GMA has almost 20 employees who, pre-COVID-19, were typically working in the office at 390 Bay Street, Toronto. Many of our lawyers and staff were early adapters to remote work, with fully functioning home offices, a majority have been set up for years. In that sense, we were prepared for the shift to remote work. However, with reopening of more and more services, I wanted to share my top links as GMA’s office manager. These are sites I found myself clicking back to when considering how to best support our people returning to the office.
Continue Reading COVID-19: Learn, assess, modify. It’s a state of change in the office.
lawyers
Lien registration is lawyers’ work
A recent small claims court decision signals the end of condo management firms preparing, registering and discharging condominium liens in-house.
Page v. Maple Ridge Community Management Ltd., 2017 CanLII 21772 began when a unit owner at YCC 34 failed to pay a special assessment in time. YCC 34’s management firm, Maple Ridge, used its in-house paralegal employee to issue Ms. Page a Notice of Lien (Form 14) and, when no payment was made within the 10-day notice period, to register a certificate of lien against the unit.
Ms. Page discovered that the paralegal employee was administratively suspended by the Law Society at the time the lien was registered, presumably for failing to pay annual dues or file obligatory paperwork. Ms. Page paid “under protest” the special assessment arrears of $767 and the management firm’s demanded fees of $141 to issue the Form 14 notice and $678 to prepare, register and discharge the certificate of lien. The management firm’s total charges for the lien work were $819.
Continue Reading Lien registration is lawyers’ work
Superior housekeeping at Superior Court
Though the weather suggests otherwise, spring has finally sprung in Ontario. As many condo corporations begin their seasonal cleaning and maintenance routines, our courts are likewise gearing up for significant housekeeping.
Recent changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure will automatically sweep away pending lawsuits brought in the Ontario Superior Court that are not moved forward in a timely way. Condominium corporations, their directors and managers should take note.
Continue Reading Superior housekeeping at Superior Court
Condo lien enforcement hits the highway
Until now, mortgagees could commence their enforcement lawsuits anywhere in Ontario they pleased, regardless of where the mortgaged property is located. That option is now gone.
On March 31, 2015, rule 13.1.01 of the Rules of Civil Procedure is amended by adding the following new subrule (3):
Mortgage Claims
(3) In the case of an originating process, whether it is brought under Rule 64 (Mortgage Actions) or otherwise, that contains a claim relating to a mortgage, including a claim for payment of a mortgage debt or for possession of a mortgaged property, the proceeding shall be commenced in the county that the regional senior judge of a region in which the property is located, in whole or in part, designates within that region for such claims.
Stated more simply, mortgage enforcement actions must now be brought at one of the court locations in the judicial region where the property is located that is designated by the local regional senior judge.
Continue Reading Condo lien enforcement hits the highway
Lincoln on lawyers
Today is the 150th anniversary of the Gettysberg Address, one of the most famous speeches in history. It was given by Abraham Lincoln, one of the most extraordinary people to ever walk the earth.
Before becoming President of the United States, Lincoln was a lawyer. From his notes, we see that his thoughts on…
Time is the enemy in new condo construction cases
The sheer volume of new condos currently under construction in the Greater Toronto Area will bring a new generation of condominium boards and unit owners to begin the inevitable dance with developers over construction deficiencies. Some will fall into the pitfall known as “limitations.”…
Continue Reading Time is the enemy in new condo construction cases
Top 10 condo law cases of 2011
It’s time to unveil our picks for the top 10 condo law cases of 2011.
Continue Reading Top 10 condo law cases of 2011
My nominations for 2011 Clawbies
As another year-end draws closer, it’s time to submit nominations for the annual Canadian Law Blog Awards. Here are my picks.
Continue Reading My nominations for 2011 Clawbies
On lawyers and law blogging
Our blog was recently featured in a magazine article about lawyers using social media to improve their bottom lines. One important aspect of running a law blog was missed, namely how lawyers can provide a valuable public service.
Continue Reading On lawyers and law blogging
2010 CLawBies announced
We were thrilled that our blog won the CLawBie for Best Practice Group Blog of the year.
Continue Reading 2010 CLawBies announced