Articles

Aujourdʼhui
Aujourdʼhui

5 Things to do during Winter Quarantine to Help Advance your Career

  • 22 septembre 2020
  • Marlee Olson, staff lawyer at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

As lawyers, we are always looking for ways to improve our abilities both in and outside of the office. Here are five ways you can boost your skills during the possible winter quarantine.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division

Plan for the Ban: An Update on Single-Use Plastics Bans in Canada

  • 22 septembre 2020
  • Talia Gordner and Cody Foggin

Governments across Canada are making moves towards the ban of single-use plastics. While plastic bags, cutlery, straws and packaging are primary targets, the legislation directed at single-use plastics is broadly crafted to allow for the regulation of additional products. This article details these upcoming changes, where and when they are taking place, and what businesses currently producing, selling or using single-use plastics need to consider in the months ahead.

Droit de l’environnement, Student Forum

Sample Policies of a Sole Practitioner for Client and Staff Safety during the Pandemic

  • 22 septembre 2020
  • Kathleen Robichaud

Kathleen Robichaud is a sole practitioner practising in Manotick, Ontario. In this article, she describes her experience of trying to determine how to best look after her staff and clients amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides a sample of useful policies that she has implemented at her office to ensure it is safe and comfortable for her visitors and employees.

Droit des affaires, Student Forum
2020 Forum on Diversity on the Federal Bench

2020 Forum on Diversity on the Federal Bench

  • 22 septembre 2020
  • Angela Ogang, newsletter editor, OBA Young Lawyers Division (Central)

The need to combat systemic racism in the courts and the importance of bringing more people of colour into the judiciary were among the topics discussed during a legal forum, which featured the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and four trailblazing women from the legal community.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division

The Disparate Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tax Litigators and Tax Planners

  • 22 septembre 2020
  • Milosz Zak, associate, Farber Tax Law

Specialization is much lauded within the legal profession, with lawyers touting themselves as experts in one field or another. However, the shift of work from tax litigation to tax planning during the lockdown and beyond made those few tax law practitioners who are versatile in both areas far more competitive than those who just focused on tax litigation alone. If the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated anything, it is the necessity for professional versatility—at the very least—in tax law.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division

Respecting the Fundamental Rights of Children

  • 22 septembre 2020
  • Brock Jones

Children always have the right to independent legal advice. In Justice for Children and Youth v. J.G., 2020 ONSC 4716, the Divisional Court reviewed a decision by a Superior Court Judge denying a child access to independent legal advice in the context of a high custody dispute between his parents over custody and access. The judgment contains powerful statements on the rights of children and the importance of courts respecting them as independent decision-makers.

Droit des enfants et des jeunes, Student Forum
Remembering the Late Master Robert Muir, Beacon of the Bench and Founding Member of SOGIC

Remembering the Late Master Robert Muir, Beacon of the Bench and Founding Member of SOGIC

  • 20 septembre 2020
  • Teddy Weinstein

The first openly gay Master ever appointed in Canada, Master Robert Muir is remembered by friends and colleagues as a model of professionalism and mentorship whose legacy will live on in the many members of the justice community who benefitted from his thoughtful leadership and instrumental support.

Orientation et identité sexuelles, Student Forum
Pro Bono Ontario’s Hotline: 21st Century Public Legal Service Delivery

Pro Bono Ontario’s Hotline: 21st Century Public Legal Service Delivery

  • 16 septembre 2020
  • Ivan Merrow, Glaholt Bowles LLP

Joining the PBO team left me feeling optimistic about the future of legal services. From the perspective of a first-time volunteer, I wanted to share my experience, and a few key takeaways from a day helping folks on a legal help hotline.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division