Starting this year, all lawyers or paralegals in Ontario registering as a sole practitioner for the first time must complete the Foundations of Sole Practice course. The Law Society of Ontario designed the online program to address key areas that often lead to complaints or negligence claims.
KEY DETAILS
- 30-Hour Online Course: The LSO broke the course down into several modules you can complete on your own time.
- December 31, 2026 Deadline: Sole practitioners starting their practice in 2025 have until the end of 2026 to complete the course.
- The course is CPD accredited. An added bonus: the 30 hours can be split over two years.
- The Foundations of Sole Practice course will be available in the LSO Store starting in February 2025.
- Cost: $250.00
WHY IT MATTERS TO SOLE PRACTITIONERS AND FREELANCERS
Some sole practitioners worry that the Foundations of Sole Practice course is another burden for lawyers already juggling the demands of starting a solo practice. But a well-designed course may actually be a substantial help. The module on the “business side of running a law firm” looks especially valuable. It could be a great foundation for a successful practice.
There’s also a module featuring a client contingency planning exercise. This will help you stay on track with the new contingency planning requirements taking effect in 2025.
If you’re planning to go solo soon, stay informed and meet these requirements so you can get your practice off to a solid start.
For more details, visit the LSO website or refer to the FAQ section.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
