Year-end purchase order close out process for per diem duty counsel

Published: February 19, 2026

Each year, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) closes duty counsel purchase orders and creates new ones for the upcoming year. Old purchase orders are closed on March 27, 2026 and new purchase orders will be created to be effective March 30, 2026.

Please prepare for this change by reviewing what you need to do.

Per diem duty counsel and advice lawyers

• Wednesday, March 25: Submit all duty counsel accounts for services rendered up to and including Wednesday, March 25 by no later than midnight on Wednesday, March 25. This includes accounts sent back for revision, which must be re-submitted for approval. Accounts for these services will not be paid if submitted after March 25.
• Wednesday, March 25 at midnight to Sunday, March 29: Do not create any draft statements or submit new statements for approval between midnight on Wednesday, March 25 and midnight on Sunday, March 29. Any accounts submitted or approved during this period will be rejected and will not be paid.
• Monday, March 30: New duty counsel purchase orders will be available for billing on Monday March 30, 2026. Submit accounts for all services rendered on or after Thursday, March 26.