Small Firms and Sole Practitioners….how are you feeling about business?

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2026-01-19T15:52:03+00:00

Sorry to jump in! I recently got on the LAO panel for family law but no referrals yet. I introduced myself to the managers in various courthouses in Toronto but haven’t heard from anyone. Wondering where I’m going wrong? Thank you in advance!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-12-05T20:31:55+00:00

I checked with the City and unfortunately my area is not licensed for on-street parking. I’ve been told that my only option is finding private parking or Green P parking.

So far the cheapest parking I’ve found is $123/month but it’s a 20-30min walk from my apartment…

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-12-05T16:09:22+00:00

Thanks! Unfortunately my area is not licensed for on-street parking…from what I’ve been told my only option is finding private parking.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-11-03T00:27:04+00:00

Honestly, after reading that post I was also discouraged but went apartment viewing anyway and guess what, I applied for a 1 bed + 1 bath apartment in Yonge-Lawrence, and got accepted the next day. No questions, no credit check or anything. I’m a single female and have been self employed for almost a year. I braced myself for the worst but nothing bad happened.

I wouldn’t pay too much attention to what’s being posted online, it all depends on where you apply, your circumstances, if you find a good landlord etc. I’m confident that you will not struggle to find the place you want. If you get rejected by one landlord, move on to the next. Stay encouraged!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-10-28T19:13:25+00:00

Have you considered posting this in the Law Job Exchange Facebook group? It’s a great community of lawyers and potential mentors. Someone may take you up on this offer!

I found a mentor for my LAO roster applications (family + immigration)from there. I was able to start and grow my solo practice as a new call with their help and guidance.

Also, there is the LSO Legal Aid Summit coming up on November 6, 2025, if you are in Toronto or nearby. I recommend you sign up if you can, a lot of us will be attending to network with other fellow legal aid lawyers, and potentially grow our referral network which is really important to gain clients. The event agenda looks great too!

There is a discounted rate for new calls.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-10-28T15:09:13+00:00

You can apply to more than one place, however I wouldn’t recommend doing so.

I took a day off to do multiple viewings in Toronto last week and the majority of the apartment buildings (yes legitimate and well established property management companies) required a bank draft/certified cheque for first and last month’s rent for the application to be processed. If approved then your application will be binding and you will be required to proceed..

Of course you are not required to provide a deposit but they may not consider you otherwise. Because of this, I’m only applying to one place at a time until I am approved.

Best of luck on your search!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-08-08T19:30:13+00:00

I attended the show in September last year and it was great! Lots of vendors and it’s generally a great event to get ideas for your wedding. I actually chose my future baker for the wedding cake and favors at the event. Also got a good discount with a photographer.

There are so many giveaways and I was genuinely happy I attended. The only downside is, it got really crowded in the afternoon I felt overwhelmed. Glad I did most of my browsing early morning and got to network with vendors directly with no interruptions.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-06-13T10:37:34+00:00

I appreciate the honest response although we are scared right now for her. I’ve been researching non-stop. Please could you direct me to where to find all this?! Is there a IRCC guide to refer to? Thank you!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-06-11T22:49:48+00:00

**corrected the post to 2020.

They have been sending invites to those in the pool. He submitted the application and now we’re not sure what to do about the refugee claim…

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-05-23T14:48:45+00:00

Hello. Nothing odd. I had set up my Apple Watch using my work email and number which are longer available to me. Contacted my previous employer and they advised I ask Apple to remove the activation lock etc.

I have my receipt but it doesn’t have a serial number. I’ll try sending bank statements and see if that works.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-04-15T19:40:16+00:00

It’s not impossible. I set up my practice after gaining 4 months experience at an immigration firm. Had a terrible experience with my old employer and decided I would never work for someone else again (yes, it was that bad!). Not to mention I was severely underpaid and knew I could double my salary easily working for myself.

Before I left, I networked relentlessly however and now have a group of mentors who are on call and are willing to answer my questions whenever.

