Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy

Purpose

Clients should be protected if a legal professional makes a mistake that causes them a loss. This policy explains the professional liability insurance, also called professional indemnity insurance, that NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation maintains, and what happens if a client believes we have made an error.

Who it applies to

Every licensee who provides legal services through the firm, and everyone who supports their work.

Our insurance

1. Required by the Law Society. The Law Society of Ontario's By-Law 6 requires licensed paralegals who provide legal services to Ontario clients to carry professional liability insurance. Every licensee practising through NEO maintains that insurance, with at least the coverage the By-Law requires, for as long as they practise.
2. What it covers. The insurance responds to claims that a licensee's professional services fell below the required standard and caused a client a financial loss, for example a missed limitation period, subject to the policy's terms, limits and exclusions.
3. Kept current. Coverage is renewed before it expires, and confirmed to the Law Society in the firm's annual filings.
4. The firm's own responsibility. Practising through a professional corporation does not reduce a licensee's personal responsibility for their professional work.

If something goes wrong

1. We tell you. If we discover an error that may affect a client, we tell the client promptly and honestly, and explain what it means for their matter.
2. We act to limit the harm, for example by asking the court or tribunal to extend a deadline or set aside a decision, where that is possible.
3. We notify our insurer promptly, as our insurance requires, and cooperate fully with it.
4. We advise you to get independent advice about your rights, because our interests and yours may then differ.
5. Conflicts. If a client may have a claim against the firm, we consider whether we can continue to act, under our Conflicts of Interest Policy.

If you believe we made an error

Please tell the principal, under our Client Complaints Policy. Raising a concern doesn't affect how we treat you or your matter.

The Law Society's Compensation Fund

Separately from insurance, the Law Society of Ontario's Compensation Fund may reimburse clients who lose money or property because a licensee acted dishonestly, subject to the Fund's rules and limits. It is administered by the Law Society, which can explain how to apply.

What this policy is not

This policy describes our insurance and how we respond to errors. It is not a promise of any particular outcome, and it doesn't change the terms of any insurance policy or of a client's retainer.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and whenever the Law Society's By-Laws or rules change. The principal approves every change.

Questions

Email info@neolegalservices.com, call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, or write to us at Unit 236, 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario L1V 1B5.