OCTOBER 2007
volume 19, number 5
The Family Relations Act Review “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” – Yogi Berra
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n February 2006, the Ministry of Attorney General announced a wholesale review of the Family Relations Act. The first year was devoted to research. This year has been set aside for consultation. Your Branch has been in the forefront of that effort, working to inject the perspective both of lawyers and of the clients we represent. Fourteen discussion papers have been released, in three phases. The first was largely concerned with property. Phase Two tackled definitions of custody and guardianship, access enforcement, views of children, and family violence. Phase Three addressed support and relocation issues, definitions, and limitations. All are available at http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/legislation/. Family Law Sections across British Columbia have heard submissions and made representations on Phase One. They will remain involved in the process. In addition, an FRA Review Working Group was struck to make submissions on behalf of the Branch. Phase One submissions were completed on June 15th. Phase Two submissions were just completed September 7th. The submissions for Phase Three are due on December 15th. Despite the unfortunate timing of Phase Two, during the summer your Working Group members have made extensive submissions on both statutory and procedural reform. They also conducted a survey, distributed through the
www.cba.org/bc
CBABC e-mail and website facilities, to gain wider feedback from our membership. Survey highlights are published on the CBA website under Publications at: http://www.cba.org/bc/cba_ publications/surveys/default.aspx. The survey has proved an invaluable resource. Some of the recommendations of the Working Group include: • moving away from “custody” toward “parenting responsibilities”; • increasing the emphasis on, and resources for, input from children; • providing specific remedies for access enforcement; • promoting an effective and balanced approach to family violence; • procedural reforms for resolving disputes as quickly and efficiently as our present resources will allow; and • emphasizing the crucial role of courts, lawyers, duty counsel and collaborative practice. The full text of these and earlier submissions are published online under Initiatives/Submissions. This has been an exciting time for law reform. New paths are opening before us almost every day. The CBABC is committed not only to helping government choose the right ones, but to participate in blazing those trails on behalf of our members, the profession, and the public. BT
OCTOBER 2007 UP FRONT
4 5 6 8 10
From the President
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Executive Committee 2007/2008
GUEST CONTRIBUTORS
National News | Events Sections Practice Talk by David J. Bilinsky
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Top Eight Things You Need to Know About “Online CLE Courses” by Kenneth Armstrong
Nothing Official
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Seven Lawyers Appointed Judicial Justices of the Peace
by Tony Wilson
by Hunter Gordon
On the Web
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A Day in the Life of an Overseas Lawyer
by Chris Lee
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What’s At Risk When Your Lawyers Aren’t Happy?
by Patricia Jordan
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 14
FEATURED THIS ISSUE
Executive Director
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volume 19, number 5
Acts in Force
IN THE BACK 22
Calendar
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Member Services
25
Bar Moves
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Partners | Membership Continuing Legal Education Society The Law Foundation of B.C.
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Classified Ads
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by Gary Mitchell
Continuing Legal Education
Health & Wellness TIPS Breathing When feeling stressed, become aware of how you are breathing. Under pressure, many of us become shallow breathers. Take a few moments to breathe deeply, unclenching tightness in the shoulders and tension in the neck and back. Breathing in relaxation and breathing out tension – a mantra to remember! uuu
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BARTALK October 2007
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch 10th Floor, 845 Cambie Street Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5T3 Tel: 604-687-3404 Toll-free (in B.C.): 1-888-687-3404 bartalk@bccba.org
BarTalk is published six times per year by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch. BarTalk Senior Editor Jesse Tarbotton BarTalk Editor Deborah Carfrae Staff Contributors Fran Hodgkins Jennifer Weber Editorial Board Chair David Dundee Editorial Board Members Paul Arvisais James M. Bond Nicole Holas Jack Micner Pamela Murray Gurminder Sandhu Barinder Sanghara Dierk Ullrich Craig Watson Barry Zacharias © Copyright the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association 2007. This publication is intended for information purposes only and the information herein should not be applied to specific fact circumstances without the advice of counsel. The Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch represents more than 6,000 B.C. members and is dedicated to improving and promoting access to justice, reviewing legislation, initiating law reform measures and advancing and improving the administration of justice.
