Law, Eh? Canadian Law School

The Going Rate

2011-02-08T13:17:00.003-07:00

I came across a 2010 legal fees survey conducted by Canadian Lawyer's Magazine (see here). I found it quite fascinating to go through, and wondered if it might be a useful resource when meeting with clients - especially when they are asking for estimates or quotes for various legal services.

I was a little surprised to see the fee ranges for some legal services. For example, a civil action trial (2 days) runs from $18,185 to $62,843 (avg $26,444). I noticed that fees for small firms (1-4 lawyers) were often lower. For some services fees were higher in the Western region than in Ontario, but the opposite for other services. I wonder why?

I was also quite impressed to see that our firm's rates were on par with average fees across the board. That's pretty amazing since we kind of came up with them on our own. However, we do try to base fees on the actual work involved in the service.

Tips for lawyers re-qualifying in Canada

2011-02-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

Read about re-qualifying as a lawyer in Canada here (Lawyer's Weekly).

Law School in Canada vs. USA

2011-02-05T20:58:00.001-07:00

The McGill Tribune

By Elisa Muyl

"For students who have had their hearts set on going to law school since childhood, David Segal's recent New York Times article, "Is Law School a Losing Game?" offered a familiar but oft-ignored warning: law school is difficult and expensive; proceed with caution.

In his article, chronicling the overwhelming debt and the unforgiving job market faced by an estimated 44,000 hopeful American JDs each year, Segal argues that the decision to pursue a legal degree should not be taken lightly, since, contrary to the statistics being published by the schools themselves, it's an investment that doesn't necessarily offer great returns..." read more here.

LU Law School coming soon

2011-02-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

A proposed law program at Lakehead University is being recommended by an approval committee for law programs in Canada. Read more here.

Expansion is good, but it hurts

2009-10-15T17:45:00.002-06:00

So, my little start-up law firm is now three lawyers strong (myself and two associates), as well as various staff. We focus on family law, real estate, wills and estates, corporate law, but also on more esoteric areas such as aboriginal treaty rights, residential school stuff, and water law. It's been a lot of fun adding staff, desks, computers, etc. over the past few months. We're excited at the prospects, even with the current downturn in the economy. There is a lot of potential out there, but it will take some enginuity and diligence to have real staying power.

I have found that customer service is the absolute most important thing towards building a successful legal practice. No advertising, networking, google adwording, schmoozing, brown-nosing, volunteer service, or other thing compares to having a happy and satisfied customer who will come back to you later on, or better yet, will refer a friend to you. A very large part of my personal practice is based on this concept. It creates a very loyal client base, and makes it much easier to keep a steady work-flow, and to keep the stress down.

Business is booming for legal clinic

2009-10-15T17:41:00.003-06:00

Posted at The Whig By MIKE NORRIS MNORRIS@THEWHIG.COM

"Fledgling entrepreneurs and some Queen's University law students can agree on one thing:
Business is booming in Kingston.

The newly established Queen's Business Law Clinic provides legal advice -- free of charge -- to small, start-up and not-for-profit businesses in the city. A four-month pilot project last winter was so successful, the clinic will now be a year-round operation.

'The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Kingston,' said Professor Peter Kissick, director of the law clinic.

'I was surprised by how sophisticated the files are, from software to carpentry businesses. There's a wide variety of things going on.'"

Read the whole article here.

These kinds of clinics are essential, not only for access to justice, but also access to legal information for those who cannot afford a retainer for a lawyer, or who are just starting to do the legwork for their start-up business, or a legal transaction or action. Good stuff! Congratulations on your success so far law clinic law students! We appreciate you.

Top Five Canadian Law Schools Rank Same as 2008

2009-10-12T21:15:00.002-06:00

Maclean's put out their 2009 Canadian Law School Ranking in September. No changes in the Top 5. Also, very little changes in 12 to 16.

1. Toronto (1)
2. McGill (2)
3. Osgoode (3)
4. UBC (4)
5. Victoria (5)
6. Queen's (8)
7. Dalhousie (6)
8. Ottawa (7)
9. Alberta (9)
10. Western (12)
11. Calgary (10)
12. Saskatchewan (12)
13. Manitoba (10)
13. New Brunswick (12)
15. Windsor (15)
16. Moncton (16)

I don't put a ton of stock in Maclean's ranking, but it is interesting to see the consistency from year to year. Victoria used to be much higher. I am surprised to see UBC so high the last two years, as it didn't use to rank that high. Calgary keeps dipping. Alberta should be ranked higher, especially given all the money that has been thrown at it lately.

Law school alumnus gives back to university

2009-10-12T21:08:00.002-06:00

"Frank MacInnis said he experienced a 'brief moment of terror' when his former law professor summoned him to the podium Friday, a startling admission from a man who now presides over a U. S.-based Fortune 500 company.

'Old habits die hard,' MacInnis told a laughing audience at the University of Alberta, recalling his friendly, yet sometimes adversarial relationship with former law dean David Percy.

Of course, there was no reason for argument Friday, when MacInnis and his wife were honoured for a $2.5-million donation to Percy's faculty-- the largest single gift the U of A law school has ever received."

That is a very nice donation from a very nice, and obviously successful alumnus. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. MacInnis!

Think twice about going to law school - firm chairman says

2009-10-12T21:03:00.003-06:00

Financial Post

Posted: September 25, 2009, 11:26 AM by Mitch Kowalski
Practice Management, Legal News, Mitch Kowalski, Associates, Law schools

"Every time a friend of mine tells me that her daughter or son is contemplating law school I try to dissuade them. This isn't the 60's - when a law degree was a ticket to the good life. The profession is a brutally difficult way to earn a living for either gender. And it ain't getting better.
Now it seems I have some support for my comments. Peter Kalis, chairman of large, international firm K & L Gates, was interviewd by the Wall Street Journal and said much the same thing. Kalis says that schools are "pouring tens of thousands of young people into a market that I suspect is not going to be able to absorb them at the remuneration levels that would have justified them taking on. . ."

I would like to read more...but they make you register. I hate this form of news where I am forced to pay to read something that I should be able to read for free online. I mean, I shouldn't have to have a subscription just to read an article...

In any case, the comment is a fair one, and is one that more young aspiring law students should think about. Or, as the writer indicates, a thought that more parents of aspiring law students should think about.

Silverberg realizes long-held dream

2009-02-18T20:09:00.003-07:00

Former police chief relishing career as lawyer

Read this great little article about the former Calgary Chief of Police. She attended law school in Calgary with a friend of mine. It's neat to see where she ended up. I think it's pretty impressive. She works now with Willy deWit (former boxer) and the lawyer who recently won the David Milgaard wrongful conviction case. I was also impressed to see that she became a partner in a national law firm four years after finishing law school.

Law school at Thompson Rivers University

2009-02-18T19:58:00.003-07:00

By Melissa Lampman - Kamloops This Week

Published: February 17, 2009 5:00 PM

A plan to launch a law school at Thompson Rivers University is yet another step in making it the most comprehensive post-secondary institution in the nation.

In the Speech from the Throne on Monday, the province announced the creation of the new law school — one of three in B.C. — slated to open by 2011.

The plan is to have a three-year, fully accredited bachelor of law program accepting a minimum of 40 students per year with a focus on social, cultural and economic realities of Canadian rural settings.

'Isn’t this great? Now the work really begins,' said TRU president Kathleen Scherf of the next couple of years of intense planning to make the school a reality."

Isn't what great? Another law school in a market that is full of job losses and downsizing? Good timing! I don't think this is a good idea. Even if it does happen, it shouldn't happen for another decade or more - until there is an actual demand.

Phony degrees put Osgoode law school on high alert

2009-01-21T16:07:00.002-07:00

By Macleans.ca | January 5th, 2009 | 2:04 pm

"Will implement tougher 'verification measures' to help detect admissions fraud

The Toronto Star is reporting that Osgoode Hall Law School will tighten admissions procedures following revelations that a third-year student used a phony degree to enter the York University law program.

The school’s dean, Patrick Monahan, says admissions integrity is of utmost importance and they are “investigating additional verification measures that could be put in place to detect cases of fraud in the admission process.”

When even one student gets admitted improperly, he says, it hurts the admissions chances of another student in addition to damaging Osgoode’s reputation.

The Star says student Quami Frederick was found to have used a degree purchased from an Internet diploma mill to get accepted into the law program in 2006. More recently, Frederick submitted photocopies of transcripts in which her Osgoode Hall marks were inflated when she successfully applied for an articling job at the Bay St. law firm Wildeboer Dellelce, LLP.

Frederick, 28, now faces an Osgoode Hall disciplinary hearing that could lead to expulsion. The law firm has withdrawn its job offer."

Stupid. Just plain stupid!

Soldier does battle in courtroom

2009-01-21T16:02:00.002-07:00

January 21, 2009 - by Matt Driscoll

"Jason Morische is a true man of action.

When he isn’t busy putting away the bad guys in court, he’s taking it to them on the battlefield.

Raised in Bracebridge, Morische is a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto and an officer with the Canadian Forces.

'My common joke is that I defend the constitution and the charter in two different ways,' quipped Morische last week on his way to trial.

The 37-year-old is currently preparing to take part in a mission to Afghanistan later this year, although he can’t reveal exactly when.

'I’m a little nervous but I’m confident in the training we receive in the Canadian Forces, and I’m confident in the soldiers I’m going with,” said Morische. 'I’m very much aware of the dangers … but it’s as good a situation as you could hope for.'"

This is a really interesting and inspiring story. Read the whole thing at Bracebridge Examiner.

Law school launches police accountability and complaints program

2009-01-21T16:00:00.001-07:00

KIRK MAKIN

JUSTICE REPORTER

January 19, 2009

"The University of Windsor law school will launch a program next month aimed at enhancing police accountability and reducing the use of racial profiling.

In what is believed to be the first program of its kind, the school will provide advice about racial profiling and police oversight to government, public interest organizations, community groups - and police forces themselves.

It will also advise civilians who want to lodge complaints regarding police conduct."

See the whole Globe and Mail article here.

A recent email exchange about billable hours for lawyers

2009-01-14T09:13:00.001-07:00

Hi Drew. Glad to hear you are enjoying the book. Your questions are good ones, but ones that I cannot fully answer. I'll do my best - see below.

2009/1/12 Drew

Dear Adam,

I'm in the process of reading your book now and I'm finding it very informative. I'm in the second year of my undergrad yet I've wanted to go to law school ever since a mock trial experience in grade 5. I've read enough John Grisham to know about how consuming billable hours can be yet, one thing is unclear to me.

It is true that billable hours can be overwhelming. Firms in Alberta can expect anywhere from 1000 to 2500 billable hours from their associates each year. Depending on the type of law, and the efficiency of the lawyer, this can equate to 1400 to 5000 actual work hours, or 28 to 100 hours per week of working. I know many lawyers who work 80 to 100 hours per week. That's equivalent to 12+ hours per day. It doesn't need to be like this, and I have many lawyer friends (including myself) that have more reasonable 35-45 hour work weeks.

Do lawyers earn overtime? If you work more than 8 hours a day aren't you obliged to earn overtime at an increased hourly rate under labour law?

No, usually they do not (perhaps if you work for the Alberta or Canadian governments). Different law firms treat things differently. Most are salaried. There is no overtime for salaried employees of any type. You get paid X dollars per year to do the job, and that's it. Many firms also pay bonuses based upon performance. I.e. if you hit your billable goals, or receipt goals. Many firms have now moved to a commission program, where the lawyer gets around 40% of any receipts that they bring in. This provides great incentive for many lawyers. For sole practitioners, and partnerships, you get paid any profit after expenses, so the harder and more efficiently you work, the more money you make.

Finally, is there a website where I could see trends in the annual salaries of lawyers? Not just for 1st year associates but for 3rd 4th and 6th year associates? I like the description of the appeal that a small town practice can offer in your book. However, I wonder what kind of salaries do more experienced lawyers in these settings bring in?

Not that I am aware of, at least not for Canada, but check on places such as lawstudents.ca or lawbuzz.ca. Perhaps somebody has posted some info there.

As in any profession, there is a wide range of salaries for lawyers. There are poverty lawyers who get paid very little, and some lawyers (such as Tony Merchant of Merchant Law Group) who make millions and millions. I find that many 1-5 year big firm lawyers in Calgary or Edmonton, Toronto, or places like that, make anywhere between $70K and $200K, depending on their situation. Now, taking into account the number of hours they work, this can seem like a good salary, or not such a good salary.

The same applies to small town or small city lawyers. I make, probably, as much as the big city lawyers, but I work far less, and really enjoy my work. That's not the same for everyone. I have our main office in a city of about 70,000, and a branch office in a town of about 3,500. It works for me...

