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July 6, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Ontario Bar Association, Award Of Excellence In The Promotion Of Women's Equality, OBA Conference Centre Toronto, 5:30pm. CBA Member: $13. Non-Member: $152.
July 7, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), Speed Mentoring Event, 6:00pm ET. July 14, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, Kingston Summer Social, The Bank At Frotenac Club, 4:00-6:00pm. This FREE event is open to TAS members, non-member lawyers, judges, law school and articling students. July 14, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, 9th Annual Trivia Challenge for Charity, RendezViews, 229 Richmond St. W., Toronto (ET), 5:30PM - 8:30PM. Team Registration (4 people): $300.00 + tax. July 27, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Hamilton Law Association, New Lawyers' Social, Radius Patio, Hamilton, 5:00-7:00pm. Know of any other upcoming social or networking events for lawyers? Let us know! And we hope to see you at some of these events soon. (Please double check dates/times/prices directly on the associations’ websites as this information may change).
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Sole practitioners face different challenges than lawyers working at larger firms.
Often sole practitioners must bear the responsibility for all aspects of their client files, while also having to deal with the demanding administrative side of a law practice. They may not have the resources to hire a full-time associate or staff to assist. Without careful planning, a sole practitioner may quickly become overwhelmed with work and may have to seek extensions for due dates, adjustments to timetables, or adjournments of court appearances. As a recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice case highlighted, there is a right way, and a wrong way, to handle these requests. In Aganeh et al v. Falconer LLP et al.[1] the court denied a solo practitioner’s request for an adjournment made the day before a hearing of a summary judgment motion. Despite agreeing to a timetable and hearing date more than seven months in advance, the lawyer claimed that as a sole practitioner, he did not have the capacity to prepare for the hearing as his law practice, and his ability to work, was affected by COVID and other personal circumstances, including taking care of a homeless person. The court did not agree that the reasons the lawyer put forth warranted a last-minute adjournment as these reasons were present and known to him at the time he agreed to the timetable, which was embodied in an endorsement. The court mentioned several options that were available to the solo lawyer, including: hiring short term assistance, such as a freelance lawyer to help with his overflow legal work; agreeing to a new timetable; or seeking out a case conference to amend the timetable: “Although I am not unsympathetic to the challenges of sole practitioners, I note that there are now a wide variety of contracting services available that are designed specifically to provide lawyers for short term assignments to assist sole practitioners or small firms with these challenges. . . . Case timetables are court orders like any other and are meant to be adhered to. [The lawyer] had ample time since August 17, 2021, to either seek short term help, agree to a new timetable or seek a case conference to amend the timetable. Having failed to do any of this, I am not inclined to grant an adjournment based on reasons that were known when the timetable was agreed to and when the adjournment is requested the day before the hearing, thereby depriving others of the use of valuable court time.”[2] The court also noted the serious delays in the civil litigation system, and that a last-minute adjournment request deprived others of the three hours of court time set aside for this hearing: “Plaintiffs’ counsel submits that there is no prejudice to an adjournment. I disagree. On August 17, 2021, this matter was scheduled for a three-hour motion returnable on March 24, 2022. Since August 17 those three hours have been unavailable to use for other parties waiting for hearings. There are serious delays in the civil litigation system. Those delays are only exacerbated if parties do not adhere to court ordered timetables or do not make timely requests to amend those timetables.”[3] TAKEAWAY While having a solo practice has many rewards, it is not without its challenges. Solo lawyers should take note of this case: last-minute adjournment requests will not always be granted. It is important for lawyers to plan ahead if they feel they need to request an adjournment or are overwhelmed with work. Hiring a freelance lawyer for short-term, as-needed assistance, is an affordable way to ensure solo lawyers have the capacity to meet important deadlines. Looking to delegate your overflow legal work to an experienced freelance lawyer? Reach out to Flex Legal and we can tell you how we can assist: Info@flexlegalnetwork.com [1] 2022 ONSC 2037. [2] Aganeh et al v Falconer et al, 2022 ONSC 2037 at paras 9 & 11. [3] Aganeh et al v Falconer et al, 2022 ONSC 2037 At para 10. June 2, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, The Securities Litigation Spring Social, 5:30PM - 8:00PM. TAS Members: Complimentary Non-members: $25.00 + Tax.
