensee submits an application form completed to the satisfaction of the Society, and continuing so long as the licensee continues to meet the requirements set out in subsection (1) or (2), as applicable, (a) this section, and section 1, subsections 2 (1) and (2) and sections 4, 5 and 6, with references to “annual fee” therein read as references to “retired annual fee”, apply to the licensee; and (b) subsections 2 (3) to (7) and sections 3 and 3.1 do not apply to the licensee. Amount of retired annual fee (6) The amount of a retired annual fee in a year is 10 percent of the annual fee for the year.

SUMMARY SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT Period of default

1. (1) For the purpose of subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay an annual fee is 120 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Period of default: 2013

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), beginning January 1, 2013, for the purposes of subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay an annual fee is 90 days after the day on

8

which payment of the annual fee is due. Period of default: 2014 and later

(1.2) Despite subsections (1) and (1.1), beginning January 1, 2014, for the purposes of

subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay an annual fee is 60 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Payment plan: deemed date of failure to pay

(2) Where the Society arranges or permits a schedule for the payment of an annual fee

by instalments or otherwise and a required payment is not made by a scheduled date, failure to pay an annual fee will be deemed to have occurred on January 1.

Reinstatement of licence

(3) If a licensee’s licence has been suspended under subsection 46 (1) of the Act for

failure to pay an annual fee in a given year, for the purpose of subsection 46 (3) of the Act, the licensee shall pay an amount equal to the amount of the annual fee which the licensee is required to pay in respect of that year and a reinstatement fee.

LATE PAYMENT FEE Late payment fee: 2013

2. (1) Beginning January 1, 2013, a licensee who does not pay an annual fee on or before the day that is 90 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due shall pay a late payment fee.

Late payment fee: 2014 and later

(2) Despite subsection (1), beginning January 1, 2014, a licensee who does not pay an

annual fee on or before the day that is 60 days after the day on which payment of the annual fee is due shall pay a late payment fee.

Payment due

(3) The late payment fee is due on the day on which payment of the annual fee is due.

Period of default: 2013

(4) Beginning January 1, 2013, for the purposes of subsection 46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay the late payment fee is 90 days after the day on which payment of the late payment fee is due.

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Period of default: 2014 and later

(5) Despite subsection (4), beginning January 1, 2014, for the purposes of subsection

46 (1) of the Act, the period of default for failure to pay the late payment fee is 60 days after the day on which payment of the late payment fee is due.

Reinstatement of licence

(6) If a licensee’s licence has been suspended under subsection 46 (1) of the Act for

failure to pay a late payment fee, for the purposes of subsection 46 (3) of the Act, the licensee shall pay an amount equal to the late payment fee that the licensee failed to pay.

1

RÈGLEMENT ADMINISTRATIF NO 5

Fait le 1er mai 2007 Modifié le : 28 juin

2007 Abrogé et remplacé le : 24 janvier 2008

Modifié les : 24 avril 2008 26 juin 2008

28 octobre 2010 25 octobre 2012

Modifications éditoriales : 21 novembre 2016

LA COTISATION ANNUELLE

VERSEMENT OBLIGATOIRE DE LA COTISATION ANNUELLE Versement obligatoire de la cotisation annuelle 1. (1) À moins d’en avoir été exonérés, les titulaires de permis versent chaque année leur cotisation annuelle, conformément aux articles 3 et 4.

Prélèvement pour le Fonds d’indemnisation

(2) Une partie de la cotisation annuelle est versée au Fonds d’indemnisation.

MONTANT EXIGIBLE ET DATE DE PAIEMENT Date de paiement

2. (1) Sous réserve du paragraphe (7), la cotisation annuelle est exigible le 1er janvier de chaque année.

Montant exigible

(2) Sous réserve des paragraphes (3), (4), (5) et (6), les titulaires de permis versent au

Barreau le montant total de la cotisation annuelle et les taxes connexes que le Barreau est tenu de percevoir.

Idem : Cinquante pour cent

(3) Les titulaires de permis qui n’exercent pas le droit, notamment les titulaires de

permis travaillant dans le milieu de l’éducation, pour le gouvernement ou pour une personne morale et dont les fonctions ne consistent pas à exercer le droit, versent au Barreau un montant

2

équivalant à cinquante pour cent de la cotisation annuelle, ainsi que les taxes connexes que le Barreau est tenu de percevoir.

