We have rounded up a few resolutions we recommend young OBA lawyers take on this year to kick off their career in 2018.

1. Get an early start to your CPD hours

No one likes scrambling to earn that last .5 of a professionalism point in December. Check out some of the OBA Young Lawyers Division events. They’re not only informational and a great way to network, but they also help you gain those CPD hours. Here are some upcoming events:

• Expert Advice on Launching Your Legal Career Pt. 2 in London, Toronto and Ottawa.
• Your First Civil Trial and Divine Discoveries in Toronto and by webcast on March 1.
• Corporate Law Basics on April 13 in Toronto and by webcast
• In June, the OBA will hold a “Back to Basics” program to assist all new lawyers and articling students
   

2. Give back

Nothing feels better than giving back to young lawyers and students in our community. The YLD has an exciting new mentorship program where you can become a mentor, a mentee, or both. Working with a powerful matching interface from Mentorloop, the quick, easy and intuitive three-step process will have you successfully enrolled in the OBA Mentorship Program in no time.

Another great program to get involved with is the Grade 6 Mock Trial. Through this program, young lawyers attend a Grade 6 class and teach them the ins-and-outs of the legal and court system. On the second day, the students conduct a mock trial with the lawyers acting as the judge and advising counsel. This program has become increasingly popular over the years, with more than 120 classes requesting to partake!

3. Network

Let’s admit it, we all need to network more. And during the winter months, it can be difficult to make it out after work. So many of us have made it our resolution to get out and attend more events; networking can be one of the best ways to expand your practice, clientele and overall career. The OBA has some great networking events coming up in the New Year including the Spring Fling and a cocktail reception held at the Rideau Club. Each year, this event features a Supreme Court Judge who will share their career experiences. Stay tuned for more information on registration for this popular event.

We hope this recap of upcoming events will help encourage you to kick off your 2018 with positive career moves. Please contact the OBA-YLD if you have any questions. Learn about the benefits of OBA Section membership here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Lewis is an associate lawyer at Nelligan O'Brien Payne LLP, practising in the firm's Labour and Employment Law groups.