Everyone’s first court appearance can be an intimidating experience. Appearing in front a busy judge in a packed courtroom can test your mettle in ways you never imagined. Especially for younger lawyers, who are building their reputations and just want to be seen as professional and diligent, the stakes are high.

Whether it's an LCBO bag in place of a briefcase, worn seams, polka dots or dark brown shoes, all barristers have witnessed - and some have committed - a gown faux pas in court.

We are pleased to announce that Alfred Mamo of McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP will be speaking on Friday, February 5th at our upcoming Family Law program for the OBA’s Institute 2016.

The exciting ways lawyers are practising on a mobile basis.

The rigours of practising law, which are by no means exclusive to trial counsel, can leave one feeling isolated and distant. Day after day goes by to the point that it appears as if the planet begins at our in-tray and ends at our keyboard. When a massive EF5 tornado touched down in Moore, Oklahoma last May, Ontario lawyer Ryan Wozniak booked a flight, grabbed his work boots and joined Habitat for Humanity’s disaster recovery efforts in the devastated community.

Over the past few months, OBA members have heard me use the phrase “Join In”. This is more than merely being a member, it is about being an engaged member, active in some of our 39 sections, participating in our award winning continuing professional development, and contributing to our advocacy efforts.

Future-focused law firms are exploring new workspace strategies to reshape office culture and support evolving strategies

Whatever your practice area, all lawyers will benefit from knowledge of the legal presumptions and considerations concerning decisional capacity. With a rapidly ageing population, capacity issues are now more prevalent than ever in a client retainer.