Idem : Vingt-cinq pour cent

(4) Les titulaires de permis suivants sont tenus de verser au Barreau un montant

équivalant à vingt-cinq pour cent de la cotisation annuelle, ainsi que les taxes connexes que le Barreau est tenu de percevoir :

1. Les titulaires de permis qui ne se livrent pas à des activités rémunérées, n’exercent

pas le droit et ne fournissent pas de services juridiques.

2. Les titulaires de permis qui, aux termes de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu (Canada), suivent des cours à temps plein dans un collège universitaire ou dans tout autre établissement d’enseignement désigné, qui n’exercent pas le droit et ne fournissent pas de services juridiques.

3. Les titulaires de permis qui sont en congé de maternité ou en congé parental, qui

n’exercent pas le droit et ne fournissent pas de services juridiques. Permis octroyé après le 1er janvier

(5) Les titulaires de permis qui reçoivent leur permis après le 1er janvier doivent

verser, pour l’année durant laquelle le permis a été octroyé, un montant de cotisation annuelle déterminé par la formule,

(A ÷ 12) × B

où

A représente le montant de la cotisation annuelle que ces personnes auraient été tenues de

verser conformément aux paragraphes (2), (3) ou (4) si elles avaient été titulaires de permis en date du 1er janvier,

B représente le nombre de mois civils entiers restant dans l’année, commençant le premier

mois qui suit le mois durant lequel ces personnes ont reçu leur permis. Personnes réadmises après le 1er janvier

(6) Les personnes qui ont été réadmises en tant que titulaires de permis après le 1er

janvier en vertu de l’article 31 de la Loi, versent, pour l’année durant laquelle elles sont réadmises, une cotisation annuelle dont le montant est calculé selon la formule suivante :

(A ÷ 12) × B où

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A représente le montant de la cotisation annuelle que ces personnes auraient été tenues de

verser conformément aux paragraphes (4), (5) ou (6), si elles avaient été titulaires de permis en date du 1er janvier ;

B représente le nombre de mois civils entiers restant dans l’année, commençant le premier

mois qui suit le mois durant lequel ces personnes sont réadmises. Idem : date de versement

(7) La cotisation annuelle des titulaires de permis visés au paragraphe (5) ou (6) est

exigible le premier jour du premier mois qui suit celui au cours duquel ils sont admis ou réadmis.

CHANGEMENT DE SITUATION PROFESSIONNELLE Changement de situation professionnelle

3. (1) Les titulaires de permis tenus de verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle qui sont par la suite autorisés à verser cinquante pour cent ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle versent alors le total des montants suivants :

a) le montant calculé selon la formule

(A ÷ 12) × B

où

A représente le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la

cotisation annuelle ;

B représente le nombre de mois civils partiels ou entiers restant à l’année au cours de laquelle les titulaires de permis sont tenus de verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

b) le montant calculé selon la formule

(C ÷ 12) × D

où

C représente cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

D représente le nombre de mois civils entiers au cours desquels les titulaires

de permis sont tenus de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du

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montant de la cotisation annuelle. Idem

(2) Les titulaires de permis tenus de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du

montant de la cotisation annuelle qui doivent par la suite verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle versent alors, pour la période durant laquelle ils sont tenus de verser un montant moins élevé de la cotisation annuelle et pour la période durant laquelle ils sont tenus de verser un montant plus élevé, le total des montants suivants :

a) le montant calculé selon la formule

(E ÷ 12) × F

où

E représente cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

F représente le nombre de mois civils entiers durant lesquels les titulaires de

permis sont tenus de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

b) le montant calculé selon la formule

(G ÷ 12) × H

où

G représente le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la

cotisation annuelle ;

H représente le nombre de mois civils partiels ou entiers au cours desquels les titulaires de permis sont tenus de verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle.

Idem

(3) Les titulaires de permis tenus de verser le montant total, cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du

montant de la cotisation annuelle qui sont par la suite exonérés du versement de la cotisation annuelle versent alors le montant calculé selon la formule

(I ÷ 12) × J

où

I représente le montant total, cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation

5

annuelle ;

J représente le nombre de mois civils partiels ou entiers au cours desquels les titulaires de permis sont tenus de verser le montant total, cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle.