If you have any other questions, let me know. Oh, and would you mind giving me a positive comment on Chapters.ca or Amazon.ca? And could I post this email to my blog? Others would probably appreciate it. Thanks!

Adam Letourneau

-- Drew

Reforming young offender laws won’t enhance public safety: academics

2009-01-12T08:40:00.003-07:00

Janice Tibbetts, Canwest News Service Published: Sunday, January 11, 2009

"OTTAWA -- Canada's revamped young offender laws -- described by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as an 'unmitigated failure' -- have in fact been a clear success in keeping adolescents out of court and custody without increasing youth crime, concludes a new academic analysis.

The three authors warn against the Harper government pursuing a promise to toughen the Youth Criminal Justice Act, arguing it won't enhance public safety, but it will cost provincial governments significantly more money to punish young people by incarcerating them...

"When the act was adopted in 2003, Canada had one of the highest youth incarceration rates in the world. Those numbers have dropped a dramatic 36 per cent in the last five years, according to the latest report from Statistics Canada.

'Without increasing youth crime, the new laws have resulted in a very significant reduction in the use of courts and custody for adolescent offenders in Canada and hence allowed for a significant reduction in spending on youth courts and custody facilities, generally accompanied by shifting resources to community-based programs,' note Bala, Carrington and Roberts.

The revamped laws, which set out clear rules on when judges can impose incarceration, have also reduced a patchwork of practices from province to province, the analysis said.

Not only are fewer adolescents being incarcerated, there also has been a dramatic drop in the number being charged by police as they seek alternative rehabilitative measures such as community programs, counselling, apologies to the victim, and other 'extra-judicial' measures."

Read the whole article here.

I was glad to read about the reduction in incarceration rates, but I wonder about the actual drop in the committing of crimes by youth. It would seem that there has been no reduction: "While youth crime in general has not increased, violent crime in some cities has been on the rise, Bala acknowledged."

I tend to agree with Stephen Harper's sentiments: "Last summer, Harper denounced Canada's approach to handling young offenders as 'an unmitigated failure' in that it did not 'hold young lawbreakers responsible for their behaviour and . . . make them accountable to their victims and society.'"

I think that they should revamp this particular system to emulate the circle systems being adopted by many First Nation communities and judicial districts, where the victim, the offender, and various members of the community come together with the judge in a circle, and work it out with everyone involved. This has worked marvels in some communities, dropping the rates of crime significantly, from what I understand. It also results in effective consequences for the accused, such as banishment. Further, it allows for reconciliation between the victim and the offender in many cases. For example, there can be an apology, or direct restitution. The community is involved (i.e. Elders), and this is very effective towards accountability for the accused.

I really think that if youth had to actually sit down in a circle with a judge, the victim(s), their parents, their grandparents, their teachers, and members of the community, they would think twice about committing a crime again. Many youth now probably feel that the punishment is relatively easy, and there is no direct accountability. For some, youth detention, or community service might even be a step up from their current circumstances...in any case, I think reform is necessary, especially with all of the gang activity in some of the larger cities.

Writing Lags in Law Schools

2009-01-09T09:04:00.002-07:00

insidehighered.com
January 7, 2009

"Law schools have to be responsive to the ever-changing legal world to keep their curriculums relevant and meaningful, but the latest findings of a national survey suggest that they should also be focusing more on the basics. The 2008 annual results of the Law School Survey of Student Engagement, released today, show nearly half of all law school students reporting that their education does not “contribute substantially” to their ability to “apply legal writing skills” in the real world."

Read the whole article here.

"'Despite near universal agreement on the value of these skills and competencies, legal writing, for example, is typically featured primarily in the first year, and viewed by students as a sidebar in their doctrinal classes,' writes George D. Kuh, LSSSE director and professor at the Indiana University."

What do you think? I think that's probably true. There is an assumption that you will get practical legal writing opportunities in your summer internships or your articling year. This article is from the US system, where they don't even get an articling year.

For many law graduates, this is a key skill, as they will end up writing many legal memos. Or is it important? I would say that it is very important for any new lawyer that will be drafting contracts, briefs, facta, and letters, the last of which makes up a large part of any lawyer's profession.

PM bypasses hearing, appoints N.S. justice to Supreme Court

2008-12-22T21:50:00.002-07:00

Last Updated: Monday, December 22, 2008 | 2:40 PM AT CBC News

"Stephen Harper has officially appointed Thomas Cromwell of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, bypassing a parliamentary hearing process the prime minister has championed to more openly scrutinize nominees.

The appointment came the same day Harper named 18 people to the Senate.

'The Supreme Court must have its full complement of nine judges in order to execute its vital constitutional mandate effectively,' Harper said in a statement on Monday. 'Not only is Justice Cromwell one of Canada's most respected jurists, his appointment will also restore regional balance to the Court which now, once again, has an Atlantic Canadian representative.'

Cromwell replaces Michel Bastarache, who told the cheif justice that he would retire at the end of the court's spring session."

Congratulations Mr. Cromwell. This is a wonderful achievement on top of an already illustrious career:

"Cromwell, 56, from Kingston, Ont., initially studied music but got his law degree in Ontario in 1976. He practised and taught law, including two stints at the Dalhousie Law School in Halifax. He was the executive legal officer in the chambers of the Supreme Court's chief justice for three years...He first became a Nova Scotia appeals judge in 1997."

York law student caught with fake degree

2008-12-22T21:41:00.002-07:00

Excalibur Web Edition
Written by By Andrew Fletcher, Sports & Health Editor

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

"A York University student is under investigation for allegedly committing an act of degree fraud. Third-year student Quami Frederick is under review for academic dishonesty after she allegedly submitted a degree that she never earned, for admission to Osgoode Law School. The Toronto Star reported on Dec. 13 that Frederick bought a BA degree in business administration from St. George’s University for $1,109 in 2004. St. George’s University, located in Grenada, has recently confirmed that Frederick did not attend the school."

Read the whole story here.

I sure get a lot of spam for these fake degrees. I always wondered if someone would actually try to pass one off. I wonder for this one caught person, how many have successfully duped law school admissions staff? Bet she would make a good lawyer! I'm glad she is being screened now, rather than later, such as the guy I posted about the other day (see here), although she really should have been caught sooner - "Granada"???

LU's law-school dream could take step forward

2008-12-22T21:36:00.002-07:00

Tb News Source
Web Posted: 12/17/2008 10:33:12 PM

"Despite Ontario's denial for funding, work continues at Lakehead University to develop a new law school."

Is this just a pipe dream, or is there any reality to this headline? Is it possible for them to privately fund a new law school, and could they gain the support of the heads that be? And further, would there be any true advantage to a law school in that area of the country? Would it create new jobs? Would it fill any voids? Are there any voids? Last I heard, there were an abundance of law graduates in Ontario (maybe even the country) who could not find an article upon graduation from law school.

Getting that first law job

2008-12-19T10:43:00.002-07:00

I was pleased to hire a couple of students recently to assist me with some projects. One is a first year student, the other a second year student. I really wished for a practical opportunity in my first year(s) of law school, and would have probably done it for free at the time (not that I condone free labour). I really appreciated the resumes that were submitted by various students. It was really neat to see the variety of backgrounds of the law students, and also to see where their interests were developing in law school.

I have said in the past that law school grades are not important, in my mind, but on the other hand, seeing transcripts certainly allows for a peak into what actually interests a potential candidate. A high grade in a particular subject could perhaps indicate that the student is more keen in that area. On the flip side, it could simply reflect that they liked the professor, that the examination style suited their learning style, etc.

On this note, I recently applied for an exemption to the Law Society to reduce the 4-year requirement before I can hire an articling student. Their response was interesting - they can't provide a decision until I actually apply, or the student applies for an article with our firm. Then, they use their discretion, and we would have to show extenuating circumstances. I would argue that if a student wanted to come practice in Southern Alberta, and they wanted to start their practice at our firm, or if they wanted to focus on an area of law that our firm practices, that this would meet the extenuating circumstances test. So, if you are interested, let me know, and we'll test the waters. :).

If it doesn't work out, I'll just have to wait out the 4 years (another 1.5 years), and do it the old fashioned way.

Mediation should be emphasized in law school - all law schools

2008-12-16T14:04:00.002-07:00

I conducted a great mediation this morning. It would seem that there would be no negotiated settlement at many points during the mediation, but in the end, I was able to assist the parties towards a negotiated settlement. What a great feeling of satisfaction. The parties shook hands and smiled at each other afterwards. Success!

It got me to thinking that mediation should be a mandatory course at Canadian law schools. It should also become part of the designation of a lawyer. Just as we all become Notary Publics upon completion of law school, we should all become certified mediators upon graduation. It would save our court system bundles, and would result in a much less litigious society. What do you think?

The power of emotion in advertising

2008-12-15T16:51:00.002-07:00

I have been amazed this past couple of weeks at the power of emotion in advertising. This applies to both companies and individual who are advertising themselves.

I put out an ad this week that said "Enjoy Peace of Mind for the Holidays" - it was an ad for a discounted last will & testament. Our phones have been ringing off the hook. I would like to say it was because of the discount, but I've tried that tool before. I am convinced it is the hook line at the beginning of the ad.

Something to think about for you budding and existing lawyers as you strive to promote yourself as a lawyer. Emotion sells. Good service keeps the customer. You might even want to consider this thought when preparing your resumes and cover letters for upcoming summer and articling positions. A great first line or title goes really far.

Critics clash over role of law schools

2008-12-10T12:34:00.003-07:00

From The Lawyer's Weekly:

By Nora Rock
Toronto
December 12 2008

"If the goal of medical school were to teach students not how to be doctors, but how to think like doctors, would you want to be a graduate’s first patient?

Professor David Chavkin of the American University Washington College of Law put this question to attendees at a symposium about the future of legal education hosted by Ryerson University on Nov. 25.

The curriculum being delivered in today’s law schools and its relationship to the demands of modern legal practice were scrutinized by speakers including Michael Bryant, Ontario’s minister of economic development, who noted the trend toward self-representation in our courts. “Over half of the people in Canada, when faced with a legal problem in their lives, have no idea where to turn,” said Bryant, who expressed the related worry that many of today’s law graduates emerge from law school ill-prepared to meet the needs of average Canadians.

While the Ryerson symposium’s intended focus was on future directions in education, attendee Noah Aiken-Klar, national director of Pro Bono Students Canada, pointed out that our legal community faces a chicken-and-egg style dilemma: while law schools struggle to recruit and train a more diverse student body, dysfunction in the profession causes attrition that hits non-mainstream lawyers — women, lawyers with disabilities and minorities — hardest.

Two factors — the Law Society of Upper Canada’s latest redesign of the lawyer licensing system, and recent calls for the abolition of articling — have put pressure on law schools to provide the practical, “lawyering” training that articling and the Bar admission course were once intended to accomplish."

You can read the whole article here.

This is a very useful and necessary debate to have. Here are my thoughts from the field:

1. It is nearly impractical for a lawyer to know everything that she needs to know coming out of law school, or even coming out of her articling year. Each and every day as a lawyer is a learning experience.
2. The focus should not be on what is taught in law school. The schools, the courses and the instructors are just far to diverse to accomplish a strictly "practical" legal education. In other words, the system has gone too far towards academia and theoretical instruction as opposed to a professional training system.
3. I believe that the number of core courses required should be increased at all Canadian Law Schools to include: wills & estates, real estate (not real estate theory, but real estate conveyancing), family law (practical training, not case law theory training - in other words, how to file for divorce, how to defend a divorce, how to run a custody trial, etc.), basic incorporations law (i.e. how to incorporate a company, how to prepare resolutions, etc.), and chambers and trial advocacy (you should have to prepare for and run at least 2 uncontested applications, and at least 2 contested applications).
4. The law societies should work towards training principals (lawyers who are partnered with articling students - mentors) and law firms to, in turn, train new lawyers. It used to be an apprenticeship program with lawyers, and we should move back towards that model, where a new lawyer is provided more simple tasks for a year or two, and then moves towards more complicated transactions and files over the years. In fact, I believe that law school should be run similar to some trades programs, where you intersperse schooling with practical training (i.e. one year on, one year off). Some students have that opportunity, somewhat, with summer internships, but not all students land a summer position. It should be mandatory for all students. This model would perhaps prolong things, but I like the idea at its core.
5. I actually think that the US model where you get thrown into the deep end upon graduation isn't such a bad idea, if the mentoring is there. It seems like some firms have excellent mentoring programs set up for new graduates, but there are probably many who are lost through the cracks (think Grisham's Rainmaker for an extreme example).
6. Law firms should ultimately be accountable to new lawyers or lawyers-in-training.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this debate.

