Law firm insurance: Quick comparator

LAWYERS & LAW FIRMS

Insurance for law firms in Quebec

Beyond the Law Society’s liability insurance, your firm needs a complete commercial policy : cyber, office, property, interruption, Associate D&O.

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Starting at $1,200

Commercial premium

Bar +

Complement

Cyber

Essential

AMF

Certified brokers

All lawyers in Quebec are covered by the Barreau du Québec’s compulsory professional liability insurance (FARPBQ). However, this coverage has its limits: it does not cover the firm’s assets, cyber risks (which are critical for confidential data), business interruption costs, commercial liability, or partners’ D&O. An integrated commercial policy completes the protection and meets the requirements of several institutional clients.

IN BRIEF

Law firm insurance

Lawyers who are members of the Barreau du Québec have mandatory professional liability through the Barreau du Québec’s Insurance Fund ($1 million/claim). A private surplus is recommended for complex mandates.

To be added: cyber coverage (confidential customer data, professional secrecy), fiduciary liability for trust funds, and commercial liability for premises.

What you need in addition to Bar insurance

Cyber risks

Leak of customer files, ransomware, transfer fraud. Compliance with Bill 25 for sensitive information.

Goods and contents

Furniture, equipment, legal library, artwork, computers, servers.

Commercial liability

Client who is injured in your practice, damage to a rented premises, liability outside professional practice.

Business interruption

Loss of revenue in the event of a shutdown (fire, water damage, ransomware that paralyzes systems).

D&O associates

Personal protection of partners in the event of a lawsuit for the management of the firm (not related to the professional practice).

Employees & Benefits

Employer liability, group insurance, employee loyalty endorsement.

💡 Broker’s advice

Bill 25 requires any law firm that processes personal information (i.e. all of it) to appoint a person responsible for the protection of information, to keep a record of incidents and to notify within 72 hours. Cyber insurance covers the costs of investigations, notifications and administrative fines (up to $25 million or 4% of turnover). This has become almost unavoidable — specialized brokers can place coverage starting at $1,500/year for a firm of 2 to 5 lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Barreau du Québec’s insurance enough to protect my firm?

No. FARPBQ insurance covers only professional liability (errors, omissions in practice). It excludes property, cyber risk, in-firm incidents, loss of revenue, commercial liability, partner D&O. A comprehensive commercial policy is required.

How much does a commercial policy cost for a law firm?

For a firm of 2 to 10 lawyers: between $1,200 and $4,500 per year for combined coverage (property, liability, cyber, business interruption). Offices with large libraries or multiple offices pay more.

Are my customer records protected in the event of a cyberattack?

Your Bar insurance does not compensate for the costs of cyber incidents (investigation, notification, ransom, public relations). A dedicated cyber policy (starting at $1,500/year for a small firm) covers these costs up to $1 million and provides access to a 24/7 response team.

I’m a sole proprietor (self-employed lawyer) — do I need commercial insurance?

Yes — even a lawyer who is self-employed at home has risks: cyber, computer theft, home fire that destroys files, business interruption. A home-based lawyer policy starting at $500/year is sufficient for a solo.

Are my passengers (customer trips, testimonials) covered?

Yes, via travel cover and business travel insurance. Data on laptops stolen while on the move is covered by cyber insurance. Make sure your laptops are encrypted.

A client is injured on my premises — Bar Liability or Commercial Liability Insurance?

Commercial liability. The Law Society Liability covers professional practice exclusively. A customer who slips down your stairs, injures themselves with a piece of furniture, or suffers an incident unrelated to your legal advice falls under your business liability (standard $2 million limit).

Is D&O necessary for a practice?

For a SPA (professional law firm) with several partners: yes, strongly recommended. It protects the personal assets of partners in the event of legal proceedings for management decisions of the firm (hiring, office closure, partnerships). Typical cost: $800 to $2,500/year.

Can I combine all coverage into one policy?

Yes, via an integrated law firm policy that combines property, liability, cyber, business interruption, D&O, employee loyalty. Overall premium 20 to 30% cheaper than an assembly. Available at several Canadian specialty insurers.

Does the insurance cover the costs of the Law Society’s investigation against a lawyer?

No, the Law Society’s disciplinary investigation costs are not covered by Law Society insurance or your commercial policy. A specific “disciplinary defence” policy exists (cost $400 to $1,200/year) to cover legal fees in the event of an investigation.

Law Offices Across Quebec

Assur360 supports businesses throughout Quebec: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay. From major Montreal firms on Notre-Dame Street, to specialized legal boutiques in Quebec City, to regional lawyers in Saguenay and the Outaouais region, our brokers work with insurers specializing in Canadian legal risks.

100% online quote, free of charge, with comparison of several Canadian insurers.