Articles 2020

The role of a lawyer is rapidly changing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasingly, lawyers are being asked to not only interpret laws, but to also advocate for changes to laws. Lawyers who engage in this sort of advocacy should be aware of their obligations under the Ontario Lobbyists Registration Act (“Act”).

I like to think I have a unique perspective on our court system as the result of three things: (1) I was called to the bar just last year (2019); (2) I started a law firm partnership right after my call; and (3) my fledgling post-call business venture happened to coincide with one of the most serious pandemics in recent memory.

The quick adaptations were easy. I learned how to set up Zoom video conferencing, subscribed to Docusign, and bought ink cartridges for my printer. I made a long list of practice management tasks that I always want to get done but never find the time. The list was actually called, “My to Accomplish During COVID-19 List”.

Whether you have always wanted to start your own firm, or recent circumstances have encouraged you to consider practicing solo, there are many aspects of law firm ownership that were not a part of the law school curriculum. In this article, the author summarizes ten lessons she wished she learned in law school prior to starting her own firm.

If you’re like me, then you will agree that COVID-19 has not provided us with more time to read for leisure or reorganize the pantry. If you have a young one at home, you are likely balancing the stress of this pandemic, the pressure of your billable target, crisis managing your clients, all with your new full-time job—care-giving.

With a surge in the number of new legal tech startups come concerned citizens warning that lawyers will soon be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). This unwarranted hype around AI is based on the misconception that we have developed a general or autonomous intelligence system - a computer system that mimics human intelligence, replicates human behavior in any context, and recognizes and resolves new problems for which it was not designed.

Explaining behaviour by reference to internal characteristics such as personality traits is called "dispositional attribution." Explaining behaviour by reference to circumstances or environmental factors outside our control is "situational attribution." In this article, the author explains how adjusting your attribution style can make difficult situations more mindful, reflective, and learning-oriented.

Coffee chats are standard fare for job seekers, networkers, and those looking to give back, After spending a few years on both sides of the coffee chat table, this author has five tips for those looking to rock their next one.

The path to become a lawyer and practice law can be difficult. Both current and aspiring lawyers can expect to experience rejection, but it does not define who we are. Rejection can be re-purposed as a stepping-stone for growth.