Ted Roger's Funeral Today

2008-12-09T13:03:00.002-07:00

I have enjoyed reading about Ted Rogers over the past few days. I was surprised when I read the following today:

"Rogers founded Rogers Telecommunications Ltd. in 1960 with the purchase of CHFI while in law school with a loan of $85,000. Today, the company is worth more than $20 billion and employs 24,000 employees."

Is this not an amazing success story? I have had many readers ask me about alternative legal careers. Ted obviously had vision, and I would venture to say that the skills that he developed in law school proved useful during his immensely successful business career.

NY lawyer arrested for impersonation

2008-12-08T13:09:00.005-07:00

Reuters Canada
Fri Dec 5, 2008 2:24pm EST

"TORONTO (Reuters) - A prominent New York corporate lawyer has been arrested in Toronto on a charge of impersonation, police said on Friday.

Marc Dreier, founder and managing partner of Dreier LLP, was scheduled to appear in court Friday morning to answer charges of "impersonation with intent," said Constable Tony Vella, a spokesman for Toronto police...

Dreier, 58, headed the litigation department in the New York office of law firm Fulbright & Jaworski LLP and had been a litigation partner at Rosenman & Colin LLP before founding Dreier LLP in 1996, according to a biography on his firm's website.

He is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School and has worked as a commercial litigator for more than 30 years, the website said...

The New York Times, in a website posting on Friday, said the law firm, which has more than 250 attorneys, canceled a holiday party that had been scheduled for Thursday evening at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in Manhattan."

No wonder they cancelled their holiday party...they were all busy checking their heads. Somebody didn't do their due diligence! Sounds like the character from "Catch Me If You Can".

Read more about the $100 fraud this guy is charged with here.

Critics clash over role of law schools

2008-12-08T13:06:00.003-07:00

The Lawyer's Weekly
By Nora Rock
Toronto, December 12 2008

"If the goal of medical school were to teach students not how to be doctors, but how to think like doctors, would you want to be a graduate’s first patient?

Professor David Chavkin of the American University Washington College of Law put this question to attendees at a symposium about the future of legal education hosted by Ryerson University on Nov. 25.

Read the whole article here.

Back in the Saddle

2008-12-08T13:00:00.002-07:00

Ok, so I have taken a hiatus from this blog since July. Can't blame me too much...life got in the way. A brief update:

I sold my publishing company (Writing on Stone Press) on July 1, 2008 to a group out of British Columbia. Some of you might not have made the connection that the publisher of my book was owned by the author. We put out a Canadian Career Series that will continue, along with a number of other titles. My previous life before law school was in publishing.

Anyways, it is nice to be free of the responsibilities of owning a side business. I have been able to focus on my law practice and my family, which has been really great. I even went on a family holiday, much to my children's delight.

The economy has started to shift, and that has meant a shift in my practice. Less real estate. More divorce. Kind of funny, if you think about it. Still doing lots of wills and estate administration, which I really enjoy.

Well, I will try to keep this blog active and current going forward...

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Gilbert says LU not giving up on law school plan

2008-07-30T07:38:00.003-06:00

Tb News Source
Web Posted: 7/29/2008 8:12:25 PM

The president of Lakehead University is vowing to continue the fight after a major blow Tuesday to the plans to bring a law school to Thunder Bay.

The McGuinty government has announced it will not be funding any new law schools in Ontario for the foreseeable future. Fred Gilbert said LU will carry on its plans to renovate the former PACI, but he admits that opening a law school in 2010 is no longer a realistic possibility.

When LU and the Lakehead school board signed the $850,000 purchase agreement for PACI last month, things appeared to be looking up for the university's plans to open a law school in Thunder Bay but the plans have hit a major snag. Liberal MPP Bill Mauro says his government has received advice that there are enough law graduates in Ontario as it is. Therefore, LU and three other universities will not get any financial backing for their law school plans.

The president of the Thunder Bay Law Association, Stephen Wojciechowski, says his group is very disappointed by the province's decision. He says Thunder Bay and other small cities are approaching a crisis situation with their limited influx of new lawyers, and he says the legal resources in the Northwest are slowly dwindling to unacceptable levels.

Gilbert says the LU law school would have turned out 55 graduates each year with expertise in aboriginal law, natural resource and northern issues. Despite the setback, he says LU will move ahead will their plans to renovate PACI will still proceed trying to achieve accreditation for its law school curriculum.

Eight years ago, Gilbert and local politicians convinced the province to reverse a decision and allow a full four-year medical school at LU. Gilbert says they plan to do it again and Mauro said he's on board to help LU reach its goal, as he pledged in his 2007 election platform.

But for now, Gilbert concedes that the chance of the law school opening as planned in September 2010 is no longer a realistic goal.

The province has six southern Ontario-based law schools and a new one hasn't been opened in almost 40 years.

Province lays down the law

2008-07-30T07:35:00.002-06:00

Asearch through the Law Society of Upper Canada's directory shows there are 203 lawyers in Sudbury. Yep, that's right CCIII.

The Law Society of Upper Canada's membership data shows there are 38,879 lawyers in the province. (We won't trouble you with the Roman numerals.) Almost 1,500 new lawyers were called to the bar last year in Ontario.

A few in Sudbury aren't practising, a few are suspended, a few in the registry are deceased.

And while the North suffers from a chronic lack of professionals and specialists, with lawyers it is not because the province isn't churning out enough of them, it's largely because they don't settle here.

The argument made in favour of the medical school -- training doctors in the North, giving them a look at the lifestyle -- can reasonably be transferred to lawyers, since they must leave the area to enrol in one of Canada's 16 law schools (Ontario has six) to pursue their legal ambitions. But if the province is to put money into education, the legal profession, says Colleges and Universities Minister John Milloy, isn't a priority. He wants to focus on graduate studies and doctors.

We cannot disagree with those priorities.

Read the whole editorial here.

Ontario won't fund proposed law schools

2008-07-30T07:33:00.002-06:00

KAREN HOWLETT - National

July 30, 2008

The Ontario government says it has no money to train new lawyers, dashing the hopes of three universities in the province competing to open the first new law school in Canada in nearly 30 years. Plans for the new schools come from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Sudbury's Laurentian University.

All three universities looking to set up full law schools, including two in Northern Ontario, say they developed their proposals in response to local concerns about the lack of legal services and the need to attract young lawyers to rural areas.

But in a letter to university presidents last Friday, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities says it will not be approving any funding for new law schools in Ontario. The province's six existing law schools are meeting the demand for new lawyers, the letter says. As well, it says, the number of law-school graduates in Ontario exceeds the number of articling placements available.

Olympic hungry

2008-07-22T20:55:00.004-06:00

Man, I have just loved keeping track of all of the Olympic trials, both for Canada and the US. Olympic time is my favourite time. I have gotten hyped during the summer every four years since 1984 when I watched the Olympics in my grandparent's living room. This year is even more exciting for me as my children are now getting to an age where they can start to appreciate some of the finer points of sports, and as they are now competing in sports themselves. Last night, my one daughter told me that she wants to be a doctor and an Olympian when she grows up. That really inspired me. Our swim team is called the Raymond Olympians, and both of my daughters are competing and my wife and I are coaching. Really cool. Really real.

I have also been getting in the water as much as possible, and my swimming is improving. Our family is all competing in a triathlon in August. I don't feel that I will be competitive at all, but I probably won't come in last place. I did a 10K in June that really hurt, but I was proud to have finished as I had not been training properly for weeks before the race, and I had woken that morning with aches and pains and a big headache. Work seemed to get in the way of training. Having my wife and daughters train for the triathlon is really inspiring and exciting for me. I have a bit of a cold/flu today, so training has taken a back seat again...at least for a few days.

I met with a fellow lawyer today at lunch, and was pleased to hear that my experience of seeing a decline in the amount of available work is not unique to my personal practice. He said that he is having to work harder to meet his own billable expectations. Those lawyers in Canada (especially sole practitioners) who think that the current state of affairs in the US and Canada is not going to affect them - they had better make sure that they are prepared, flexible and outgoing. Real estate has been the bread and butter for so many of us for a few years, but it's getting harder to rely on conveyancing to pay the bills...

It might be time to go do some more research into rainmaking tactics. Actually, my personal practice is thriving right now. Each month seems to bring an increase in client base and quality of work. There are some specific files that are bringing me great joy as I work on them. Further, I am getting better at firing those clients that I really do not appreciate working with. Also, each month I am gaining expertise in the areas that I am practicing in, and my confidence continues to grow. Each day brings its own challenges. It's not getting boring yet. This is the longest that I have held the same job (i.e. being a lawyer) in my life, I think. Well, that's not true - I was a lifeguard for many years, but that was usually part-time work, and I didn't really consider it a career. In any case, I feel I have reached a bit of a milestone in that my practice just passed its two-year anniversary (I opened my law firm the day after I passed the bar). Cool, huh?

Good reading makes a good lawyer

2008-07-17T14:03:00.003-06:00

Over the past few months, I have been spending some of my down-time reading some great books. I found a website - 100 Must-Read Books: The Essential Man’s Library

Whether that list of 100 books is necessarily exclusive to men is obviously debatable. However, I do think it is a good collection of classics and potential classics that hold a considerable amount of knowledge, and entertainment.

I decided to read all or at least most of the books on that list, with the hopes that I might better myself. Enough of the John Grisham books. Besides, his latest work absolutely sucked. I'm ready for something bigger, something better.

So, to date, I have read from the list:

1. The Hobbit (read numerous times)
2. The Great Gatsby (I hated this book, and wouldn't even render a review of it)
3. 1984 (read a long time ago, and thought it was very depressing)
4. The Catcher in the Rye (I absolutely loved this book, and will provide some comments later on)
5. The Picture of Dorian Gray (a very strange, but fascinating read)
6. Brave New World (so strange, but very thought provoking. I will provide comments later)
7. Animal Farm (read a long time ago)
8. Frankenstein (one of my favourite stories, but getting to be a downer when I read it over again)
9. The Stranger (L'Etranger) by Albert Camus - one of my all-time favourite books, I have read it at least 10 times in both English and French.
10. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I absolutely loved this one. I liked the legal aspect of it, but it had so much more to say. More comments forthcoming.
11. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. I really, really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book, and think that I will be a better person for having read the first 3/4. The last part had way too much US history that was totally irrelevant or over my head.
12. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I have read this book a couple times and really enjoy it. I am planning to buy a motorcycle soon, so I might have to read it again soon to relive the great feelings portrayed in this book.

I am currently reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris and Into the Wild by John Krakauer. I am really enjoying both, especially the latter. I have started The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, but it is slow going.

I tried A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, but found it too wispy of a book. Almost contrived. Maybe I was missing something. I got about 1/2 way through before abandoning it.

So, not too bad. Am I a better man now? I think so. I find myself thinking about these books a lot, especially the ones I have read in the past three months. I find I am thinking on a higher plain. Am I a better lawyer? Maybe - at least, I am more present in my thinking, and not just bogged down in real estate documents and wills and contracts.

Have any books that you would add to this list? Either for being a better person, or for being a better lawyer?

Senior Will & Estate Planner

2008-07-16T17:50:00.001-06:00

Here's an example of a job posting that was on www.AlternativeLawJob.com. This is really cool. I'm glad to see these kinds of postings...

As one of Canada's Top 50 Employers for the fourth consecutive year, Scotiabank places great importance on recognizing and rewarding strong performance. We offer room for advancement, a stimulating work environment and the resources to help you make the most of your career. Together, we continue to make Scotiabank a great place to work. Incorporating the key personal investment and advisory activities within the Scotiabank Group, Wealth Management provides a full range of products and services that encompass retail brokerage, investment management advice, mutual funds and savings products, and financial planning and private client services for affluent clients. POSITION SUMMARY: Department assists clients appointing Scotiatrust as their Executor/Trustee with the development of an estate plan, and works with external lawyers for the preparation of client Wills. Key accountabilities for this role: Support the development of new Wills and estate / trust business and identify cross-sell opportunities Work with eligible clients to provide information / advice on planning options and record /confirm Will instructions Review draft Wills prepared by an external drafting lawyer as to form and content prior to execution Prepare and deliver seminars to staff and clients / prospects in Will and estate planning in conjunction with the Financial Consultants, SPCG and ScotiaMcLeod partners Develop relationships with Centers of Influence for the purpose of initiating new Will - estate opportunities QUALIFICATIONS: Expert knowledge and understanding of estates, trusts, Will and estate planning, and personal income tax, that may be supported by a LLB., relevant experience and Trust Insititute designations. Effective relationship management and networking skills with particular emphasis on supporting the sales team, working with affluent clients, SPCG and ScotiaMcLeod business lines, and internal and external centers of influence Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively represent the department Demonstrated speaking and presentation skills in a sales team environment to attract corporate executor and other trust business. EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATIONS: LLB, or Trust Insitute Designation and Senior Estate and Trust Planning Experience The Scotiabank Group is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all interested parties. We thank you for your interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies please. If interested, please apply online at Scotiabank Careers

As one of Canada's Top 50 Employers for the fourth consecutive year, Scotiabank places great importance on recognizing and rewarding strong performance. We offer room for advancement, a stimulating work environment and the resources to help you make the most of your career. Together, we continue to make Scotiabank a great place to work.

