The Law Society of the Northwest Territories

What to do if you might be liable:

1. REPORT THE MATTER:

   Report the matter, at once, in writing, with full particulars.

   To comply with the insurance policy, each Insured Member must report a potential claim to:

   The Alberta Lawyers Insurance Association
   c/o Law Society of Alberta
   #600, 919 - 11th Avenue, S.W.
   Calgary, Alberta T2R 1P3

   in a timely fashion or be at risk of losing the insurance coverage.

   [ DOWNLOAD THE CLAIM REPORT FORM ]

   A copy of the report filed with A.L.I.A. must also be filed with the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.

   Initial reporting by telephone is encouraged if there are time constraints or you have questions about procedure. In either case, contact A.L.I.A.’s Director of Insurance, at (403) 229-4716.

   Note: If an Insured Member carries excess insurance coverage over the $1,000,000 mandatory coverage, that member should consult the excess coverage policy regarding the required procedures. A report to A.L.I.A. will not satisfy the reporting requirements of the excess coverage policy unless that excess coverage is through Canadian Lawyers Insurance Association.

2. ADVISE THE CLIENT:

   Have your client come in. Explain the problem, in the presence of a witness. Say that you may have harmed him/her and why. Do not admit liability; just tell the facts and their significance. Do not mention insurance. Insist that he/she get independent legal advice. Confirm in writing your advice to get independent legal advice.

3. OPEN A FILE:

   Open a separate file for correspondence on this subject with A.L.I.A. or the solicitor appointed to act for you. If you turn over papers to your former client or his/her solicitor, keep copies of ALL such documents for the use of A.L.I.A. or the solicitor appointed to act for you.