Date de paiement

(4) Si, en vertu du présent article, un membre est tenu de verser, pour une année

donnée, un montant supérieur à celui qui est prévu à l’article 3, la différence entre le montant que le titulaire de permis est tenu de verser selon le présent article et le montant que le titulaire de permis est tenu de verser selon l’article 3 est exigible à la date déterminée par un ou une responsable du Barreau.

Demande de remboursement

(5) Si, en vertu du présent article, un titulaire de permis est tenu de verser, pour une

année donnée, un montant inférieur à celui qui est prévu à l’article 3, sous réserve des paragraphes (6) et (7), le titulaire de permis a droit à un remboursement équivalant à la différence entre le montant qu’il est tenu de verser selon l’article 3 et le montant qu’il est tenu de verser selon le présent article.

Demande de remboursement

(6) Les titulaires de permis présentent au Barreau la demande de remboursement

visée au paragraphe (5). Délai de présentation d’une demande de remboursement

(7) La demande de remboursement visée au paragraphe (6) est présentée au Barreau

avant la fin de l’année durant laquelle le titulaire de permis prétend avoir droit au remboursement aux termes du paragraphe (5).

Inadmissibilité au remboursement

(8) Les titulaires de permis qui ne respectent pas le paragraphe (7) n’ont pas droit à un

remboursement.

EXONÉRATION DE CHANGEMENT DE SITUATION PROFESSIONNELLE Exonération de changement de situation professionnelle : exercice bénévole du droit

3.1 Un titulaire de permis tenu de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle n’est pas tenu de payer le montant total de la cotisation annuelle même s’il ou elle exerce le droit en Ontario en qualité d’avocat, s’il ou elle satisfait aux conditions suivantes :

6

1. L’exercice du droit par le titulaire de permis en Ontario en qualité d’avocat se

limite à l’exercice bénévole du droit dans le cadre d’un programme agréé par Pro Bono Ontario.

2. Avant d’exercer le droit en Ontario en qualité d’avocat, le titulaire de permis fait

une demande auprès du Barreau pour être exonéré de l’exigence de verser le montant total de la cotisation annuelle.

EXONÉRATION DU PAIEMENT DE LA COTISATION OBLIGATOIRE ANNUELLE

Demande d’exonération du paiement de la cotisation annuelle : personnes âgées de plus de 65 ans

4. (1) Les titulaires de permis âgés de plus de 65 ans qui n’exercent pas le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou d’avocate ou qui ne le font que conformément au paragraphe 3 (2) du Règlement administratif no 4 [Octroi de permis] peuvent présenter au Barreau une demande d’exonération du paiement de la cotisation annuelle.

Idem

(1.1) Les titulaires de permis âgés de plus de 65 ans qui ne fournissent pas de services

juridiques peuvent présenter au Barreau une demande d’exemption du paiement de la cotisation annuelle.

Idem : Invalidité

(2) Les titulaires de permis qui sont incapables d’exercer le droit en raison d’une invalidité permanente selon les dispositions de la Loi, peuvent présenter au Barreau une demande d’exonération du paiement de la cotisation annuelle.

Demande

(3) La demande présentée selon le paragraphe (1), (1.1) or (2) est rédigée selon le formulaire du

Barreau. Examen de la demande

(4) Le Barreau examine chaque demande déposée en vertu des paragraphes (1), (1.1)

et (2) et, si à son avis la demande répond aux exigences visées aux paragraphes (1), (1.1) ou (2), selon le cas, le Barreau approuve la demande.

Date d’entrée en vigueur de l’exonération

(5) Les titulaires de permis dont la demande d’exonération est acceptée sont exonérés

du paiement de la cotisation annuelle à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours

7

duquel les titulaires de permis ont présenté une demande d’exonération considérée comme étant complète par un ou une responsable du Barreau.

Exonération pour paiement de la cotisation annuelle : Exercice du droit pour une période de cinquante ans

(6) Les titulaires de permis qui exercent le droit en Ontario à titre d’avocat ou

d’avocate pour une période de cinquante ans sont exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle. Période de cinquante ans

(7) Les périodes qui suivent peuvent entrer dans le calcul de la période de cinquante

ans exigée par le paragraphe (6) :

1. La période d’interruption de la qualité de titulaire de permis pour cause de nomination à une charge judiciaire visée à l’article 31 de la Loi.