Incorporating the key personal investment and advisory activities within the Scotiabank Group, Wealth Management provides a full range of products and services that encompass retail brokerage, investment management advice, mutual funds and savings products, and financial planning and private client services for affluent clients.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Department assists clients appointing Scotiatrust as their Executor/Trustee with the development of an estate plan, and works with external lawyers for the preparation of client Wills.

Key accountabilities for this role:

Support the development of new Wills and estate / trust business and identify cross-sell opportunities
Work with eligible clients to provide information / advice on planning options and record /confirm Will instructions
Review draft Wills prepared by an external drafting lawyer as to form and content prior to execution
Prepare and deliver seminars to staff and clients / prospects in Will and estate planning in conjunction with the Financial Consultants, SPCG and ScotiaMcLeod partners
Develop relationships with Centers of Influence for the purpose of initiating new Will - estate opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS:

Expert knowledge and understanding of estates, trusts, Will and estate planning, and personal income tax, that may be supported by a LLB., relevant experience and Trust Insititute designations.
Effective relationship management and networking skills with particular emphasis on supporting the sales team, working with affluent clients, SPCG and ScotiaMcLeod business lines, and internal and external centers of influence
Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively represent the department
Demonstrated speaking and presentation skills in a sales team environment to attract corporate executor and other trust business.

EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATIONS:

LLB, or Trust Insitute Designation and Senior Estate and Trust Planning Experience

The Scotiabank Group is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all interested parties. We thank you for your interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies please.

If interested, please apply online at Scotiabank Careers

www.AlternativeLawJob.com

2008-07-16T17:49:00.001-06:00

Dear Adam,

I recently came across your blog, specifically your post of July 15th entitled "Leaving the Law". Given the nature of that post and your blog, I thought your readers would be interested in knowing about our new job posting blog for Canadian lawyers.

You can visit us at: www.AlternativeLawJob.com

Our blog focuses on a growing and under served group within the legal community, namely:

Lawyers who are seeking alternative career opportunities both inside and outside the legal profession.

Our site ONLY posts the following types of opportunities:

* In-house, government and non-profit counsel positions;
* Law related careers;
* Non-legal careers for lawyers;
* Opportunities to join start-ups and small businesses.

To ensure that our visitors have access to the largest number of career opportunities, posting jobs on our site is absolutely free (our editorial staff reviews and approves each job posting before it is published to ensure that it is relevant for our audience).

Feel free to email me if you have any questions about our website.

Regards,

Stephen Fine

Founder – AlternativeLawJob.com
--
Alternative Law Job
email: contact@alternativelawjob.com
website: www.alternativelawjob.com

Leaving the Law

2008-07-15T22:51:00.003-06:00

A few of my friends and associates have already left law as a career. Most of them aren't sure if they will ever come back. That got me to thinking, what would I do if I wasn't practicing law. It is a difficult thought, now that I am deep into a personal legal practice. The idea of throwing away those three years of law school, that year of articling, that year of preparing for law school. Many, that would be hard. But, there are those out there who are desperate to get out of this career. Believe me, it is not for everyone. Here are some resources that I have recently come across:

1. www.leavingthelaw.com. "You can find meaningful, engaging work outside of the law and make a good living. Together we help you discover the alternative career you were meant to have and make your career transition with joy and ease.

A former miserable practicing lawyer, I’ve developed a variety of unique products and services that empower you to find fulfilling work.

Become someone you never thought you could be—a lawyer who looks forward to going to work."

2. The Unhappy Lawyer: A Roadmap to Finding Meaningful Work Outside of the Law (Paperback) by Monica Parker (Author)

3. Running from the Law: Why Good Lawyers Are Getting Out of the Legal Profession (Paperback) by Deborah Arron (Author)

4. What Can You Do With a Law Degree?: A Lawyer's Guide to Career Alternatives Inside, Outside & Around the Law (Paperback) by Deborah Arron (Author)

5. Nonlegal Careers for Lawyers, Fifth Edition (Paperback) by Gary A. Munneke (Author)

6. Alternative Careers for Lawyers (Princeton Review Series) (Paperback) by Hillary Mantis (Author)

7. Beyond L.A. Law: Inspiring Stories of People Who've Done Fascinating Things with a Law Degree (Paperback) by National Association for Law Placement (Author)

Women In Law: Bucci serves community and piles up accomplishments

2008-07-14T15:51:00.001-06:00

By Robert Todd | Publication Date: Monday, 14 July 2008 - Law Times

Small towns in Ontario fighting to keep legal services may want to give Kristen Bucci a call for advice on luring law grads.

Read this inspiring article here.

The Attorney Multipass

2008-07-14T15:48:00.001-06:00

July 2008 Issue
By Jill Schachner Chanen
ABA Journal

From his office at Butzel Long’s Detroit headquarters, lawyer Richard Rassel can watch the massive 18-wheel trucks driving across the Ambassador Bridge from Michigan into Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Most of those trucks started their long journey north to Canada from Mexico, crossing through three countries with three distinct legal systems, observes Rassel, the firm’s past chairman and current director of global client relations.

In some ways that journey is a fitting metaphor for the needs of most businesses these days.

As foreign trade becomes more common for even the smallest of businesses, a need for lawyers versed in multiple legal systems has emerged. And now the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is stepping forward to help fill this need.

Earlier this year the law school launched a dual-degree program with Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, a private law school in the Mexican state of Nuevo León. The program is modeled after UDM’s 8-year-old dual-degree program with the University of Windsor Faculty of Law in Ontario, which allows law students to obtain combined J.D./LLB degrees in three years.

That program has had a total of 120 students studying in both countries since its inception. And its dual-degree grads have found their way to big law firms in Toronto, New York City and Chicago, among other cities, where they have put their international legal and language skills to work, says UDM law school dean Mark C. Gordon.

Read the whole article here.

Goodbye to Robin Penker

2008-07-10T11:00:00.003-06:00

A really good friend of mine died last week in a mountain climbing accident. I am really saddened by the loss of Robin Penker. He was one of the first people that I met in law school. He was an outstanding law student and lawyer. He was on the editorial board of the Alberta Law Review when I was Editor in Chief, and he always did excellent work.

I hiked with Robin and did some scrambles with him. He died doing a scramble by himself in Kananaskis. We will probably never know what happened. He was on Mt. Kidd. They had a hard time finding him because he didn't tell anyone where he was going.

Robin was a lawyer at FMC, and then in a firm in the Maritimes. He then went to work in-house, and was recently on a sabbatical. He traveled to South America and Europe.

He was just an outstanding person, and I am going to miss him very, very much.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of Kananaskis Country (www.kananaskis.org).

I have information about memorial services if you know Robin and would like to attend.

Hands off LSAT students' fingers

2008-07-10T10:56:00.004-06:00

Mon, July 7, 2008

By DAVID CANTON, FREELANCE WRITER - London Free Press

A recent decision by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada found that taking finger/thumb prints from those writing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a privacy breach and must be stopped.

Read the whole article here.

That's some good news. Surely there are other ways that they can reduce cheating on this test.

An update on my life

2008-07-08T16:25:00.004-06:00

I haven't written a personal post in some time. Here's the scoop:

I am a sole practitioner right now, searching desperately for a partner. I do not like working alone. At all. It's boring. Want to be my partner? I'm really fun to work with. Really.

I sold my publishing house. Now I can just be a lawyer. And an author. I am supposed to write another book soon. It's title is a secret. But, it should be good. It's non-fiction again. I'm also slowly working on a fiction book. That's a lot of fun, when I can get in the right mood.

I'm also supposed to be working on a book called A Practical Guide to Canadian Law Schools with another author. However, he might write the whole thing...we'll see how he does. It will be a great complement to my book. It will look specifically at each law school. It's a ton of work, I'm sure.

I'm helping my wife coach our girl's swimming team. I came up with a logo for it yesterday. I think it looks kind of cool. Being a swim coach is a lot more fun than being a lawyer, which means being a swim coach is really, really fun. (smile)

I am trying to stay away from my office as much as possible this summer, but it is hard because it is busy. Summer is always the busiest real estate time, and my firm does a lot of that work.

I miss law school. I miss taking off from life whenever I wanted to go run a few miles, hit the gym, or go swimming. But, I'm trying to do that as much as I can this summer. My assistants probably hate me for that. I am hoping to take some holidays in September.

Blasphemy law should be repealed

2008-07-08T16:20:00.004-06:00

Jul 06, 2008 04:30 AM

Be the first to comment on this article...

Jeremy Patrick - TheStar.com

Last month, after a long debate, England abolished the ancient common law offence of blasphemous libel.

Historically, the crime of blasphemy was committed whenever "contemptuous," "reviling," or "scurrilous" statements were made about God, Jesus Christ or the Church of England.

The offence had been the basis for hundreds of prosecutions throughout the 18th and 19th centuries before falling into a period of dormancy after 1922.

Surprisingly, however, the offence was suddenly resurrected as the basis of a successful private prosecution against a gay newspaper in 1977.

Subsequent private prosecutions against Salman Rushdie's book The Satanic Verses in the late 1980s and against the musical Jerry Springer: The Opera just last year were unsuccessful but equally disturbing to modern proponents of free speech.

What most Canadians (even most lawyers) don't realize is that our own Criminal Code also prohibits blasphemous libel and sets a penalty of up to two years in prison.

Read this whole fascinating article here.

I had no idea this was part of our Criminal Code? I don't remember discussing this in Criminal Law class at Law School. What do you think? Should it be repealed?

Ontario schools compete for law faculties

2008-07-08T16:17:00.003-06:00

ELIZABETH CHURCH

EDUCATION REPORTER

NATIONAL

July 2, 2008

Three Ontario universities are jockeying to be the first to open a law school in Canada in nearly 30 years, setting the stage for a battle of ambitions as they compete for government funding and approvals from the legal community, as well as the prestige that a new faculty would bring.

Plans for the new schools, in various stages of development, come from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and most recently Sudbury's Laurentian University, which last month announced it was conducting a feasibility study on a new law faculty.

Also in the works are plans for a graduate law program at the new Balsillie School of International Affairs, which would involve the University of Waterloo and could be linked to the Laurier proposal.

Read the whole story here.

Lots of you have indicated that you don't think we need another law school. How about three???

Ottawa law students file complaint over Facebook

2008-06-20T10:49:00.003-06:00

Josh Visser, CTV.ca News Staff

A group of University of Ottawa law students have filed a complaint with the privacy commissioner of Canada against the social networking website Facebook.

The 35-page complaint alleges 22 separate violations of Canadian privacy laws by the California-based company under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

"To boil it down simply, it's an issue of honesty and an issue of consent," Lisa Feinberg, a University of Ottawa law student who has just completed her first year, told CTV.ca. "Facebook isn't being completely honest with its users. It presents itself as a social utility site . . . but they are actually involved in a lot of commercial activities."

Feinberg is part of a team of University of Ottawa law students who filed the complaint as part of a project developed while they were interns with the university's Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, led by Philippa Lawson.

Read the whole article here.

Good on these guys. I happen to hate Facebook. I'm on it, due to some distinct family pressure, and an innate desire to track down some specific friends, but I always worry about people knowing a bit too much about me and my family.

Billions of dollars hang on Canada court's BCE hearing

2008-06-20T10:47:00.001-06:00

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's top court has the potential on Tuesday to create several billion dollars in shareholder value for investors of BCE Inc. (BCE.TO: Quote, Profile, Research)(BCE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) when it considers whether to let the world's largest leveraged buyout proceed.

I would just love to be a junior lawyer in this case. It would be fascinating, I'm sure.

Queen's law grads to receive new designation

2008-06-20T10:43:00.001-06:00

Bachelor of Laws degree will no longer be issued by the university

Posted By BY JANE SWITZER, FOR THE WHIG-STANDARD

What's in a name? that's what students and alumni of the Queen's Faculty of Law are asking themselves.

