Understanding what is needed to close a real estate transaction is fundamental for conveyancing lawyers. In Alberta there are three methods to close: a traditional closing, a title insured closing, and a “Protocol” closing. Examine an overview of each, along with a review of mortgage only transactions. This on-demand program also includes panel discussions on several different practice pointers. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program titled Conveyancing on June 17, 2025.  Total running time is 47 minutes.

Review surface leases, water and water potability, septic systems, foreign ownership of land, specialized lender issues, multi-party representation in smaller communities, non-resident vendor issues, and common GST issues. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program titled Conveyancing on June 17, 2025.  Total running time is 55 minutes.

Explore a broad range of topics that pertain to conveyancing and will support attendees in establishing appropriate procedures, office policies, and best practices. These on-demand programs were originally presented as an in-person program titled Conveyancing on June 17, 2025. The total running time for each presentation ranges between 27 minutes to 1 hour, 5 minutes.

As the common closing method in residential real estate transactions in Alberta, it is imperative that lawyers (acting for buyers and/or sellers) have a solid understanding of the Western Torrens Conveyancing Protocol. This presentation explores the Protocol, what is and is not covered by the Protocol, how to follow the Protocol, and common challenges that may arise. This on-demand program was originally broadcasted as a live webinar on February 23, 2024. Total running time is 55 minutes.

These on-demand programs address the following topics: (1) Overview of regulatory liability for directors, (2) Governance and board duties, (3) D&O insurance coverage, (4) Directors and insolvency, and (5) Piercing the corporate veil. These on-demand programs were originally presented as an in-person program on January 26, 2023 as part of our Directors and Officers: Duties, Liabilities, Coverages program. The Total running time for each presentation ranges between 37 minutes to 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Taking on the role of a director on a board can be a fulfilling experience but it comes with many responsibilities. This on-demand program discusses essential considerations for individuals who are interested in serving on a board of directors or Alberta lawyers who are advising clients who are interested in serving on a board of directors. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program on January 26, 2023 as part of our Directors and Officers: Duties, Liabilities, Coverages program. Total running time is 1 hour, 11 minutes.

Residential real estate conveyancers can run into challenges with tax issues. This paper explores a variety of issues with GST including the mechanics/accounting of GST, combination properties, GST new housing rebate, and GST searches. It also addresses non-resident vendor issues that can arise under Income Tax Act provisions. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Conveyancing program in Edmonton on June 17, 2025.

Conveyancing lawyers may encounter a number of issues when dealing with rural real estate. This paper addresses surface leases, water and water potability, septic systems, foreign ownership of land, specialized lender issues, and multi-party representation in smaller communities. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Conveyancing program in Edmonton on June 17, 2025.

Understanding what is needed to close a real estate transaction is fundamental for conveyancing lawyers. In Alberta there are three methods to close: a traditional closing, a title insured closing, and a “Protocol” closing. This paper provides an overview of each, along with a review of mortgage only transactions. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Conveyancing program in Edmonton on June 17, 2025.

As the common closing method in residential real estate transactions in Alberta, it is imperative that lawyers (acting for buyers and/or sellers) have a solid understanding of the Western Torrens Conveyancing Protocol (the “Protocol”). This paper provides information regarding the Protocol to set the stage for newer practitioners dealing with their first real estate transactions. This paper was presented at LESA’s Practice Foundations: Western Conveyancing Protocol webinar on February 23, 2024.

Taking on the role of a director on a board can be a fulfilling experience but it comes with many responsibilities. Before taking on this responsibility, potential directors should ensure that they: (1) are aligned to the organization’s goals, (2) are prepared to spend the time required on the duties, and (3) have done their due diligence about organizational risk. This paper provides a helpful framework for Alberta lawyers who are interested in serving on a board of directors. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Directors and Officers: Duties, Liabilities, Coverages program in Edmonton on January 26, 2023.

This 3-part paper was drawn from materials presented at our Real Estate for Legal Support Staff program in October 2011. It is a great addition to any conveyancing library. Part 1 of this paper covers the basic commercial real estate transaction from start to finish, including tips for permit applications and dealing with municipal compliance. Part 2 of this paper focuses on development permit and compliance issues in residential real estate transactions. Part 3 looks at closing issues in real estate transactions—what can you do when things go wrong? Learn common seller’s problems, common buyer’s problems, and strategies for dealing with both.