FAQs: LSO Operations

Effective May 24, masking will be optional for all employees and visitors attending the Law Society’s onsite locations with the following provisions:

• Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is encouraged and supported to do so; all choices are respected
• Employees and visitors should always carry a mask with them
• Surgical masks will be available in meeting rooms
• Be prepared to wear a mask at anytime; understand that everyone has a different comfort-level
• Support each other and engage in open dialogue about masking, particularly in meetings or other situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The Law Society’s vaccine policy remains in place. Anyone entering Law Society premises at 130 Queen St. W. or 393 or 375 University Ave., including those attending the Great Library, scheduled visitors and third-party service providers are required to follow the Law Society’s Vaccine Policy and show their Canadian vaccine receipt proving that they have received a full series of COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada at least 14 days prior.

Only the east entrance to the building off Nathan Phillips Square is open for public access. Visitors to the Great Library must also use this entrance. There is no entry from the courthouse. Visit the Great Library website for library information and hours.

The robing rooms are unavailable due to required building repairs and system upgrades.

The Law Society is not taking bookings for events and Osgoode Hall Restaurant continues to be closed due to major construction projects and heritage restoration in the building.

The Law Society is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees and visitors. 

If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you please refrain from visiting the Law Society and connect with us by phone or online, instead.  

Whether our team is working onsite or remotely, we remain available to assist you. Contact us by phone at 416-947-3315, or by email at lawsociety@lso.ca.

Last updated: May 24, 2022.

Yes. However, the website of the Ministry of the Attorney General, which is responsible for the administration of courts and courthouse facilities, states that where possible Ontarians should consider online filing of civil claims, small claims, or family law matters. Ontarians can also file by email at the Superior Court of Justice or the Ontario Court of Justice.

In response to the current COVID-19 public health requirements, many courthouses have adjusted their operations. In some cases, the court has resumed in-person hearings or will continue to use a combination of virtual and in-person appearances.  For more information, licensees should consult the:

• Superior Court of Justice’s 
  • Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding Court Proceedings
  • Notice to the Profession, Parties, Public and the Media
  • Notice to the Profession - Divisional Court
  • Notice to the Profession – Regional Notices
  • Guidelines: Mode of Proceedings – Criminal, Civil, Family, and Small Claims
  • Virtual Courtroom Etiquette and Best Practices for Remote Hearings
• Ontario Court of Justice’s 
  • Latest Announcements about Criminal, Family, and Provincial Offences Act Proceedings in the OCJ
  • COVID-19: Out of Court Adjournment of Matters where an Enhanced Designation of Counsel has been Filed – Pilot Project in Ottawa, Toronto East (1911 Eglinton Ave. East), Oshawa, London and Guelph (last updated March 10, 2022
• Ontario Court of Appeal’s 
  • Practice Directions and Notices Regarding COVID-19
  • Protocol for In-Person Hearings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Supreme Court of Canada’s
  • Notice about COVID-19

​For information on specific tribunals, licensees should consult the applicable tribunal’s website.
Note, effective April 4, 2022, active COVID-19 screening is no longer required to enter a courthouse. Individuals should, however, continue to conduct a COVID-19 self-assessment prior to arrival at any courthouse.

Last updated: June 7, 2022

Licensees may wish to enrol in our monthly Pre-authorized Payment plan to spread the payment of Annual Fees over ten installments.  

Last updated: December 16, 2021

A single date of March 31 applies for Annual Fee payments,  Annual Report Filings and reporting CPD Hours.

The change to a single date was made to make it easier for licensees to meet their requirements and keep track.

Licensees who do not meet the March 31 date for any of these requirements will be in default as of that date and will be referred for administrative suspension of their licence.

Last updated: January 4, 2022

Last updated: June 21, 2021