This April marked the last graduating class of students from the Queen's Faculty of Law who had a choice between choosing a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) or a Juris Doctor (JD) designation on their diploma.

Controversy surrounding the change in designation has been building since William Flanagan, dean of the Queen's Faculty of Law, made the announcement that all future graduating classes in the Faculty of Law will have their LL. B designations replaced with JD designations in 2007.

Read this informative article here, and post your comments on this blog.

LLB VS. JD - As it Happens - CBC

2008-06-16T16:25:00.001-06:00

LLB VS. JD

Duration: 00:05:23

MA. B.Sc.. MD. Ph.D. Those are just some of the letters graduates get to put after their name once they've completed a certain level of education. Well a certain set of letters are causing quite a controversy at the Queen's University Law School in Kingston, Ontario. Currently, law school graduates complete their LL.B. But Bill Flanagan, the dean of the law department, is urging that law graduates should actually receive a JD, or Juris Doctor, designation. Is it all just a bunch of BS? We reached Bill Flanagan at his office at Queen's University.

My wife heard this little story on the radio this morning. Might be worth listening to. I understand Calgary recently voted to adopt the JD rather than the LLB. I am still waiting for Alberta to follow suit so that I can exchange my degree...

Law grad goes the distance

2008-06-16T16:19:00.002-06:00

Read this nice story about the Gold Medalist at UVic Law School (Meagan Lang). Nice! Way to go Meagan! I especially like the part about running a marathon!

Doctoral student bestowed with award from Trudeau Foundation

2008-06-16T16:15:00.002-06:00

Irvin Studin’s gamble to leave a lucrative career as a foreign policy specialist with the Privy Council office to become a doctoral student at Osgoode Hall Law School has paid off in dividends. Read more here.

This guy sounds like he's priming up for the office of PM!

I couldn't understand whether he was a lawyer or not. Perhaps just an academic? Why would you get a PhD in law if you hadn't received a law degree or Master of Laws?

Laurentian studies law school

2008-06-16T16:14:00.000-06:00

Laurentian University is examining the potential of a Northern Ontario law school in an attempt to attract students and professionals north. Read more here.

Career shift offers fresh start for federal prosecuter

2008-06-16T16:12:00.000-06:00

This is a nice little story about New Peterborough federal prosecutor Mauro DiCarlo, whose legal career does not fit the usual mold.

Isaac Lidsky to Become First Blind Supreme Court Law Clerk

2008-06-16T16:07:00.001-06:00

I tried to get to this article, but no such luck. Isaac Lidsky to Become First Blind Supreme Court Law Clerk. It sounds really inspirational, so if you know where I can find the article, please let me know.

Aboriginal Law Student Scholarship Trust Launches in Vancouver

2008-05-29T14:25:00.001-06:00

UBC and HKU forge law school alliance

2008-05-29T14:22:00.001-06:00

From Financial Post - Legal Post:

May 28, 2008

Earlier this month the University of British Columbia and the University of Hong Kong established a new joint legal education program. The Faculties of Law at UBC and HKU will each accept up to five students per year, starting in 2009. All students enrolled in the program will be able to earn the law degrees required -- subject to admission and completion of the professional course requirements -- for law practice in both jurisdictions.

Read the whole article here.

This sounds like a really cool program. Wow!

2008-05-06T09:54:00.003-06:00

I really liked reading the last few posts on the Canadian law school blog, Lawyer Like

It's interesting to hear the emotion the poster has about finally getting through law school. Good for you!!!

A little heavier reading for while you are in class

2008-05-06T09:41:00.004-06:00

Whether you are in your undergraduate classes or law school classes (although y'all are on summer break now), you might be interested in The Court. An initiative of Osgoode Hall Law School, The Court is a site where scholars, practitioners and other interested citizens can discuss the recent work of the Supreme Court of Canada.

From their About Us section:

"Student editors under the direction of a faculty supervisor solicit and write brief comments or informative notes about cases that the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear or has decided within the last two years or so. As well, we publish commentary on other aspects of the work of the Supreme Court. Readers are invited to submit responses to the commentary, engendering a lively exchange about current issues facing the SCC. We also encourage interested readers to apply to become “Friends of The Court” and submit commentary for publication.

In addition to the central blogging aspect, The Court offers resources about the Supreme Court and aims to become the premier online location for information about Canada’s highest court. We are constantly improving our collection and welcome suggestions and offers of relevant material."

I have read it for a while, and find it very interesting and enlightening, even though I am not that big on case law (i.e. it's not a personal hobby of mine to read it). Summaries are a lawyer's friend, although the really good lawyers seem to be the ones who can stand to read case law all night long, and quote it the next day in court :).

Oh, and I just noticed that the Editor-in-Chief is James Stribopoulos, Assistant Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School, one of my favourite law professors (he taught me Criminal in first year law school at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law).

New law school a step closer to reality

2008-05-06T09:08:00.003-06:00

Law society gives Lakehead preliminary approval.

Law Times - May 5, 2008

Northern Ontario has inched closer to having its own law school after the Law Society of Upper Canada gave preliminary approval last week to a bid from Lakehead University.
But, while the law society benchers voted overwhelmingly in support of the initiative by the Thunder Bay school, some voiced concerns and voted against it.

Read the whole article here.

Some of you have commented that you think that Canada doesn't need a new law school. Others have indicated that this new law school could fill a gap in the area that it is proposed for. What are your thoughts on it now?

I am of the opinion that there are plenty of law schools already, and that they should put their money into a new medical school, or rather into creating new spots at current medical schools. We are somewhat over-lawyered, and very under-doctored.

“How many lawyers does the province of Ontario need?” “Do you think we should be studying that?” Some very good and obvious questions were asked by Ontario Bencher Bob Aaron. Why would you even consider a new law school without finding out this key information?

Interestingly, the law society’s licensing and accreditation task force in January reported that the current demand for about 1,300 articling placements in Ontario is expected to grow to 1,730 — a 30 per cent jump — by next year. This is different than the information provided in a recent post here at Law Eh? (I can't remember the date).

The school would accept 55 students each year, with preference given to those from rural, northern, or aboriginal communities. Lakehead hopes to have the new faculty up and running by next year.

Wow, that's quick!

Native judge named to lead healing forum

2008-04-29T09:52:00.003-06:00

See the news story at the National Post.

Justice Harry LaForme, a Mississauga Indian from Ontario, was appointed yesterday to head a federal truth and reconciliation commission exploring the legacy of abuse in Indian residential schools. A former commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario, he is a member of the Ontario Court of Appeal and was the first aboriginal to be appointed to an appellate court in the history of Canada.

I am so pleased to see this appointment and this commission. It is wonderful to have an aboriginal heading this, and one so well respected and well educated. I hope that it will give some of the survivors a sense of comfort and safety.

I am currently working on some residential school files, specifically with the Independent Assessment Process. It is proving to be extremely interesting. My grandmother went to a residential school, so I have a real empathy for these people.

Law firms do the math - outsourcing

2008-04-28T19:58:00.003-06:00

I just read an interesting article at Financial Post published today. It was the 2nd part of a series, and is about the concept of outsourcing legal work to offshore companies (i.e. India). My eyes are opened so often in this career. Who would have thought that an Indian lawyer just outside of Mumbai could take on a legal task that me or my colleague here in Canada might be in charge of. If there is any truth to this article, I think that the lawyers in North America, the U.K. and Australia ought to make sure that they are doing their homework and that they are prepared to provide some added-value legal services, if they want to retain the kind of work that they so readily enjoy.

An interesting read.

Running low on lawyers?; Attracting attorneys to Peterborough a tough sell

2008-04-22T12:54:00.002-06:00

Here's an interesting article on a subject dear to me: staying away from Big Law:

Posted By GALEN EAGLE

Peterborough Examiner - April 19, 2008

Coming out of law school, local lawyer David O'Neill could have done what most law grads do - move to Toronto.

The big money, the big firms, the big city is attracting a mass exodus of young lawyers from across the province at increasing rates.

Instead, the Peterborough native came home and joined a small firm. "Most of my classmates moved to Toronto," O'Neill said. "There are a lot more opportunities there and higher pays."

At 32, O'Neill is bucking the trend. He represents a minority of young lawyers who have chosen a smaller locale.

With the average age of Ontario's lawyers reaching 50 and most law school graduates heading to the Greater Toronto Area, communities such as Peterborough could be heading toward a lawyer crunch.

It's a tough sell telling people they need more lawyers.

Read the whole article here.

Law society should still teach ethics, say critics

2008-04-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

By Nora Rock
The Lawyers Weekly
Toronto
April 18 2008

A Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) Bencher has said she is appalled by a proposed retreat by the LSUC from ethics teaching in the Bar Admissions program. “I think it is a retrograde step... We are doing the wrong thing. We are betraying the profession,” said Bencher Heather Ross at a recent conference on legal ethics.

An interesting article...read it here.

Revised proposal for LU law school being reviewed

2008-04-22T12:49:00.000-06:00

From Thunder Bay's The Source:

Lakehead University's latest proposal for a new law school is now in the hands of officials in southern Ontario and they may have their final answer by the end of April.

Read the whole article here.

Results of the Yellow Pages Ads

2008-04-22T12:44:00.003-06:00

Sorry for not posting lately. It's been over a month. But, here's some good news:

Last year, I had a small sized ad in the yellow pages. I only remember getting one telephone call from that ad. This year, we did the ads in my last posting. The Estates one was a 1/2 page and the divorce one was a small business card sized ad. We have received numerous telephone calls from both. We have been keeping track, and everybody we talk to seems to like the simplicity of the messages in the ads. We have gotten about 5 new clients from the estates ad, and about 4 new clients from the divorce ad. So far, the increased ad costs have been paid for and then some! I am very pleased about this. And, it has only been a month since the pages were released, so I hope for more in the future. I have also had a number of people call about separate legal issues (i.e. not estates or divorces), which I find really interesting.

New Yellowpages Ad for Letourneau Law

2008-03-10T21:21:00.005-06:00

The 2008 Yellow Pages came out today. My firm tried something totally different this year. We focussed our advertising on two areas of law. The ads are below:

My wife came up with the slogan below. I thought it was pretty funny, and my test subjects thought so too.

We tried to make the message really simple, with lots of white space, and a very clear message. We wanted to stand out from the other ads, which tend to be busy.

Let me know what you think. Thanks. I'll let you know if they prove to be successful or not.

This is one of the really fun parts about a personal practice - it's one big experiment, day after day.

New residence planned for Osgoode students

2008-03-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

Written by Renata Valz, Production Associate, Excalibur online

Wednesday, 5 March 2008

Some students protest residence relocation

York University will be implementing a housing initiative next academic year that will provide a dedicated residence community for Osgoode students.

The new initiative came after Patrick Monahan, dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, did a tour of six American law schools in the fall as part of a renovation plan for Osgoode.

“In the process of those meetings, we realized that a number of law schools had their own residence facilities for law students,” Monahan said.“We were told that this had proven to be a very attractive option for the students and that it had increased the acceptance rate of students accepting offers that were made by the school.”

Upon the dean’s return, he and his team investigated whether a dedicated law school residence would be feasible.

According to Monahan, consultation with students proved favourable.

“The students felt it would be a very desirable option.”

Read the whole article here.

New courtroom drama worth a look

2008-03-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

As played by JuliannaMargulies in the newcourtroom drama Canterbury's Law , Elizabeth Canterbury is impulsive, impetuous and struggling with substance abuse and turmoil in her personal life. She burned through law school in recordtime, awhiz kidwith a bright future in front of her. Now, though, hardened by experience and disillusionment, she feels that future slipping away.

Canterbury's Law has terrific style. It's fast, fast, fast - jumping from frenzied image to frenzied image. There aremore moments in the first fiveminutes than there are inan entire hour of other courtroom dramas.

Anybody seen this new show? Read more about it in the Calgary Herald here.

Behold, UofT's new law school

2008-03-10T21:12:00.001-06:00

When Toronto architect Siamak Hariri was looking for inspiration in designing a law school, he visited the esteemed campuses of Yale and Harvard, along with Columbia University and New York University, some of the top legal institutions in the U.S.

The research bore fruit, as his design was picked over two other firms today, in the bid to build the University of Toronto’s new $60-million law school.

Read the whole article here.

Boy passes law school exam

2008-03-10T21:10:00.000-06:00

An eight-year-old boy with dreams of becoming a judge has passed a law school entrance exam, shocking Brazil's legal profession and prompting a federal investigation.

This is a really sweet little article that makes you wonder :).

