

Prevent Data Loss with Backups
There are several minimum standards that must be in place in order for you to be eligible under the CLIA Mandatory Cyber program, including Backup Controls.

Time’s Running Out to Renew Your Excess Coverage
Time is running out to renew your excess coverage! If you are an existing customer, the renewal period is open until June 30th, 2024. If you are a new customer, applications can be submitted until July 31st, 2024.

Think You Might Have a Claim – Report By June 30th!
Lawyers in CLIA jurisdictions are required to report a claim as soon as practicable after learning of a claim or becoming aware of circumstances which might give rise to a claim, however unmeritorious.

The Wellness Docket: A focus on mental health and wellness in the legal professions
I was thrilled to be invited by the Canadian Lawyers Insurance Association to write a regular column on their blog about mental health and wellness in the legal professions. It is wonderful that CLIA has turned its attention to this important issue that all of its subscribers are no doubt encountering in their day-to-day work.

Excess Coverage for Solo Practitioners and Small Firms
As a solo practitioner or small firm, you may not think you need higher insurance limits because of your size. However, the amount of coverage you need is dependent on many factors, not just the size of your practice. The information below will help you understand your mandatory coverage through your law society and the additional excess coverage that is available to you.

From the Vault: CLIA Loss Prevention Bulletin #155: Client Selection
For over ten years, CLIA produced more than 70 articles for our Loss Prevention Bulletin. While discontinued in 2016, the advice shared in some of these articles is timeless and still of value. We’re curating those articles to bring you our ‘From the Vault’ series. The article below is #155 from November, 2003.

Do You Need Excess Coverage After Retirement?
As a retiree, you remain responsible for work performed prior to retirement. Although mandatory insurance coverage applies as long as the occurrence took place during the period in which the member was insured, excess coverage does not apply. Like most liability policies, our excess liability program is “claims made”, meaning insurance needs to be in place when a claim is made and not when the work is done.

2023 CLIA Annual Report – Message From the CEO
The 2023 CLIA Annual Report can now be found on the CLIA website. The following message is from Dave Jackson, CEO.
Looking back on 2023, I can certainly say it was another busy year. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there were several standout moments worth sharing with you.

2023 CLIA Annual Report – Message From the Chair
The 2023 CLIA Annual Report can now be found on the CLIA website. The following message is from Allan Fineblit, K.C., CLIA Board Chair as his term as Chair and Board member ends. We’d like to thank Allan for his contribution to CLIA and for being a “huge fan”.

Thinking About Excess Cyber Coverage?
If you use the internet in any capacity, you and your law firm are targets for a cyber-attack. Cyber-attacks are unwelcome attempts to steal, expose, alter, disable, or destroy information through unauthorized access to computer systems. Cyber insurance provides coverage for lawyers and law firms who may fall victim to a wide range of cyber-attacks.

Bite Size CPD Series: Artificial Intelligence
A new series focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), including an overview of what it is, its strengths and weaknesses and your duties as a lawyer when using AI. While some episodes focus on the new Law Society Artificial Intelligence Guidelines, useful information is included for all. See also our recent post on Generative AI Guidance for information regarding guidelines in your jurisdiction.

Everything You Need To Know About The Voluntary Excess Program Renewal
The CLIA Voluntary Excess Program (VEP) renewal/new applications is open. This is a month earlier than previous years due to feedback received from our customers.

Bite Size CPD Series: Cyber Security
For nearly three years, the Law Society of Saskatchewan has developed the Bite Size CPD Series. These informative under-10-minute video episodes cover a variety of topics and are available for all to view on the Law Society website. A new episode is released each Thursday.

Effective Email Communication
Effective communication with your client is key to avoiding claims. The Lawyer’s Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has compiled several useful communication tips on their website.

Do You Need Excess Insurance?
Excess insurance provides another layer of security should your defence and indemnity costs exceed the primary mandatory limits. As the value of client’s transactions increases over time, so too does the need to secure adequate levels of Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. One large claim could quickly erode the primary policy, leaving you or your firm exposed to significant personal liability.

The 7 C’s of Effective Communication
Failure to communicate effectively with clients is the common factor in a large percentage of errors and omissions claims. The Lawyer’s Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has compiled several useful communication tips on their website.

From the Vault: CLIA Loss Prevention Bulletin #208: Malpractice Avoidance – Some Friendly Reminders
At the spring 2012 American Bar Association Standing Committee on Lawyers’ Professional Liability National Legal Malpractice Conference, Ronald C. Minkoff, Laura Frankel, Richard A. Simpson and Robert H. Moses presented a session on professional liability claims arising out of a family law practice.

Passing of Former CLIA Board member, Phyllis A. Smith KC
It recently came to our attention that Phyllis A. Smith, KC , former CLIA Board Member, passed away.

To Take a File or Not Take a File
Before Samuel Teichroew went to law school, he met with Barney Christianson to talk about rural legal practice.

We Listened! Voluntary Excess Program Renewal Opening Early - May 1
Each year, CLIA receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from our Voluntary Excess Program (VEP) customers about the ease of our renewal process.