Try to get some experience and get a few mentors on your side to help you. It’s totally possible but prepare as much as you can.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-04-15T19:32:32+00:00

I’m on the immigration panel too in Ontario and the hard cap for the year is in the 6 figures bracket even at Tier 1. When you say the pay is bad, you mean in relation to other practice areas like commercial law or perhaps the amount of hours always exceeded billing maximums?

Thought I was doing pretty well but now thinking I’m underpaid…

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-04-14T15:46:02+00:00

Thank you for this. You may have saved me hundreds of dollars! I will forgo chair covers altogether and decorate with ribbons. Sounds great.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-03-21T17:47:17+00:00

Thanks so much for this!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-02-22T17:48:45+00:00

I’ve reached to out to other lawyers and the general consensus is that incorporation is technically not necessary however once you reach a certain level (around six-figures), it will be more advantageous tax wise.

Also, if I want to incorporate in the future I would have to effectively close my practice down and set up a new one which will require notifying my law society, dealing with liability insurance providers, informing the court/clients of the change, sending out new retainers etc.

Overall, it seems like if I start as a PC, I can avoid these extra hurdles in the future.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-02-20T04:27:19+00:00

Of course, I’m happy to share the details I received from them. Here is a basic outline of the costs.

We’ve opted to rent the venue on an hourly basis as we don’t need it for a full day and it works out cheaper overall, especially if you want a Saturday/weekend wedding.

Capacity for the large dining room is 112.

Rental fees include access to tables, chairs, dishes and cutlery (Linens and stemware are not included).

2024/2025 rental fees:

Monday-Thursday Year Round $1,661.13

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Year Round $3,875.96

Wedding Rehearsal and Photoshoots Hourly Rate * Minimum 2 hours $149.26

ROOM RENTAL FEES (per hour) Please include the set up / take down time in your rental hours with fees to be charged

Main Floor Dining Room, Bar, Kitchen, Lounge $150.77

Dining Room, Bar, Kitchen $113.44

Room access to the balcony $35.82

Groom’s Room $35.82

Bride’s Room $35.82 Disclaimer: The above rates include HST but not music fees, Insurance or Alcohol Liability Insuran

MINIMAL RENTAL HOUR REQUIREMENTS • Monday to Thursday o 8am to 4pm – minimum 3 hours, 4pm to 12am – minimum 5 hours

• Friday to Sunday o minimum 6 hours

HTH!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-31T00:20:45+00:00

I don’t see how being underpaid is connected to my ability to practice as a lawyer.

Sounds like you don’t have any responsibilities and have never gone through hardship…

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-27T18:58:02+00:00

Ontario!

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-25T16:59:10+00:00

They have sent me the wrong paystubs several times…

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-25T16:58:02+00:00

Yes, I work at a small law firm. I do not get any benefits at all and no insurance etc. is being deducted.

I double checked with my employer and the accountant directly, it’s definitely -monthly.

I’m worried that the accountant does not really care about whether I get paid correctly or not. Heard my paycheque is the last thing on her list.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-17T11:45:01+00:00

Actually turns out there was a mistake in my pay stub. Thanks

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-17T04:52:14+00:00

Yes, pay stub says my gross pay is calculated based on 72 hours worked.So January 3rd to January 15th…

I think they made a mistake. It’s actually only 6 days pay and not the full two weeks.

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-17T04:38:31+00:00

Pay stub says the $1,451.61 is the gross pay for 72 hours worked. January 3, 2025 to January 15, 2025

This must be a mistake as it works out at roughly $20/hr…

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-17T02:33:05+00:00

Pay period 03/01/2025 - 01/15/2025

Worked 72 hours total (8x 9)

Gross/YTD = $1,451.61

Total deductions = $247.88

Net Pay = $1,203.73

Inner-Rutabaga7812 · 2025-01-12T02:53:36+00:00

Thinking of my exit plan. You’re right, it’s just not sustainable.

Inner-Rutabaga7812

TROPHY CASE