2. La période d’interruption de la qualité de titulaire de permis pour cause de

service militaire.

3. Sous réserve du paragraphe (8), la période de suspension du permis du titulaire pour raison du non-paiement de cotisations ou de droits.

4. À l’entière discrétion du Comité permanent du Conseil chargé des questions

d’admission, la période de suspension du permis du titulaire pour une raison autre que le non-paiement de cotisations ou de droits.

Période de suspension pour cause de non-paiement : restriction de la période qui peut entrer dans le calcul

(8) Sous réserve du paragraphe (9), la période totale qui peut, en vertu de la

disposition 3 du paragraphe (7), entrer dans le calcul de la période de cinquante ans exigée au paragraphe (6) est d’un an.

Période de suspension pour cause de non-paiement : exception à la restriction

(9) Lorsque les circonstances s’y prêtent, le Comité du perfectionnement

professionnel peut permettre qu’une période de plus d’un an entre, en vertu de la disposition 3 du paragraphe (7), dans le calcul de la période de cinquante ans exigée au paragraphe (6).

Exercice des pouvoirs d’un comité

(10) L’exercice des pouvoirs et des fonctions que le présent article confère au

Comité du perfectionnement professionnel conformément au présent article n’est pas assujetti à l’approbation du Conseil.

8

Demande d’exonération du paiement de la cotisation annuelle : incapacité 4. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont incapables d’exercer le droit au sens de la Loi peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour être exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle. Formulaire de demande (2) Une demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) est présentée dans le formulaire prescrit par le Barreau. Examen de la demande (3) Le Barreau examine chaque demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) et, si les exigences énoncées aux présentes sont satisfaites, le Barreau approuve la demande. Date d’entrée en vigueur de l’exonération (4) Les titulaires de permis dont la demande d’exonération est approuvée sont exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours duquel ils ont présenté un formulaire de demande d’exonération considéré comme complet par le Barreau. Expiration des exonérations obtenues auparavant (5) Une exonération de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle dont un titulaire de permis peut se prévaloir en vertu des paragraphes 4 (1), (1.1) ou (6) du Règlement administratif no 5, selon son libellé immédiatement avant le 1er janvier 2021, continue de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle en vigueur avant le 1er janvier 2021, mais cesse de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle qui entre en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2021. Expiration des exonérations obtenues auparavant (6) Une exonération de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle dont un titulaire de permis peut se prévaloir en vertu du paragraphe (6) du Règlement administratif no 5, selon son libellé immédiatement avant le 1er janvier 2021, continue de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle en vigueur avant le 1er janvier 2021, mais cesse de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer de la cotisation annuelle qui entre en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2021.

PLUS DE SOIXANTE-CINQ ANS : COTISATION ANNUELLE DE RETRAITÉ(E)

Demande de paiement de cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) : plus de soixante-cinq ans 4.1. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont âgés de plus de 65 ans et qui n’exercent pas le droit, ou l’exercent seulement tel qu’énoncé au paragraphe 3 (2) du Règlement administratif no 4, peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application du présent article.

9

Idem (2) Les titulaires de permis qui sont âgées de plus de 65 ans, qui ne fournissent pas de services juridiques, peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application du présent article. Formulaire de demande (3) Une demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) est présentée dans le formulaire prescrit par le Barreau. Examen de la demande (4) Le Barreau examine chaque demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) ou (2) et, si les exigences énoncées aux présentes sont satisfaites, le Barreau approuve la demande. Disposition de transition à la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) (5) Si la demande d’un titulaire de permis est approuvée, à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours duquel ils ont présenté un formulaire de demande d’exonération considéré comme complet par le Barreau, et continue aussi longtemps que le titulaire satisfait aux exigences énoncées aux paragraphes (1) ou (2), selon le cas : a) le présent article et l’article 1, les paragraphes 2 (1) et (2) et les articles 4, 5 et 6, mentionnant « cotisation annuelle » qui renvoie désormais à « cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) », s’appliquent au titulaire de permis ; b) les paragraphes 2 (3) à (7) et les articles 3 et 3.1 ne s’appliquent pas au titulaire. Montant de la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) (6) Le montant de la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) correspond à 10 pour cent de la cotisation annuelle pour l’année.

