Cybercriminals target law firms during vacation periods by taking advantage of changes in the usual procedures due to a reduced workforce. Lawyers are continuing to be scammed by funds transfer frauds. We strongly recommend that you and your staff read this Notice to Lawyers to learn how to avoid funds transfer frauds and use our updated checklist for every payment.
When you plan to be away from the office, arrange for a competent lawyer to supervise your practice and ensure the lawyer and your staff will be compliant with the anti-money laundering obligations in the Law Society Rules Part 3, Division 11 – Client Identification and Verification and BC Code rule 3.2-7. Further resources on client identification and verification, including virtual verification of your client’s identity, can be found here. In addition, staff may not deal with trust funds except in accordance with the Law Society Rules Part 3, Division 7 – Trust Accounts and Other Client Property. If you have questions about the client identification and verification rules, you can contact Barbara Buchanan, KC at bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816.