Updated online CANS / outlines

2008-03-02T16:42:00.004-07:00

I haven't kept up as well as I should in tracking down law school outlines or CANS. Here's what I know about. I also have a bunch that I collected during my law school years, and I am happy to email them to you upon request.

UVic Law Student Resources—Student Outlines

http://outlines.law.uvic.ca/

Lots of first year and upper year CANS, updated yearly

Queen’s Law Students Outlines Site

http://qsilver.queensu.ca/~lss/outlines/

This was by far the most comprehensive site, with the best quality CANS, in my opinion. However, as of this second edition, it can no longer be found on the Internet. You may want to do some work to track it down, because it was so great when I was in law school

University of Calgary—Women in Law

CANS—http://www.fp.ucalgary.ca/womeninlaw/

A large selection of first, second and third year CANS

UBC Law Students’ Association CANS

http://faculty.law.ubc.ca/cans/

CANS used to be provided on an as-is basis. This was a very good site. However, as of this edition it no longer exists. Perhaps you can track it down with some work

Ed Chan—Outlines

http://www.edchan.ca/outlines.htm

Intended for University of Manitoba Students, but some very useful CANS for every law student

Melanie’s Law Notes http://www.geocities.com/melanie_lawnotes/

A few good sets of notes here

If you have any further sources, please let me know so that I can post them here.

A Sweet Class-Action v. Chocolate

2008-02-25T20:59:00.002-07:00

I heard about this case on CBC the other day, and was really interested to hear the interview with Tony Merchant. Did anyone else listen to that interview? He sure made class action suits sound glamorous, essential and the greatest tool towards social justice.

Taken from Law is Cool:

Eaten chocolate since February, 2004?

Chances are you have. And that might make you eligible for this class-action lawsuit against chocolate manufacturers.

Juroviesky and Ricci filed an action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for violations of the Competition Act and provincial consumer protection acts against major chocolate producers.

CNW Group states,

The suit claims that the Defendants conspired to inflate the price of
their products by 5% or more at least three times during the Class Period, in
violation of a variety of statutes including the Competition Act, and the
various provincial Consumer Protection Acts. Chocolate sales in Canada in 2007 were approximately $1.4 Billion.

Call for Canadian Law School Blogs

2008-02-25T20:53:00.002-07:00

Calling all Canadian Law School Blogs. Are you a current or prospective Canadian law student who blogs? Check out our current blogrole to see if you are listed. If you aren't, please send me your link and I would be happy to add it to Law, Eh? Canadian Law School. Also, if you are aware of any dead blogs on our blogrole, please let me know so that I can keep that list current.

Current blogrole:

Staying Healthy as a Lawyer

2008-02-24T19:54:00.003-07:00

Thank goodness for weekends! Lately, I have been pushing hard, trying to make everything work at the firm, trying to become accredited as a mediator and arbitrator, trying to keep my publishing house on track (we just signed 3 new authors), and coping with having four children. At work , we are trying to focus our practice towards 2 or 3 areas, rather than being a general practice. It's really paying off, especially as we forge strong relationships with business partners. We are also opening up a mediation/arbitration/coaching centre in our law office, and that is really exciting. The world is my oyster, so to speak.

However, all of this takes its toll. I went out for supper a couple weeks ago with some classmates. They seemed genuinely tired of the lawyer life. Long hours, high demands, boredom, difficulty with senior lawyers, etc. My demands are not quite the same. I do have stress, the requirement of a steep learning curve, high customer service expectations, and the challenge of keeping a full staff.

I thought I would comment on how I cope with the stress.

I work as little as possible. For me, that means a 40-50 hour work week, usually closer to the former. I learned early on in my practice that anything more for me, personally, brings with it too high a cost, to health, to mind and to my relationships. When I am at work, I try to work really hard, really fast, and really smart.

I manage my time like a freak! Every morning, I review my week's goals (which I set out on Monday morning). I review my daily affirmations (I have 7 goals that I repeat to myself 3 times each day). I then do up my daily task list, reviewing the previous day's list and accomplishments. I then prioritize that list. Then, I set aside some time to check and respond to emails, to return phone messages, and to get updates or update my staff. Once I am satisfied that the day is set out properly, I start to attack my list. I try to avoid interruptions, using my staff to screen calls, mail, faxes, etc. I try not to move down the list until the top priority items are completed. If I think that an item is just not going to happen, I make a note on my list, and then move on. I review the list at the end of each day (giving myself a grade out of 5), and then try to leave work at work.

I treat staff like gold, or at least the best that I can. Only my wife is more important to my success when compared to my legal assistants/paralegals. They make my world go round. I offer bonusses, flexibility, encouragement, and I share my thoughts, feelings and expectations with them as much as possible.

I do yoga. My wife is a yoga instructor, so that is a huge bonus. I attend her class once as week, and try to incorporate stretching, and some meditation throughout the week.

I sleep! Hardly ever less than 7 hours per night. More often closer to 8. I should try to get to bed earlier, but it's hard with kids.

I exercise. At least 3 times a week, I hit the gym, strap on the running shoes, or do some other form of rigorous activity.

I practice my faith. I go to church regularly. I volunteer regularly. I read uplifting articles, books, and scriptures regularly. I read scriptures and pray with my family every day. I meditate on the larger picture often, praying at least three times each day.

I eat really well. My wife is a fantastic cook. Different members of our family have different food sensitivites or allergies, so we don't eat much wheat, milk or sugar. My kids can't eat sugar, so I eat less as a result. We eat a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc. We eat few saturated fats or "other" foods. We all take our vitamins each day.

I am a very motivated person, not unlike most in the legal profession. Please don't think that my comments above are meant to make me look like like a perfected being. I am by no means near perfection. These things have developed over time. I have failed at each of them on many occassions. However, my intention is to master these things so that I can maintain my health, my career, my sanity, and my family over the next 2-3 decades. My friends do often ask me how I accomplish so much with so many challenges and so little time. It is through this formation of habits, through an attempt towards self-mastery, that I find the energy, the drive, and the love for my life.

The above habits may be beneficial to you as you prepare for law school, as you push your way through law school, or as you establish yourself as a lawyer. I wish you the best of luck.

If there is something that you do to help you cope, please let all of us know. We can all stand to learn something new, positive and helpful.

Law firm looks for lawyers with sales experience

2008-02-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

From Financial Post
Posted: February 21, 2008, 12:23 PM by Jim Middlemiss

Practice Management, Mitch Kowalski

Larry Bodine has an interesting piece about law firm Scholefield Associates, which is seeking a new associate with a sales background for client development. In other words a “sales attorney.”

The firm’s website describes the job opening as follows:

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for the right individual with an outgoing and dynamic personality. If you see yourself more as a rainmaker than you do a litigator, we are interested in your future with us. You will be working under the direction of the firm's business development manager, and be a key player in the firm’s client development and legal marketing activities. We are looking for professionals with experience technical sales, sales engineering, legal marketing, or executive level business development. Previous experience or knowledge of the construction industry is a major plus.

"You will be the first point of contact for prospective clients, so a good first impression is important. You will not let your law school education go to waste as you must be admitted to practice in California, and may be expected to advise clients and attend hearings.

“We are not your typical law firm,”partner, Pam Scholefield, told Bodine, “so we’re not going to follow archaic unwritten rules that say a young attorney’s primary role can’t be a rainmaker.”

Mitch Kowalski
www.mekdds.com

Premier law schools to export talent abroad

2008-02-23T07:20:00.001-07:00

Thinking of applying for an international lawyer job? You won't just be competing against law school graduates from your country of choice. International firms are looking everywhere now to land top recruits.

Read this interesting article from The Economic Times - The India Times called "Premier law schools to export talent abroad"

Producer shows no concern over ‘misogyny’

2008-02-20T15:46:00.002-07:00

Written by Valary Thompson, Sports Editor

Wednesday, 20 February 2008

Some Osgoode students protest lack of apology

Some female students are angered and offended by an Osgoode variety show that featured scenes they are calling misogynistic.

According to the associate dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, Robert Wai, Mock Trial is an annual event that generates funds for charity groups. This year, the event was titled Habitat for Insanity and raised funds for the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre. The variety show took place during reading week on Feb. 15 in Moot Courtroom.

Each year’s show is different, but shares a common theme of comedy.

“It’s kind of a variety show, but also [has] a lot of skits about the law school [and] law school life, almost like a parody or follies,” Wai said.

But despite the show’s comedic tone, second-year Osgoode student Alyssa Brierley is not laughing. This is due to scenes she believed were sexually provocative and degrading to women.

Read the whole article here.

This brings back memories of "Law Show" at the University of Alberta. I never could figure out what all the fuss was about - a bunch of law students making fun of their professors and themselves. Students would put huge numbers of hours into producing this show. I never participated, but apparently it was a great bonding and networking experience. I don't feel too sad about missing out. Most law schools have a similar activity group, usually with the intention of raising funds for a charity.

Let's ditch the battle of experts in court, and just get the facts

2008-02-15T14:54:00.004-07:00

Technical expertise should not come with a viewpoint

James Morton, Freelance

Published: Friday, February 08

TORONTO - Expert witnesses seem a lot less expert these days.

Last week in Ontario we were reminded daily of the miscarriages of justice caused by forensic pathologist Charles Smith -- the many parents and caregivers charged and some found guilty of murdering children, the scores of lives ruined, and families destroyed.

And in August, the Ontario Court of Appeal said that one of its main reasons for acquitting Steven Truscott had to do with the testimony of John Penistan, the pathologist in that long-ago case of rape and murder. Dr. Penistan's official autopsy report stated that 12-year-old Lynne Harper had died soon after Steven Truscott had been seen giving her a ride on his bike, at a time when he would have been by far the most likely killer.

An interesting little editorial on some pertinent law. What do you think about what Mr. Morton has said?

University of British Columbia set to begin construction on Faculty of Law building in 2009

2008-02-15T14:34:00.004-07:00

Here's some exciting law school news:

PATRICIA WILLIAMS
Feb. 15, 2008

Construction is expected to get under way in 2009 on a new Faculty of Law building on the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia.

Designed by the Toronto-based firm of Diamond + Schmitt Architects, the 13,500-square-metre facility is intended to meet the needs of a new generation of law students and legal researchers.

Situated adjacent to the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and framing one of two principal gates into the campus, the building will replace the existing school, currently housed in two aging structures...

The new building provides space for more than 50 faculty members, 600 undergraduate and 100 graduate students. It includes contemporary classroom designs, more student service spaces, a moot court, a larger Law Library and new research spaces...

QUICK TO FIGHT QUICKLAW

2008-02-13T18:40:00.002-07:00

The Law Page

BAR TALK

February 13, 2008

Canada's law schools are rebelling against a demand by QuickLaw that law students pay $50 each next fall, or an estimated $500,000 annually across Canada, for access to its digital repository of case law, statutes and other legal research. In a letter to QuickLaw, an association of Canadian law librarians estimated the charges would be devastating to annual library budgets.

Patrick Monahan, dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, said he is steaming mad about the fee and will move to another digital service if QuickLaw doesn't back down. He said the fee "violates the spirit of partnership of QuickLaw," which was founded in 1973 by a Queens University law professor in collaboration with students and law faculties. QuickLaw was purchased by U.S.-based LexisNexis Canada in 2002.

Hasselback: the merits of JD over LLB

2008-02-13T18:36:00.002-07:00

Posted: February 13, 2008, 3:17 PM by Drew Hasselback Legal News, Drew Hasselback, Law schools

The law school of the University of Western Ontario has written alumni to solicit their views on whether they support changing the designation of the university's law degree to J.D. from LL.B...

Read Hasselback's reasons for switching here. His reasons are really funny. It's great to keep this debate alive. I am personally waiting for the day that U of A writes me to offer me the option of trading my LL.B. degree in for a J.D.

What do you think?

Law students bring black youth together with role models

2008-02-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Aim to increase minority law school enrolment
Feb 11/08
by Maria Saros Leung (email)

In the corridor of the Faculty of Law’s Flavelle House hangs a photo of Ivy Lawrence Maynier, the first woman of colour to graduate from the faculty in 1945.

With few black students and lawyers to look up to, the trail Maynier blazed would have been a lonely one. Today, Moya Teklu and Renee Smith, co-chairs of the U of T chapter of the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA), are making black youth feel empowered to choose law as a career path by connecting them with black lawyers and judges.

See Yourself Here was born out of a lunchtime brainstorming session between Teklu and Smith. The one-day open house held Jan. 19 brought together young black high school and undergraduate students with black legal professionals as a way of encouraging black youth to pursue professional studies at the Faculty of Law.

Read more.