SUSPENSION SOMMAIRE POUR NON-PAIEMENT Période de défaut

5 (1) Aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut dans le cas de non-paiement d’une cotisation annuelle est de 120 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Période de défaut : 2013

(1.1) Malgré le paragraphe (1), à compter du 1er janvier 2013, aux fins de l’application

du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement d’une cotisation

10

annuelle est de 90 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible. Période de défaut : 2014 et après

(1.2) Malgré les paragraphes (1) et (1.1), à compter du 1er janvier 2014, aux fins de

l’application du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement d’une cotisation annuelle est de 60 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Conditions de paiement et date présumée du non-paiement

(2) Lorsque le Barreau prend des dispositions particulières de paiement avec un

membre ou qu’il lui permet d’acquitter sa cotisation annuelle par versements ou selon les termes d’une autre entente, et qu’un versement exigible n’a pas été effectué à la date prévue, le non- paiement de la cotisation annuelle est réputé avoir eu lieu le 1er janvier.

Restitution d’un permis

(3) Si, en raison du non-paiement de la cotisation annuelle, le permis d’un titulaire de permis a été suspendu en vertu du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, le titulaire de permis verse, aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (3) de la Loi, un montant égal à celui de la cotisation annuelle qu’il était tenu de verser pour l’année en question et des frais de réadmission.

PÉNALITÉ POUR COTISATION EN RETARD Pénalité pour cotisation en retard : 2013

6. (1) À compter du 1er janvier 2013, un titulaire de permis qui ne paie pas la cotisation

annuelle au plus tard 90 jours après la date à laquelle le versement était exigible est tenu de payer une pénalité pour cotisation en retard.

Pénalité pour cotisation en retard : 2014 et après

(2) Malgré le paragraphe (1), à compter du 1er janvier 2014, un titulaire de permis qui

ne paie pas la cotisation annuelle au plus tard 60 jours après la date à laquelle le versement était exigible est tenu de payer une pénalité pour cotisation en retard.

Date de paiement

(3) La pénalité pour cotisation en retard est exigible le jour où la cotisation annuelle

est exigible. Période de défaut : 2013

(4) À compter du 1er janvier 2013, aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (1) de la

Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard est de 90 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

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Période de défaut : 2014 et après

(5) Malgré le paragraphe (4), à compter du 1er janvier 2014, aux fins de l’application

du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard est de 60 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Restitution d’un permis

(6) Si, en raison du non-paiement de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard, le permis

d’un titulaire de permis a été suspendu en vertu du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, le titulaire de permis verse, aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (3) de la Loi, un montant égal à celui de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard qu’il était tenu de payer.

1

RÈGLEMENT ADMINISTRATIF NO 5

Fait le 1er mai 2007 Modifié le : 28 juin

2007 Abrogé et remplacé le : 24 janvier 2008

Modifié les : 24 avril 2008 26 juin 2008

28 octobre 2010 25 octobre 2012

Modifications éditoriales : 21 novembre 2016

LA COTISATION ANNUELLE

VERSEMENT OBLIGATOIRE DE LA COTISATION ANNUELLE Versement obligatoire de la cotisation annuelle 1. (1) À moins d’en avoir été exonérés, les titulaires de permis versent chaque année leur cotisation annuelle, conformément aux articles 3 et 4.

Prélèvement pour le Fonds d’indemnisation

(2) Une partie de la cotisation annuelle est versée au Fonds d’indemnisation.

MONTANT EXIGIBLE ET DATE DE PAIEMENT Date de paiement

2. (1) Sous réserve du paragraphe (7), la cotisation annuelle est exigible le 1er janvier de chaque année.

Montant exigible

(2) Sous réserve des paragraphes (3), (4), (5) et (6), les titulaires de permis versent au

Barreau le montant total de la cotisation annuelle et les taxes connexes que le Barreau est tenu de percevoir.

Idem : Cinquante pour cent

(3) Les titulaires de permis qui n’exercent pas le droit, notamment les titulaires de

permis travaillant dans le milieu de l’éducation, pour le gouvernement ou pour une personne morale et dont les fonctions ne consistent pas à exercer le droit, versent au Barreau un montant

2

équivalant à cinquante pour cent de la cotisation annuelle, ainsi que les taxes connexes que le Barreau est tenu de percevoir.

