Law Societies

Why This Matters

Law Societies across Canada are phasing out temporary pandemic-era rules that relaxed requirements for remote client identity verification (client IDV). Lawyers must now comply with Client IDV Rules using secure, reliable, and trusted tools.

Key Challenge

Legal professionals need access to tools that:

• Comply with updated IDV rules
• Are trustworthy, efficient, and easy to implement
• Reduce onboarding friction and client confusion

How DIACC Helps

As Canada’s only neutral non-profit focused solely on digital trust and verification, DIACC equips lawyers and law societies with peer-reviewed tools and guidance. We develop the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework (PCTF)™ and operate its Certification Program—but do not provide or operate client IDV services.

Guidance

Law Societies May

• Recommend the Trusted List of PCTF Certified Services to ensure consistency and reliability for members.
• Reference the PCTF Legal Professionals Profile for streamlined client ID verification criteria.

Legal Professionals

• Choose tools from the Trusted List of Certified Services for PCTF-compliant client IDV.
• Use the DIACC Member Services Directory to find vendors who may meet your client onboarding needs.

Resources

• Leading the Way: Client IDV Success in Canada’s Legal Sector: Industry Insights Briefing for Executives
• DIACC Member Services Directory: DIACC members offering verification solutions.
• About the PCTF: A risk management and assurance framework that defines auditable criteria for digital trust and verification.
  
• PCTF Legal Professionals Profile (PDF): A tailored certification path for solutions offering legal sector client IDV services.
• Certification Program Overview: Helps lawyers understand the DIACC’s PCTF certification program. 
• Trusted List of PCTF Certified Services: Solutions that have been independently certified against PCTF.

Need Support or More Info?

• General inquiries: contact@diacc.ca
• Certification questions: voila@diacc.ca