Law society report pushes for end to licensing course

2008-02-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

By Thomas Claridge
Toronto
February 15 2008

A “consultation report” by a Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) task force has recommended scrapping a four-week licensing course that two years ago replaced the law society’s four-month-long Bar Admission Course (BAC).

The Licensing and Accreditation Task Force was appointed last spring with a mandate to make recommendations in three areas: the most effective means by which competency requirements for call to the Bar of Ontario could be achieved; the criteria for approving law degrees, and the impact of rising numbers of law graduates on the viability of the current licensing process.

The report was submitted to the law society’s January Convocation, which approved its dissemination to the profession, law schools and legal organizations to obtain feedback on its findings concerning the licensing process and the related articling process.

Headed by former LSUC treasurer Vern Krishna, the four-member task force noted in its report that the current Skills and Professional Responsibility Program began as a five-week instructional program but was reduced by Convocation to a four-week instructional program in 2007 “after the candidate evaluations indicated a perceived repetitiveness within the learning modules.”

At present, the candidates get 3.5 hours of instruction per day, for four weeks, for a total of 12 instructional days, six assessment days and one reassessment day for those who require it. Attendance is mandatory, and the law society has set aside two full days to conduct each of three assessments during the program.

The task force found that with 1,400 candidates in the process last year, assessments were limited to 15 or 20 minutes plus five to 10 minutes of performance feedback on each activity. The total time spent in and out of class on program requirements was 60 hours.

The report warned that present trends indicate that by 2009 the number of law students wanting to enter the profession will reach 1,730 — an increase of about 30 per cent from last year...

Read the whole article at The Lawyer's Weekly.

University of Alberta Faculty of Law Graduate Buys Edmonton Oilers

2008-02-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten that Daryl Katz was a graduate of the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. This little article from TSN.ca gives a brief bio. It was announced today that he bought the Edmonton Oilers for $200 million.

"Katz, who grew up in Edmonton, attended law school at the University of Alberta and built his family's local business into a multi-billion dollar empire in less than a decade.

"As for his reasons for wanting to buy the Oilers, Katz says... 'I was born in Edmonton, I live in Edmonton and I grew up here with the Oilers during the glory years. I want to own the Oilers because they are Edmonton's hockey team and because I think there is an opportunity, through the Oilers, to do great things for the city.'"

That's pretty cool. I wonder if he really is a "wonderful Edmontonian," as Gretzky is quoted as saying. Gretzky goes on to say, "I know he cares about the city and I think he would be a tremendous owner for the Edmonton Oilers."

He has also committed to contributing $100 million for the building of a new stadium, which should be a good thing for that city.

Canadian lawyers at an advantage in overseas firms

2008-02-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Awareness of cultures leads to success on global legal stage
Margaret McCaffery, Financial Post Published: Wednesday, February 06, 2008

With London surpassing New York in the number of IPOs in 2007, it's no surprise that U.K.-based law firms are hunting for legal talent beyond their shores.

U.K. recruitment of Canadians began in earnest in 1994. Conventional wisdom had it that the chosen lawyers didn't stand a chance of making partner in the massive U.K.-based international firms, where high leverage between partners and associates makes it tough for lawyers to achieve partner status.

Nonetheless, a number of Canadian recruits are bucking the odds and not only achieving partnership status, but playing a prominent role in the success of international law firms.

Great article (continued here). I have three Canadian colleagues who have pursued work outside of Canada and are really enjoying their experience. Perhaps this is another answer to my recent post about the huge influx of law graduates. How's that for a solution? Import lawyers from other jurisdictions, and export our own law graduates. Balance is good, eh?

Bond University - from yesterday's post

2008-02-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post included information that an Australian University accepts 70 Canadian law students each year. The university is Bond University. They have an FAQ for Canadian students. I am hoping that they don't mind that I copy that FAQ here (if they do, they can feel free to write me), but I think it would be very beneficial for those applicants who either cannot get accepted, or choose not to apply to Canadian Law Schools:

Faculty of Law - International Perspective

FAQ'S for Students from Canada

What is the difference between the LLB and the JD?

The LLB and the JD are both professionally recognised degrees. The JD is restricted to graduate entrants; the LLB has no such restriction.
Law has traditionally been taken as a first degree in Australia and ‘LLB’ is the traditional label for that degree. However a number of universities have recently introduced 'JD' degrees for graduate students.

The compulsory law units for the two Bond degrees are the same and students in these units are taught together.

The LLB comprises 32 subjects in total, 19 compulsory law units and 4 compulsory non-law units.

The JD comprises 24 subjects in total, all being law units , with 19 of the units being compulsory. Electives for the JD are taken from the LLM list rather than the LLB list.

Canadians who possess a first degree generally enrol for the JD. It is easy to switch between the degrees in the early semesters.

How much does it cost?

Fees are currently about AU$3,000 per subject (24 subjects). They are adjusted each year.
Residence fees vary depending on the level of accommodation.

Shared accommodation in the vicinity of the University is readily available.
Email: student_residences@bond.edu.au if you have questions.

What are the admission requirements and are there deadlines?

Bond does not operate with fixed cut-offs. That is partly due to its international character, with students coming from many different areas of the world and with different kinds of qualifications.

We seek to maintain the total numbers in the Faculty of Law within the range 600-700. Admission decisions are made on an overall assessment of the application, with prior academic performance being the primary consideration.

In common with other Australian universities, we do not use the LSAT.

There are no fixed deadlines for admission applications. We make our decisions on a ‘rolling’ basis, issuing offers to qualified applicants until all available spaces have been filled. You can apply up to one year in advance.

After I graduate, what do I have to do in order to be eligible to practice law in Canada?

To practice law in Canada, you will need to complete a Canadian bar admission course. To be eligible for a bar admission course in any of the common law provinces (ie excluding Quebec), you will need a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (the ‘NCA’) of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.

The certificate will state that you have education and training equivalent to that of a Canadian law graduate. Application is made to the NCA at the end of your degree at Bond.
The NCA will review your record and prescribe a number of examinations in Canadian law. View the NCA's guidelines.

The NCA makes its decisions on an individual basis, taking account of academic performance. Decisions are made following submission of a final transcript of studies : the NCA will not issue advance rulings.

The major variables affecting NCA rulings include the amount of any pre-law undergraduate studies, the length of the law degree, the amount of any studies undertaken in a Canadian law school, and the marks obtained in the law degree.

Our experience has been that graduates with respectable academic records are commonly required to complete 8 examinations if they have four-year pre-law degrees; 10 examinations if they have three-year pre-law degrees; and 12 examinations if first degree programs have not been undertaken or have been partially completed.

However, many graduates have been required to complete fewer examinations.

How can I take the examinations in Canadian law?

There are two ways of taking these examinations.

You may seek admission to a Canadian law school for this purpose. Places are limited. However, the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law has agreed to try to accommodate Bond applicants.
Alternatively you may take ‘challenge exams’ set by the NCA.

At present the most popular route is the challenge exams. Constitutional Law, which is regularly prescribed by the NCA, can present a difficulty with proceeding via a Canadian law school: openings are mainly in the upper years but Constitutional Law is a first year course in most schools.

In order to overcome this problem, Bond has periodically offered Canadian Constitutional Law, taught by visiting professors from the University of Manitoba and with the course credited by both universities.

How much difference is there between Australian and Canadian law?

The principles and methodology of Australian and Canadian law are similar. The details of statutory provisions and case-law obviously differ but an Australian law degree provides a good basis for taking examinations in Canadian law.

Can I take some of the examinations by going on exchange to a Canadian law school?

Our Canadian students are permitted to credit one semester at a Canadian law school toward their Bond degrees (usually the elective component).

Some students apply directly to Canadian schools for admission as visiting ‘letter-of-permission’ students. In addition, we have a formal exchange program with the University of British Columbia..

Our experience has been that the NCA may make some reduction in its requirements for graduates who have undertaken exchange programs. However, the amount any reduction varies.

Can I transfer from Bond to a Canadian law school?

Some of our students have transferred to Canadian law schools in order to take Canadian degrees, receiving some credit for their studies at Bond.

Several have also managed to complete the requirements for their Bond degrees, receiving some credit for their studies in Canada, so that they have both Canadian and Australian degrees.
Admission to Canadian law schools as a transfer student is competitive. The most common destinations have been University of Toronto and Queen’s University.

Will I be able to stay in Australia and practice law there?

Australian immigration operates on a ‘points’ system. Some points are awarded for having an Australian degree but additional points are required. Several of our graduates have qualified and are working in Australia.

Inquiries about immigration should be directed to Australian Consulates in Canada.

How can I apply?

Students may apply on-line or through one of our Canadian agents:

KOM Consultants
905 3188200
info@komconsultants.com

AustraLearn Canada
1 888 637 4412
studyabroad@australearncanada.org

OzTREKK
1866 698 7355
info@oztrekk.com

This is HUGE! Abolishment of articling eyed

2008-02-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

‘Freight train’ of law grads on horizon
Abolishment of articling eyed
By Robert Todd Publication Date: Monday, 04 February 2008

An amended version of a Jan. 24 motion from LSUC’s licensing and accreditation task force was approved following a lively discussion from benchers, after the release of a report expressing concern that the province’s firms will soon be unable to accommodate hundreds of lawyers seeking articling placements.

The combined pressure of increased intake at Ontario law schools, an influx of foreign-trained lawyers, and the prospect of up to three new law schools in the province could leave many students with nowhere to go following their third year of law school.

“This is a freight train coming down the track and we have to be thoughtful, creative, and mindful of the size of this train,” task force member and Bencher Laurie Pawlitza told Convocation. Pawlitza noted the task force’s findings that the current demand for approximately 1,300 articling spots is estimated to rise to 1,730 by 2009 — a 30 per cent increase.

“I urge Convocation to think about the difference between being unable now to place about 50 students, and being unable to place about 300 students, 400 students,” she said.

This article (read the whole article here) has all kinds of really cool information that I had no idea about...such as an Australian law school that accepts up to 70 Canadian law students each year...had I only known!!

Please, provide your comments on this very interesting issue. Imagine...abolishing the articling year for Canadian law school graduates.

Hillary Clinton’s years at Yale Law School shaped her

2008-01-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

By MATT STEARNS

McClatchy Newspapers

NEW HAVEN, Conn. | All that Hillary Rodham Clinton would become — all that still inspires her allies and enemies — emerged during her years roaming the Gothic buildings of Yale Law School.

She helped edit a journal that included cartoon police-pigs and that published a self-aggrandizing essay by a Black Panther who had been convicted of murder. Yet she also helped calm a politically inflamed campus.

She nurtured an interest in using the law to aid the needy — especially children — that remains integral to her politics, but which opponents use to pummel her values.

She projected an intelligence that impressed many but that could be cool and intimidating.

She met fellow student Bill Clinton and developed the first stirrings of a unique partnership that has already made American history — and that she hopes will make more.

Read more.

Landry does it again at Montrealer's constitutional law conference

2008-01-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

By P.A. Sévigny, The Suburban

With some overblown rhetoric worthy of his now infamous description of the Canadian flag as a “red rag”, former provincial premier and PQ leader Bernard Landry did it again during a recent Quebec City constitutional law conference.

During a heated and sometimes emotional debate about the 1982 repatriation of the British North America Act, Landry paralleled former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau’s description of Canada’s new constitution to Adolf Hitler’s description of the “1,000-year Reich!” During a speech delivered to law students at the conference, Landry began the quarrel when he quotedthe late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau as having said “This constitution will last 1,000 years.”

Read the whole article here.

Obama the Law Student

2008-01-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool photo of Barack Obama in 1990 when he led the Harvard Law Review.

AMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 23 —

By JODI KANTOR

Published: January 28, 2007

The peers who elected Barack Obama as the first black president of the Harvard Law Review say he was a natural leader, an impressive student, a nice guy. But in the 1990 Revue — the graduating editors’ gleeful parody of their elite publication — they said quite a bit more.

“I was born in Oslo, Norway, the son of a Volvo factory worker and part-time ice fisherman,” a mock self-tribute begins. “My mother was a backup singer for Abba. They were good folks.” In Chicago, “I discovered I was black, and I have remained so ever since.”

After his election, the Faux-bama says, he united warring students into “a happy, cohesive folk,” while “empowering all the folks out there in America who didn’t know about me by giving a series of articulate and startlingly mature interviews to all the folks in the media.”

Read the whole interesting article here.

The Average Law Student...After Law School

2008-01-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how many lateral moves amongst former classmates that I have witnessed since graduating from law school. There seem to be very few of them who have remained at their original summer or articling firm. A few have gone overseas. Others have gone in-house. Many others have switched firms, or even gone solo. This after only 3 years! I had expected that many of them would have remained stuck in their articling firm, climbing the partnership ladder. This was the line that we were fed throughout law school, and this was the prevailing attitude during bar admission courses.