Idem : Vingt-cinq pour cent

(4) Les titulaires de permis suivants sont tenus de verser au Barreau un montant

équivalant à vingt-cinq pour cent de la cotisation annuelle, ainsi que les taxes connexes que le Barreau est tenu de percevoir :

1. Les titulaires de permis qui ne se livrent pas à des activités rémunérées, n’exercent

pas le droit et ne fournissent pas de services juridiques.

2. Les titulaires de permis qui, aux termes de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu (Canada), suivent des cours à temps plein dans un collège universitaire ou dans tout autre établissement d’enseignement désigné, qui n’exercent pas le droit et ne fournissent pas de services juridiques.

3. Les titulaires de permis qui sont en congé de maternité ou en congé parental, qui

n’exercent pas le droit et ne fournissent pas de services juridiques. Permis octroyé après le 1er janvier

(5) Les titulaires de permis qui reçoivent leur permis après le 1er janvier doivent

verser, pour l’année durant laquelle le permis a été octroyé, un montant de cotisation annuelle déterminé par la formule,

(A ÷ 12) × B

où

A représente le montant de la cotisation annuelle que ces personnes auraient été tenues de

verser conformément aux paragraphes (2), (3) ou (4) si elles avaient été titulaires de permis en date du 1er janvier,

B représente le nombre de mois civils entiers restant dans l’année, commençant le premier

mois qui suit le mois durant lequel ces personnes ont reçu leur permis. Personnes réadmises après le 1er janvier

(6) Les personnes qui ont été réadmises en tant que titulaires de permis après le 1er

janvier en vertu de l’article 31 de la Loi, versent, pour l’année durant laquelle elles sont réadmises, une cotisation annuelle dont le montant est calculé selon la formule suivante :

(A ÷ 12) × B où

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A représente le montant de la cotisation annuelle que ces personnes auraient été tenues de

verser conformément aux paragraphes (4), (5) ou (6), si elles avaient été titulaires de permis en date du 1er janvier ;

B représente le nombre de mois civils entiers restant dans l’année, commençant le premier

mois qui suit le mois durant lequel ces personnes sont réadmises. Idem : date de versement

(7) La cotisation annuelle des titulaires de permis visés au paragraphe (5) ou (6) est

exigible le premier jour du premier mois qui suit celui au cours duquel ils sont admis ou réadmis.

CHANGEMENT DE SITUATION PROFESSIONNELLE Changement de situation professionnelle

3. (1) Les titulaires de permis tenus de verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle qui sont par la suite autorisés à verser cinquante pour cent ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle versent alors le total des montants suivants :

a) le montant calculé selon la formule

(A ÷ 12) × B

où

A représente le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la

cotisation annuelle ;

B représente le nombre de mois civils partiels ou entiers restant à l’année au cours de laquelle les titulaires de permis sont tenus de verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

b) le montant calculé selon la formule

(C ÷ 12) × D

où

C représente cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

D représente le nombre de mois civils entiers au cours desquels les titulaires

de permis sont tenus de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du

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montant de la cotisation annuelle. Idem

(2) Les titulaires de permis tenus de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du

montant de la cotisation annuelle qui doivent par la suite verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle versent alors, pour la période durant laquelle ils sont tenus de verser un montant moins élevé de la cotisation annuelle et pour la période durant laquelle ils sont tenus de verser un montant plus élevé, le total des montants suivants :

a) le montant calculé selon la formule

(E ÷ 12) × F

où

E représente cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

F représente le nombre de mois civils entiers durant lesquels les titulaires de

permis sont tenus de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle ;

b) le montant calculé selon la formule

(G ÷ 12) × H

où

G représente le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la

cotisation annuelle ;

H représente le nombre de mois civils partiels ou entiers au cours desquels les titulaires de permis sont tenus de verser le montant total ou cinquante pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle.

Idem

(3) Les titulaires de permis tenus de verser le montant total, cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du

montant de la cotisation annuelle qui sont par la suite exonérés du versement de la cotisation annuelle versent alors le montant calculé selon la formule

(I ÷ 12) × J

où

I représente le montant total, cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation

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annuelle ;

J représente le nombre de mois civils partiels ou entiers au cours desquels les titulaires de permis sont tenus de verser le montant total, cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle.

