The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has announced a slight decrease in licensing fees for lawyers and paralegals as part of its 2024 budget, which was approved on Oct. 26 by its governing body.
This decision follows a series of efficiency measures that have alleviated the administrative load for its members and optimized operations.
As part of the 2024 fiscal plan, the LSO will focus on upgrading its business processes and technology infrastructure. This modernization effort is aimed at phasing out outdated systems, increasing staff productivity, and ensuring the society continues to evolve as an effective, risk-aware regulator in the public’s interest.
Diana Miles, the LSO’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “In 2024, the Law Society’s investment in ongoing business process improvements will remove our reliance on high-risk legacy systems, support our people to be their most productive and permit the organization to continue its forward movement as a modern, proactive and risk-informed regulator, all in support of our public interest mandate.”
The new budget proposes a modest reduction in fees — $45 less for paralegals and $25 less for lawyers — made possible through the improved handling of client services, regulatory matters, and file management. The reserves that resulted from these efficiencies will also be utilized to support this fee reduction. However, the fees for candidate licensing will not change.
Treasurer Jacqueline Horvat expressed confidence that this budget secures the Law Society’s robust financial future, while enabling business transformations that will enhance services for the public and legal professionals.
Additionally, the budget sets aside $10.1 million to support LiRN Inc. and the continued operation of 48 county law libraries across Ontario. This allocation represents an increase of $508,000 from the previous year and translates into an additional $7 per lawyer to support this vital legal resource network.
Details of the budget and its implications for the LSO’s regulatory objectives have been made available in a report to Convocation, accessible online.
The LSO continues its mission to regulate the legal profession in Ontario, ensuring the safeguarding of public interest, promoting justice and the rule of law, enhancing access to justice for Ontarians, and operating with responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency.