I think we are seeing a breakthrough in those prevailing attitudes, with new expectations. I'm not talking about the cliche Generation X or Generation Y attitudes. I am talking about expectations attached to opportunity. Opportunities about, and nobody seems to want to be left behind. A Canadian Law School degree is more than just a road towards a partnership at a major Canadian law firm. The borders are opening up, the 0pportunities to use a legal education in business, government, non-profit, military, and elsewhere are abundant.

Most of my friends are becoming their own man/woman. Law can be a pretty solitary career. There's lots of time to brood about greener pastures. I am letting go of that old addage that says that you should chew your cudd in one field until you can tell whether you like the cudd. That's not to say that I am ready to jump ship. For me, it's about focussing my practice areas, and broadening my skillset to include such things as mediation and arbitration. I am also remembering how much I love to build businesses, and am enjoying those amazing opportunities in running a law firm, a publishing business and an alternate dispute resolution business. It's really fun to grow.

What are you doing with your law degree?

Toronto lawyer fined in cheating scandal

2008-01-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Paid ‘thousands of dollars’ for papers By Robert Todd | Publication Date: Monday, 28 January 2008

A Toronto lawyer was recently fined $10,000 by the Law Society of Upper Canada for selling course work to a York University MBA student for “thousands of dollars.”

Shane Smith was reprimanded by a law society hearing panel last month for conduct unbecoming a student licensee. He was given one year to pay the fine and an additional $1,000 in costs.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Smith acted contrary to parts of the Law Society Act when, while he was an articling student, he “provided and sold papers, which he and another student member had researched and written, to M, who was then a student in the MBA program at York University’s graduate school of business, with the knowledge that the papers would be submitted to the graduate school of business as M’s work.”

The student who received the course work is not named in the statement of facts.
Smith, 31, who currently works for IBM Canada Ltd., was called to the bar in July 2004.

But while the LSUC decision pertains to Smith’s activities while he was articling and M was an MBA student, documents obtained by Law Times show the scandal reached back to their law school days...

Read the whole article here. It never ceases to amaze me what people will risk...their entire career sometimes.

Among the abortionists

2008-01-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Kay: Among the abortionists Posted: January 28, 2008, 11:39 AM by Jonathan Kay
National Post: Full Comment

Abortion is the one subject on which otherwise tolerant, open-minded people cannot agree to disagree. If you truly believe that life begins at conception, then what happens in Canada’s abortion clinics and wards approximately 100,000 times every year is, quite literally, a species of genocide. If you take the opposite view — that a fetus is a component of its female host without legal rights or human identity — then your opponents will strike you as nothing but ignorant misogynists. That is why we have precious little “debate” on the subject of abortion. Instead, we have sloganeering by two distinct and mutually hostile ideological tribes.

On Friday, Canada’s pro-choice movement convened what could best be described as a convention of tribal elders — middle-aged and elderly champions of the movement, including Henry Morgentaler, whose victory in the Supreme Court of Canada served to dismantle the entire criminal-law regime surrounding abortion 20 years ago today.

The University of Toronto Law School’s “Symposium to Mark the 20th Anniversary of R. v. Morgentaler” was an odd event. On one hand, it was organized by, and sponsored by, the law school’s own faculty — and so took on the superficial trappings of a normal academic symposium. But since not one of the 15 abortion doctors, scholars, writers and politicians who spoke took a pro-life stand, or even dealt in any serious way with pro-life arguments, the event was actually more of a pro-choice pep rally. On the few occasions when the existence of a pro-life camp was even acknowledged, it was invariably dismissed as a cadre of retrograde zealots plotting to undermine the Charter of Rights and Freedoms...

Read the whole article here, and leave your comments. This is a really interesting topic.

More on the Macleans Rankings

2008-01-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

The McGill student newspaper has a good commentary on the Macleans rankings, although they question not only the elements that went into those rankings but the merits of rankings themselves where there are so few law schools.

Most of the criticism that I have read focusses on two considerations: the ranking of faculty by Canadian citations only, and the ranking of students by Lexpert-ranked "elite" firm hiring. Both are, I think, valid criticisms that probably speak to an unfamiliarity with Canadian legal (and Canadian legal academic) culture.

Posted by Russ Brown on October 11, 2007 at 05:17 AM in Law School Issues | Read the entire post here

Faculty of Law | University of Alberta | Faculty Blog

Faculty of Law PhD Program Approved - University of Alberta Faculty of Law

2008-01-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.law.ualberta.ca/News--Events/News.php?news_id=118

The University of Alberta Faculty of Law’s proposal to establish a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law program was recently approved by Minister of Advanced Education and Technology Doug Horner, further enhancing the Faculty’s reputation as a top-tier national law school.

Prior to approval, the program proposal went through a rigorous process including an internal review where the program received overwhelming approval from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Council, the Academic Standards Committee, and the Academic Planning Committee. The Campus Alberta Quality Council—an arms-length quality assurance agency that makes recommendations on applications from post-secondary institutions seeking to offer new degree programs in Alberta—then reviewed the proposal and made the recommendation to Minister Horner.

The PhD program will give candidates a unique opportunity to study select areas of law in considerable detail. Involved in a wide range of leading legal research, faculty members can supervise graduate students in many subject areas including the Faculty’s well-known strengths in health law, corporate/commercial law, public international law, aboriginal law, criminal law, and legal theory.

More information on the program will be released shortly.

Answer expected next month on LU's law school proposal

2008-01-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tb News Source
Web Posted: 1/24/2008 7:32:10 PM

Lakehead University has moved one step closer to establishing what could be the seventh law school in the province if their proposal for the former Port Arthur Collegiate Institute is successful.

LU has re-submitted its proposal to the Law Society of Upper Canada hoping to get approval for a new school that would house 150 students once it was fully operational.

Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert said Thursday the re-submission was requested by the Law Society which asked for more details on proposed course information. Gilbert says he expects the new proposal will be up for consideration in February.

An audit shows that close to $4 million worth of renovations is required at the PACI and if approval is granted, the school could be operational by fall of 2009.

David Asper founds Centre for Constitutional Rights with $7.5 million gift

2008-01-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Recent alumnus David Asper (LLM '07) has made a $7.5 million gift to the law school to establish the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights. David's gift is the largest contribution ever made by an individual to a law school in Canada. It will have a transformative effect on educational opportunities for students at our law school, and will play a vital role in articulating Canada's constitutional vision to the broader world.

Read the press release (PDF)

Read a brief biography of David Asper (PDF)

Watch the announcement of the gift at a special event held at the law school

This guy is amazing!

The need to change constantly

2008-01-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

I never knew how important it would be to be flexible as a sole practitioner lawyer. The market is constantly changing. One day, there is a great need for litigation. The next, it is a strong real estate market. The next, people are dying, and everybody remembers that they need a will. The next, people are on fire to start up companies and need a lawyer to get them started. The next, companies are buying each other out, merging, or liquidating. The next day, forclosures are the big thing.

I am learning, with some time and effort, that it is impossible to keep up, and the the importance of choosing some key areas of focus. I have started to narrow my focus areas, and it is feeling good. I am attracting a broader client base as a result, and am able to provide better service to those key area clients.

At first, I was afraid that I would have to try to be everything to everybody, but I have learned that this is impossible, and not economically or chronologically feasible. It is too hard to start from scratch from one file to the next. I am appreciating the feeling of developing a particular expertise in the areas of real estate, wills and estates and divorce law. These are to become the bread and butter of our practice. I am also focussing a lot of time on mediation and arbitration training and marketing. Focus is good. Focus is safer. Focus is financially sound.

Law school for Seagram site?

2008-01-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Proposal being floated among RIM co-CEO, Laurier, UW

TheRecord.com
January 11, 2008
TAMSIN MCMAHON
RECORD STAFF
WATERLOO

The former Seagram lands in downtown Waterloo are being touted as a potential location for a proposed law school.

Jim Balsillie, co-chief executive officer of Research In Motion, has been in talks with both the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University about a potential partnership to open a law school on the site at Erb and Caroline streets, said John English.

Becoming a Mediator and Arbitrator

2008-01-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while. Christmas kept me really busy with family committments.

Then, in the New Year, I decided to become accredited as a mediator and an arbitrator, so I have been really busy with that. It's an exciting new development in my legal career. I'll write more about it soon, as you may find it interesting or inspiring.

ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) has become a lot more mainstream in the last 15 years or so, and continues to make inroads with the public, the courts, and with lawyers. More on that later.

Law students: drop LLB for U.S.-style JD

2007-12-07T16:26:00.001-07:00

From Western News

By Paul Mayne
Thursday, December 6, 2007

With an eye to international employment, Western Law students have voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing their degree from LL.B. to J.D. (Juris Doctor), matching similarly named degrees at U.S. universities.

The J.D. designation is typically regarded as a professional degree, requiring an undergraduate degree as well as a law degree. Outside of Canada, in countries such as the UK and Australia, it is possible to enter an LL.B. program directly from high school. Students feel J.D. would facilitate international employment...

Read more here, and give us your comments on this changeover that more schools are adopting these days. Thanks!

University of Toronto Law school gets a boost

2007-12-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

Businessman and lawyer David Asper has donated $7.5-million to establish a centre for the study of constitutional rights in his name at the University of Toronto's faculty of law.

This was from the Globe and Mail site (click here). Unfortunately, you have to pay for the stupid article (I hate that! $5 for an article!), so I don't know the details. Anybody else out there know more? Please comment.

Law, Eh? Canadian Law School

The Going Rate

Tips for lawyers re-qualifying in Canada

Law School in Canada vs. USA

LU Law School coming soon

Expansion is good, but it hurts

Business is booming for legal clinic

Top Five Canadian Law Schools Rank Same as 2008

Law school alumnus gives back to university

Think twice about going to law school - firm chairman says

Silverberg realizes long-held dream

Law school at Thompson Rivers University

Phony degrees put Osgoode law school on high alert

Related Content

Soldier does battle in courtroom

Law school launches police accountability and complaints program

A recent email exchange about billable hours for lawyers

Reforming young offender laws won’t enhance public safety: academics

Writing Lags in Law Schools

PM bypasses hearing, appoints N.S. justice to Supreme Court

York law student caught with fake degree

LU's law-school dream could take step forward

Getting that first law job

Mediation should be emphasized in law school - all law schools

The power of emotion in advertising

Critics clash over role of law schools

Ted Roger's Funeral Today

NY lawyer arrested for impersonation

Critics clash over role of law schools

Back in the Saddle

Gilbert says LU not giving up on law school plan

Province lays down the law

Ontario won't fund proposed law schools

Olympic hungry

Good reading makes a good lawyer

Senior Will & Estate Planner

www.AlternativeLawJob.com

Leaving the Law

Women In Law: Bucci serves community and piles up accomplishments

The Attorney Multipass

Goodbye to Robin Penker

Hands off LSAT students' fingers

An update on my life

Blasphemy law should be repealed

Ontario schools compete for law faculties

Ottawa law students file complaint over Facebook

Billions of dollars hang on Canada court's BCE hearing

Queen's law grads to receive new designation

Bachelor of Laws degree will no longer be issued by the university

Posted By BY JANE SWITZER, FOR THE WHIG-STANDARD

LLB VS. JD - As it Happens - CBC

Law grad goes the distance

Doctoral student bestowed with award from Trudeau Foundation

Laurentian studies law school

Career shift offers fresh start for federal prosecuter

Isaac Lidsky to Become First Blind Supreme Court Law Clerk

Aboriginal Law Student Scholarship Trust Launches in Vancouver

UBC and HKU forge law school alliance

A little heavier reading for while you are in class

New law school a step closer to reality

Native judge named to lead healing forum

Law firms do the math - outsourcing

Running low on lawyers?; Attracting attorneys to Peterborough a tough sell

Posted By GALEN EAGLE

Peterborough Examiner - April 19, 2008

Law society should still teach ethics, say critics

Revised proposal for LU law school being reviewed

Results of the Yellow Pages Ads

New Yellowpages Ad for Letourneau Law

New residence planned for Osgoode students

New courtroom drama worth a look

Behold, UofT's new law school

Boy passes law school exam

Updated online CANS / outlines

A Sweet Class-Action v. Chocolate

Call for Canadian Law School Blogs

Staying Healthy as a Lawyer

Law firm looks for lawyers with sales experience

Premier law schools to export talent abroad

Producer shows no concern over ‘misogyny’