The changes to By-Law 8 took effect on September 1
The Law Society of Ontario has included new information in the lawyer and paralegal directory in light of recently effected changes to By-Law 8.
The directory will now list licensee findings of guilt, practice of other regulated professions, and the Law Society’s intention to seek interlocutory relief based on criminal or other charges in certain circumstances before an interlocutory proceeding begins or an undertaking by the subject licensee is executed. This expansion took effect on September 1.
According to the LSO, the inclusion of this information boosts transparency and public access to relevant licensee information. The enhanced transparency measures are in line with the body’s public protection mandate.
Convocation greenlit the By-Law 8 reforms in May. The changes backed the release of additional relevant data in the directory at an early stage while accepting that existing mechanisms like interlocutory measures and undertakings offered adequate disclosure in matters involving criminal or other charges.
The convocation’s approval reflected the last stage of the Increased Transparency initiative’s work.
The directory includes the following information about lawyers and paralegals:
The LSO unveiled the updated lawyer and paralegal directory in June. Consultation on increased transparency began in 2024; enhanced licensee reporting and increased disclosure in the directory were approved in principle in 2025. In September 2025, LSO benchers voted for the directory to indicate if lawyers and paralegals have been found guilty of or convicted on specific offences under the Criminal Code, the Income Tax Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Excise Tax Act, provincial or territorial tax or securities laws, and any other statute where the charge alleges “dishonesty on the part of the licensee or relates in any way to the licensee’s professional business.”
The new reporting requirements under By-Law 8 came into force for all licensees on March 31.
Convocation also approved modifications to By-Law 15 that outline the criteria for paralegals to be certified specialists and that permit paralegals to apply the certified specialist designation.
