LSO BARRISTER Study Guide 2026

Ontario permits lawyer advertising subject to professional standards. Key rules include: communications must be truthful, accurate, and verifiable; no claims of quality or superiority unless independently verified; no guarantee of results; no creation of unjustified expectations; no exploitation of vulnerable persons; testimonials are permitted but must be genuine and not misleading. The LSO monitors advertising compliance and can take disciplinary action for misleading marketing.

Under the Construction Act (Ontario), an owner must hold back 10% of the value of work done as a lien fund available to unpaid contractors and subcontractors.

A discharge statement (payout statement) confirms the exact amount required to fully pay off and discharge an existing mortgage, necessary to clear title on closing.

Section 16(1) of the Divorce Act directs courts to make parenting orders based only on the best interests of the child.

Civility is a professional obligation, not merely good manners. The Rules require lawyers to be courteous, civil, and act in good faith with all persons in the legal process — including opposing counsel, parties, witnesses, court staff, and the judiciary. Incivility can result in: costs sanctions from the court, complaints to the LSO, disciplinary proceedings, and damage to the lawyer's reputation. Several Ontario decisions have imposed costs for uncivil conduct.

In Ontario, judicial review is typically brought in the Divisional Court under the Judicial Review Procedure Act (JRPA). It allows courts to review the legality, reasonableness, and procedural fairness of decisions made by administrative tribunals, government officials, and other bodies exercising statutory powers. The standard of review (following Vavilov) is presumptively reasonableness, with correctness in limited circumstances. Remedies include certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, and declaration.