Articles

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.

On August 1, 2020, O. Reg. 431/20: Administering Oath or Declaration Remotely came into force. This article outlines the conditions that must be met when commissioning affidavits remotely, and highlights the importance of becoming familiar with remote commissioning best practices.

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.