Date de paiement

(4) Si, en vertu du présent article, un membre est tenu de verser, pour une année

donnée, un montant supérieur à celui qui est prévu à l’article 3, la différence entre le montant que le titulaire de permis est tenu de verser selon le présent article et le montant que le titulaire de permis est tenu de verser selon l’article 3 est exigible à la date déterminée par un ou une responsable du Barreau.

Demande de remboursement

(5) Si, en vertu du présent article, un titulaire de permis est tenu de verser, pour une

année donnée, un montant inférieur à celui qui est prévu à l’article 3, sous réserve des paragraphes (6) et (7), le titulaire de permis a droit à un remboursement équivalant à la différence entre le montant qu’il est tenu de verser selon l’article 3 et le montant qu’il est tenu de verser selon le présent article.

Demande de remboursement

(6) Les titulaires de permis présentent au Barreau la demande de remboursement

visée au paragraphe (5). Délai de présentation d’une demande de remboursement

(7) La demande de remboursement visée au paragraphe (6) est présentée au Barreau

avant la fin de l’année durant laquelle le titulaire de permis prétend avoir droit au remboursement aux termes du paragraphe (5).

Inadmissibilité au remboursement

(8) Les titulaires de permis qui ne respectent pas le paragraphe (7) n’ont pas droit à un

remboursement.

EXONÉRATION DE CHANGEMENT DE SITUATION PROFESSIONNELLE Exonération de changement de situation professionnelle : exercice bénévole du droit

3.1 Un titulaire de permis tenu de verser cinquante ou vingt-cinq pour cent du montant de la cotisation annuelle n’est pas tenu de payer le montant total de la cotisation annuelle même s’il ou elle exerce le droit en Ontario en qualité d’avocat, s’il ou elle satisfait aux conditions suivantes :

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1. L’exercice du droit par le titulaire de permis en Ontario en qualité d’avocat se

limite à l’exercice bénévole du droit dans le cadre d’un programme agréé par Pro Bono Ontario.

2. Avant d’exercer le droit en Ontario en qualité d’avocat, le titulaire de permis fait

une demande auprès du Barreau pour être exonéré de l’exigence de verser le montant total de la cotisation annuelle.

EXONÉRATION DU PAIEMENT DE LA COTISATION OBLIGATOIRE ANNUELLE Demande d’exonération du paiement de la cotisation annuelle : incapacité 4. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont incapables d’exercer le droit au sens de la Loi peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour être exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle. Formulaire de demande (2) Une demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) est présentée dans le formulaire prescrit par le Barreau. Examen de la demande (3) Le Barreau examine chaque demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) et, si les exigences énoncées aux présentes sont satisfaites, le Barreau approuve la demande. Date d’entrée en vigueur de l’exonération (4) Les titulaires de permis dont la demande d’exonération est approuvée sont exonérés du paiement de la cotisation annuelle à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours duquel ils ont présenté un formulaire de demande d’exonération considéré comme complet par le Barreau. Expiration des exonérations obtenues auparavant (5) Une exonération de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle dont un titulaire de permis peut se prévaloir en vertu des paragraphes 4 (1), (1.1) ou (6) du Règlement administratif no 5, selon son libellé immédiatement avant le 1er janvier 2021, continue de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle en vigueur avant le 1er janvier 2021, mais cesse de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle qui entre en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2021. Expiration des exonérations obtenues auparavant (6) Une exonération de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle dont un titulaire de permis peut se prévaloir en vertu du paragraphe (6) du Règlement administratif no 5, selon son libellé

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immédiatement avant le 1er janvier 2021, continue de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer la cotisation annuelle en vigueur avant le 1er janvier 2021, mais cesse de s’appliquer à l’égard de l’obligation de payer de la cotisation annuelle qui entre en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2021.