June 2, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Canadian Bar Association, Young Lawyers - Victoria Section. Final Monthly Mixer for 2022, The Sticky Wicket at Strathcona Hotel, 919 Douglas St, Victoria, BC. 5:00pm - 7:00pm (PT) June 9, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, Vancouver Spring Into Summer Soirée, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby St., Vancouver (PT), 6:00PM - 8:30PM. TAS Members: $25.00 + Tax Non-members: $50.00 + Tax. June 16, 2022 (HYBRID): Women's Law Association of Ontario, WLAO Annual Awards Gala, Sassafraz Restaurant, 100 Cumberland Street, Toronto (Yorkville), 6:00pm reception; 6:45pm dinner. June 16, 2022 (IN-PERSON): County of Carleton Law Association, CCLA Awards Gala, Trillium Ballroom 55 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, Ontario, 5:00pm. Single ticket: $140.00 + $18.20 HST = $158.20. June 21, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Hamilton Law Association, Spring Social: Presented by the History Committee, 5:00 - 7:00pm. June 23, 2022 (REMOTE): Women's Law Association of Ontario, Amicus Curiae Book Club, 6:00pm. June 23, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, End of Term Dinner, Fairmont Royal York 100 Front St W Toronto ON, 5:30PM - 11:00PM. June 28, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The CBA Young Lawyers Summer Social, Harbour Green Park, 1199 W Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Pacific Time). June 29, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Manitoba Bar Association, Spring Mixer For Indigenous And Racialized Lawyers, at Taylor McCaffrey LLP Winnipeg, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. June 29, 2022 (IN-PERSON): CBA, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community Section (SOGIC) Vancouver Social, Dentons Café, 19th Floor, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (PT) Know of any other upcoming social or networking events for lawyers? Let us know! And we hope to see you at some of these events soon. (Please double check dates/times/prices directly on the associations’ websites as this information may change). May 5, 2022 (IN-PERSON): NCA Networking Event, TLA Library, Toronto, ON. 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.
May 5, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Young Lawyers - Victoria Section, Monthly Mixer, Sticky Wicket (at the Strathcona Hotel), Victoria BC. 5:00pm PT. May 5, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, The John P. Nelligan Award for Excellence in Advocacy Dinner. Shaw Centre (Trillium Ballroom), 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa. 6:00pm. Regular Tickets: $140.00 + Tax Judicial/Government Tickets: $95.00 + Tax May 10, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Manitoba Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum, 12th Annual Spring Networking Event – Local Makers Sewing Success. Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, 242 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg. 5:30pm - 7:30pm. $40 plus GST. May 10, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Toronto Lawyers Association, Awards Gala. Steam Whistle Brewing, Locomotive Hall, Toronto. 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM. May 10, 2022 (HYBRID): The Advocates' Society, In-House Counsel Social. The Advocates' Society 2700-250 Yonge Street Toronto. 5:30PM - 7:30PM. May 12, 2022 (HYBRID): Toronto Lawyers Association, Women in Law Program: Leading with Purpose - The Authentic Leader, Toronto, ON. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. The plenary presentation will be followed by a mentoring mix & mingle. May 13, 2022 (IN-PERSON): BC Northwest Section, The Battle of the Bar Bands, Royal Canadian Legion, Prince George, BC. 5:00pm PT. May 17, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, Insolvency Litigation Practice Group, Spring Patio Social. Toronto. 4:30PM - 7:00PM. May 19, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Women Lawyers Forum - Vancouver Island Monthly Social, Smiths Pub, Victoria, BC. 5:00pm PT. May 19, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society, Atlantic Spring Social: Come Together. Lot Six Bar & Restaurant 1685 Argyle Street Halifax. 