Firm News

COVID-19:

During these unprecedented times dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, we want to reassure everyone that we are here to assist you with your legal needs through various means of communication, including the telephone, email, video conferencing and in person meetings. 

If you feel unwell, or are living with someone who feels unwell, on the day of your scheduled appointment at our office, or if you are in self-isolation, or have travelled outside of the Province within the last ten (10) days, or are waiting for the results of a Covid test, please call our office to reschedule your appointment.

The safety protocols include, among other things, being punctual when arriving at the office (and not too early), providing our office copies of all documentation by pdf or MSWord format if appropriate prior to attending at our office if you need documentation reviewed, using hand sanitizer which is provided for you, and maintaining a safe distance physically. We require all clients, lawyers and staff to wear a mask at all times, regardless of the number of vaccine shots you have received, if any.  Please bring your own mask.

Currently, our firm still requires you to complete a standard Covid-19 screening questionnaire prior to being allowed to enter the building.  The forms are in our reception vestibule.

We have put in place a rigorous cleaning and disinfecting routine, and we are practicing physical distancing here in our office, to keep everyone safe and well.

While we are trying to limit the need to see clients in person during this time, we can talk with you through various means including on the telephone, by email, and video conferencing.

When paying our accounts, we prefer you either mail in a cheque, or use Interac e-transfer through your financial institution (but call our accounting department first please at 519-884-2620 with the answer to your security question.) Or if necessary, call our office and allow us to take your payment over the telephone using Visa or Mastercard.  

We hope and pray for the well-being of you, your families, our staff, colleagues and friends, and want to confirm, as an "essential service" we are open for business at 403 Albert Street in Waterloo, where we have been for decades.

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you again soon..

The team at DSJN

PROTECT YOURSELF:

It has been brought to our attention that cheque fraud in Ontario is increasing at an alarming rate.

“Cheque fraud is among the oldest and most common forms of financial crime.  Even with the advent of electronic payments, cheques still account for billions of payments each year, making them a prime target for criminals” according to a recent article on CIBC’s website.

To protect yourself and minimize the risk of cheque fraud, you can do the following:

• If you are unsure what to do, ask a family member, friend or co-worker for assistance;
• Never conduct financial transactions on behalf of strangers;
• Be wary of any offer that sounds too good to refuse;
• Be aware that cheques and other funds deposited into your account can be reversed long after the funds have cleared;
• Never wire funds until the legitimacy of the cheque or electronic payment is confirmed;
• If you suspect one of our firm cheques may be fraudulent, we ask that you please contact our office manager by email. 

We take the protection of our clients’ information and finances very seriously and have strong protective processes in place to guard against such criminal activity.