Caveat Emptor: Sanctions Against Lawyers Citing Fictitious, Ai-generated Cases
It is always important that you review cases you cite to make sure they say what you argue they say. And you are free to read a case and reach a conclusion that is different from someone else’s. In the old days, cases were found in books so we had to read them. AI seems to have changed that as research is now done by algorithm which we know can make errors. Which, arguably, makes it even more important to confirm citations, and read decisions. We have to ask why some skip this step.
Nslap Wellness: Counsellor-guided Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Added
“We’re thrilled to announce that as of July 22, 2025, Sentio Counsellor-Assisted Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) is available as part of your EFAP … iCBT is an effective type of therapy for mild to moderate depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. It helps you recognize the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. And it provides tools to help you change your thought patterns and improve your mood.”
Notice To Profession: Lians’ 2025-2026 Mandatory Policy
LIANS / CLIA professional liability insurance policy and cyber coverage for the policy year commencing July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026 is now posted the Member Login section of LIANS’ website.
The Potential Hazards Of Providing Legal Services Outside Of Your Regular Employment
One of the updated questions in the recently completed Annual Lawyer Report (ALR) relates to professional liability insurance. In several of the completed ALRs, members who checked off one of these types of employment also indicated that they provide legal services outside of their employment. Doing work outside of the reduced or exempt levy category increases the practice risk. And, if a lawyer paying a reduced levy provides legal services outside their specific employment, it may be that they should be insured as a full practicing lawyer.
What Goes Into An Affidavit
Affidavits are used at some point in most legal proceedings. But they are not a free for all for the deponent to express a multitude of grievances. The material in them must be relevant and admissible. This was recently discussed in R. v. Cumberland, 2025 NSSC 173, a criminal matter.
Justification Is Key: The Pitfalls Of Sitting On Administrative Decision-making Boards And Tribunals
We know that many members sit on administrative decision-making boards and tribunals. The recent Supreme Court decision in Pepa v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 SCC 21 states that justification is key to administrative decision making.
Rendering Accounts
We know that there is often a delay between when a lawyer provides services to a client and the rendering of an account for those services. Sometimes months can pass. Sometimes years. And we know that sometimes a lawyer will combine multiple but separate matters for a client into one omnibus account. We also know that, on occasion, a client may decline to pay your account necessitating an application for a taxation. We would remind you that the Limitations of Actions Act applies to your billing of services should you have the need to tax an account.
Lians' Annual Report 2024
LIANS’ 2024 Annual Report presents an overview of its activities and financial performance over the last year, and outlines our direction for future initiatives. The 2024 report will be posted to our website in the coming days.
Lians' Peer Volunteer & Mentorship Programs
The LAP Committee is seeking Peer Volunteers, and the Mentorship Program seeks Mentors.
Technology-assisted Document Review Processes
With the increase in use of AI and other technologies in legal practice, there are now technology-assisted document review processes that serve to assist parties preparing affidavits of documents.