Articles 2021

In this short essay, Antonio DiMinno and Daniel Rizzi talk about their story from planning on starting their respective practices in law school, to their present operation of a law firm together. They discuss the lessons learned along the way and hope to share some of those lessons with you.

In this article, an anonymous member of the OBA discusses their experience with making mistakes in their legal practice and the resources available to avoid making mistakes in the future.

In this article, Birute Luksenaite talks about her first experience doing a spot-audit and the lessons she's learned along the way.

In this article, the author shares the wisdom and experiences he has received from his mentors about five key factors to consider before hiring your first clerk, assistant, or associate.

Perhaps you are looking to hire your first associate or staff member, or perhaps you already have a team. Either way, contracts and policies are your best opportunity to improve your legal position, and the simple reality is that the vast majority of employment contracts are ineffective. As a fellow OBA member, we will gladly review your current employment agreement template, at no cost, and let you know if it needs to be updated.

The author talks about the challenges she faced in opening her practice straight out of articling and into the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article takes a look at some of the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes being made, through the lens of a first year call grappling with issues of access to justice. What changes are being made? How can we make sure that these changes are promoting access to justice? What are the challenges involved in ensuring accommodation of disabilities at this time and in the future? Finally, how do we ensure that the changes we make now are both sustainable and accessible?

Recently created small businesses seem to be largely ignored by the current government grant rules as not worthy of the government’s support, either due to their perceived value to the economy, or due to potential for abuse, or other reasons. This policy needs to be carefully reviewed by the government, especially since the pandemic and the related economic turbulence is far from over.

While there is no handbook or a single best way to start your own practice, experience has taught Annamaria Perruccio a few things that law school and case law did not. Read on to learn how various points in her extra-law experiences have shaped her to be a great solo practitioner, and how these points may apply to you too.

Erin Cowling provides her perspective on the unique opportunity for solo and small firm lawyers to assist newly called lawyers looking to switch practice areas. Read on to find out her experience and her take on how solo and small firm lawyers can give these lawyers a chance.