5:00PM - 7:00PM AT. May 24, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Canadian Bar Association, Senior Counsel / Young Lawyers Mentoring Networking Event, 12:30pm - 2:00pm (PT). May 25, 2022 (HYBRID): The Canadian Bar Association, Taking the Nightmare Out of Networking, Kelowna, Vancouver, Vernon and Victoria BC, 12:00pm - 1:00pm (Pacific Time). May 26, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Canadian Bar Association, BUSINESS LAW SECTION MEETING, Spring Social - Happy Hour at Haraheri! 5:00pm - 8:00pm (Pacific Time). May 26, 2022 (VIRTUAL): County of Carleton Law Association, 3rd Annual CCLA Trivia Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free. May 26, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Advocates' Society, Toronto Mentoring Dinner, 6:00PM - 8:30PM. TAS Members: $50.00 + Tax. May 26, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Canadian Bar Association, SOGIC Section Victoria Social, Peacock Billiards & James Joyce Bistro, 1175 Douglas St Unit C, Victoria, BC. 6:30pm - 7:30pm (Pacific Time). May 27, 2022 (VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON): Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, 15th Annual Conference and Gala. Toronto. May 28, 2022 (VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON): Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, 15th Annual Conference and Gala. Toronto. Know of any other upcoming social or networking events for lawyers? Let us know! And we hope to see you at some of these events soon. (Please double check dates/times/prices directly on the associations’ websites as this information may change). April 6, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Advocates' Society, Arguing Damages in Securities Litigation. 12:00pm. TAS Members: $40.00 + Tax. Non-members: $75.00 + Tax. Network in breakout rooms after the panel.
April 7, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Advocates' Society, Breakout With the Bench: Leave Your Robes At the Door! 6:00pm. TAS Members: Complimentary Non-members: $25.00 + Tax. April 7, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Young Lawyers - Victoria Section, Monthly Mixer, Sticky Wicket (at the Strathcona Hotel), Victoria BC. 5:00pm PT. April 11, 2022 (VIRTUAL): Women's Law Association of Ontario, Integrating Mental Health Practices into your Legal Practice. 5:30pm. Fee: Members $15, non-members $25. April 12, 2022 (VIRTUAL): County of Carleton Law Association, CCLA Annual General Meeting. 5pm. April 14, 2022 (VIRTUAL): CBA Public Sector Lawyers Section, Public Sector Lawyers Networking Event. 1:00-2:00pm ET. Free. April 21, 2022 (IN-PERSON): WLF - Vancouver Island Monthly Social, Smiths Pub, Victoria, BC. 5:00pm PT. April 26, 2022 (VIRTUAL): WLAO Amicus Curiae Book Club. 6pm-8pm. Free - Members Only. April 26, 2022 (VIRTUAL): OBA Community, Cheese & Beer Tasting. 7:00pm EST. Exclusive to CBA Members (Ontario only): $115 per person plus HST. April 28, 2022 (IN-PERSON): The Advocates' Society Annual Gala, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary, AB. Guest Arrival: 6:00PM. Dinner: 7:00PM (MT). TAS Members: $200.00 + Tax Non-members: $250.00 + Tax Judicial/Government Individual: $150.00 + Tax Know of any other upcoming virtual social or networking events for lawyers? Let us know! And we hope to "see" you at some of these events soon. (Please double check dates/times/prices directly on the associations’ websites as this information may change). Erin recently wrote about The problem with endlessly complaining about work in the Spring 2022 edition of Precedent Magazine. Are you guilty of venting about work to your colleagues? Then read Erin's tips to help you rethink your approach to conversations about work with friends and colleagues. As lawyers, we often look for safe spaces to vent… These conversations are often valuable. Talking to lawyers who understand our problems can help us brainstorm solutions and feel supported. But when lawyers repeatedly gather just to complain about work, that can be as harmful as poring over negative posts on Twitter…Psychologists have a name for this sort of counterproductive behaviour: co-rumination. Click to read the full article here.
March 2, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Advocates' Society, Representative Counsel: When, How and Who? (CLE followed by networking in breakout rooms). 12:00pm. TAS Members: $40.00 + Tax Non-members: $75.00 + Tax.
