Law Society of Ontario releases annual report
The 2024 annual report from the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) shows increases in both interlocutory suspensions—temporary suspensions when there is a reasonable ground of serious risk—and summary hearings, which are used to promote cooperation under threat of suspension. The report includes demographic data on licensed lawyers and paralegals, statistics on complaints (type, origin, and subject matter), and information about recent regulatory initiatives. Among key reforms, LSO expanded its “LSO Connects” system to all licensees in August 2024, launched a mandatory course on sole practice, introduced a requirement for private-practice lawyers and paralegals to maintain client contingency plans, and continued development of its Family Legal Services Provider program. The report also notes that LSO exceeded national standards in resolving or referring complaints within 12 and 18 months.