PLUS DE SOIXANTE-CINQ ANS : COTISATION ANNUELLE DE RETRAITÉ(E)

Demande de paiement de cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) : plus de soixante-cinq ans 4.1. (1) Les titulaires de permis qui sont âgés de plus de 65 ans et qui n’exercent pas le droit, ou l’exercent seulement tel qu’énoncé au paragraphe 3 (2) du Règlement administratif no 4, peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application du présent article. Idem (2) Les titulaires de permis qui sont âgées de plus de 65 ans, qui ne fournissent pas de services juridiques, peuvent faire une demande auprès du Barreau pour payer une cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) en application du présent article. Formulaire de demande (3) Une demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) est présentée dans le formulaire prescrit par le Barreau. Examen de la demande (4) Le Barreau examine chaque demande faite en application du paragraphe (1) ou (2) et, si les exigences énoncées aux présentes sont satisfaites, le Barreau approuve la demande. Disposition de transition à la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) (5) Si la demande d’un titulaire de permis est approuvée, à compter du premier jour du mois suivant celui au cours duquel ils ont présenté un formulaire de demande d’exonération considéré comme complet par le Barreau, et continue aussi longtemps que le titulaire satisfait aux exigences énoncées aux paragraphes (1) ou (2), selon le cas : a) le présent article et l’article 1, les paragraphes 2 (1) et (2) et les articles 4, 5 et 6, mentionnant « cotisation annuelle » qui renvoie désormais à « cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) », s’appliquent au titulaire de permis ; b) les paragraphes 2 (3) à (7) et les articles 3 et 3.1 ne s’appliquent pas au titulaire. Montant de la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) (6) Le montant de la cotisation annuelle de retraité(e) correspond à 10 pour cent de la cotisation annuelle pour l’année.

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SUSPENSION SOMMAIRE POUR NON-PAIEMENT

Période de défaut

5 (1) Aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut dans le cas de non-paiement d’une cotisation annuelle est de 120 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Période de défaut : 2013

(1.1) Malgré le paragraphe (1), à compter du 1er janvier 2013, aux fins de l’application

du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement d’une cotisation annuelle est de 90 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Période de défaut : 2014 et après

(1.2) Malgré les paragraphes (1) et (1.1), à compter du 1er janvier 2014, aux fins de

l’application du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement d’une cotisation annuelle est de 60 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Conditions de paiement et date présumée du non-paiement

(2) Lorsque le Barreau prend des dispositions particulières de paiement avec un

membre ou qu’il lui permet d’acquitter sa cotisation annuelle par versements ou selon les termes d’une autre entente, et qu’un versement exigible n’a pas été effectué à la date prévue, le non- paiement de la cotisation annuelle est réputé avoir eu lieu le 1er janvier.

Restitution d’un permis

(3) Si, en raison du non-paiement de la cotisation annuelle, le permis d’un titulaire de permis a été suspendu en vertu du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, le titulaire de permis verse, aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (3) de la Loi, un montant égal à celui de la cotisation annuelle qu’il était tenu de verser pour l’année en question et des frais de réadmission.

PÉNALITÉ POUR COTISATION EN RETARD Pénalité pour cotisation en retard : 2013

6. (1) À compter du 1er janvier 2013, un titulaire de permis qui ne paie pas la cotisation

annuelle au plus tard 90 jours après la date à laquelle le versement était exigible est tenu de payer une pénalité pour cotisation en retard.

Pénalité pour cotisation en retard : 2014 et après

(2) Malgré le paragraphe (1), à compter du 1er janvier 2014, un titulaire de permis qui

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ne paie pas la cotisation annuelle au plus tard 60 jours après la date à laquelle le versement était exigible est tenu de payer une pénalité pour cotisation en retard.

Date de paiement

(3) La pénalité pour cotisation en retard est exigible le jour où la cotisation annuelle

est exigible. Période de défaut : 2013

(4) À compter du 1er janvier 2013, aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (1) de la

Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard est de 90 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Période de défaut : 2014 et après

(5) Malgré le paragraphe (4), à compter du 1er janvier 2014, aux fins de l’application

du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, la période de défaut en cas de non-paiement de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard est de 60 jours à compter de la date à laquelle le versement était exigible.

Restitution d’un permis

(6) Si, en raison du non-paiement de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard, le permis

d’un titulaire de permis a été suspendu en vertu du paragraphe 46 (1) de la Loi, le titulaire de permis verse, aux fins de l’application du paragraphe 46 (3) de la Loi, un montant égal à celui de la pénalité pour cotisation en retard qu’il était tenu de payer.