March 4-6 (IN-PERSON): Women Lawyers Forum, VANCOUVER ISLAND SECTION SKI TRIP, Washington BC. March 8, 2022: Women's Law Association of Ontario, International Women’s Day. 5:30-7:00pm. March 8, 2022 (VIRTUAL): OBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Executive, Spring Section Social. 5:30-6:30pm. March 10, 2022 (VIRTUAL): OBA Young Lawyers Division, Winter Blaws: Virtual Paint Event. 6-7:00pm. CBA Member: $35. CBA Student Member: $35. Non-Member: $50. Must register by February 25th. March 17, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Women Lawyers Forum - Vancouver Island Section, Vancouver Island's Monthly Social Night. 5pm. March 18, 2022 (IN-PERSON): Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Bar Social: Big Trouble at BBoss, Big Trouble Bar, Toronto. 8:30-11:00pm. Free for FACL members, $20 for non-FACL members. March 23, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The BC Women Lawyers Forum, Annual Senior Women Lawyers Dinner. 6-7:30pm. March 24, 2022 (VIRTUAL): OBA Entertainment, Media & Communications Law Section, Oscars Social. 6-7pm. Free. March 24, 2022 (VIRTUAL): WLAO Amicus Curiae Book Club - State of Terror (Hillary Clinton & Louise Penny) 6pm-8pm. Free - Members Only. Know of any other upcoming virtual social or networking events for lawyers? Let us know! And we hope to "see" you at some of these events soon. (Please double check dates/times/prices directly on the associations’ websites as this information may change). Are you a law firm that wants to financially support Black-owned businesses? Below is a brief list of ways you and your law firm can do so. Do you have more to add? Email us or comment and we will add it to our list.
Client and/or Staff Gifts
Planners Branding, Marketing, and Business Development Services
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Other Resources for Lawyers and Law firms
February 8, 2022 (VIRTUAL): Women's Law Association of Ontario, Supplementing Your Practice, 6-7:30pm. Non-members: $30. Members: $15. Students: $10.
February 10, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Law Society of Ontario, Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and the Association of Black Paralegals, Black History Month program. 6-7:45pm. February 10, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Young Advocates Standing Committee, Turning February Blahs Into the Ha Ha Ha’s!. 6-7pm. TAS Members: Complimentary Non-members: $25.00 + Tax. February 15, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Ontario Bar Association, Member-exclusive Chocolate Tasting, 7-8:30pm. $140 +hst. February 16, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Advocate Society, Virtual Mentoring: Facing the Fear Factor. 5:30pm. TAS Members: Complimentary. February 17, 2022 (VIRTUAL): Women in Law Summit Canada, 9:45 am – 4:45 pm ET. February 23, 2022 (VIRTUAL): The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, Racism & Self-Care in the Workplace. 5:30-7pm. February 24, 2022 (VIRTUAL): Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Un-Muted: FACL-Osler Virtual Speed Mentoring 2022. 5:30-7:00pm. There is an ongoing debate among the Benchers of the Law Society of Ontario about one aspect of the lawyer licensing process and they want to hear your opinion.
In December 2018 the Benchers approved the implementation of mandatory minimum compensation for articling and law practice program (LPP) students, which would be equivalent to statutory minimum wage. The decision was partially based on research showing that, while most placements were paid, approximately 10-15% of the placements, or 130-150 articling students, are paid below statutory minimum wage or are not paid at all! Subsequently, a new report was made in November 2021 which recommended that minimum compensation be encouraged rather than made mandatory. You can read the 2021 report (which includes the 2018 report) here. The Benchers have now deferred the vote on this issue to consult with and receive feedback from licensees, articling students, the public, etc. It's your turn to speak up. In brief, some of the arguments against mandatory minimum compensation have included:
Some of the arguments for mandatory minimum compensation include:
Have thoughts on this issue? We are sure you do. Don’t stay silent! You can read more about where/how to email your comments here. Your comments must be received by March 15, 2022. |
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