BarTalk Publication Sales Agreement #40741008
LEGAL AID INITIATIVES BENEFIT LAWYERS AND CLIENTS – MARK BENTON (VOL. 19, No. 4)
Send your Letters to the Editor to: Jesse Tarbotton, BarTalk Senior Editor Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch Fax: 604-669-9601 Toll-free fax: 1-877-669-9601 E-mail: jtarbotton@bccba.org
As a family practitioner, I read Mark Benton’s column last issue with two minds. Firstly, I applaud the recent reforms of the LSS and its dedication to improving service delivery. On the other hand, a chill runs down my back when I read that LSS will still support legal representation for clients “when that’s what they need.” What does this mean? In recent weeks, the AG has quietly changed the mandate of legal aid. Previously, the first object of the society was to “assist low income individuals.” Now, the mission is to facilitate access to justice for all, and the society is called on only to “identify and assess the legal needs of low income individuals.” Despite their proximity in the dictionary, “assistance” and “assessment” are two very different things. I hear the happy talk coming from LSS and the AG’s office, but I wonder: Do these initiatives really herald new opportunities for lawyers and their clients, or do they mark the beginning of the end for legal representation to needy clients in exchange for some glorified information service? Mr. Benton makes it sound like a party, but after Christie, my question is this: Are we being invited to an inauguration, or a wake? – David Dundee LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE (VOL. 19, No. 4) Letter sent to Frits Verhoeven
I wish to express my sincere thanks on receiving your letter of the 29th of June, 2007 recognizing my participation in the Lawyer Referral Service from January to May of 2007. I certainly have no problem, whatsoever, in taking on any further requests for the Referral and have never found it any kind of problem. I am pleased to tell you that I have never had any complaints from either the persons who administer the program, or from any persons who had sought out the advantage of your service. Finally, I thank you personally for taking the time to acknowledge the service for those who have supported, what I do believe, to be a valuable concession to the public that would exercise the confidence that they have in organizations such as yours. – Dennis Dallas Dallas & Company
October 2007 BARTALK
from the president
KenNETH WaLton
Advocating for a Worthy and Honourable Profession
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balls. A local reporter wrote that thank you for the privimy client’s suit had failed, when in lege of leading you over the fact it had been adjourned to add coming 12 months. I will a party. That night the celebrating do my best to promote the beer leaguers attended the diamond interests of our worthy and and in a drunken huff treated the honourable profession. tenants to a barrage of bottles and Speaking of the latter, lawfoul language. When court resumed yers have taken something of a with affidavit material exhibiting beating over the past few months the inaccurate article and a dozen by members of the fifth estate. letters from offended tenants, coun“Lawyers are Rats” screamed the Kenneth Walton sel for the municipal commission cover story on a national magaPresident 2007/2008 agreed that the diamond would be zine. While having my cheese, I B.C. Branch removed to its former location. read the lead article. What I found Canadian Bar Association I’d like to say that this particuwas, of course, gross distortion. lar example of inept journalism is an exception to the Our profession was vilified by a few sensationalist rule. Sadly, in my experience, more often than not, it stories which were said to be a proxy for lawyers as a is the norm. whole. It was like someone taking the very few sucI could go on about Neanderthalic pieces written cessful medical malpractice suits as representative of about our judges being soft on crime. I could write about the standard of medical practice generally. ill informed media types who criticize a judge’s ruling In the “West Wing,” fictional White House that our border guards do not dwell in a Charter free Communications Director, Toby Ziegler advised zone. I could rage on about open mouth radio where fellow staffer Josh Lyman never to get into a fight the object seems to be to stir listeners into a frenzy by with someone who buys ink by the barrel. While that spouting outrageous distortions on legal issues and then was no doubt wise advice, the result is that the press asking listeners to comment. has the freedom to distort with “Our profession was vilified In the end, it is the duty of little consequence. Tragic stories like the defaby a few sensationalist stories each and every one of us to write letters to the editor, or otherwise mation of a good and honest which were said to be a proxy inform our fellow citizens that Deputy Attorney General (Vogel for lawyers as a whole.” our judges generally do a good v. CBC (1982), 35 B.C.L.R.7 – see job and the application of this or that law is not as is especially paragraphs 260, 262, 284 and 285) illustrate distorted by the press. what an enormous chore it is to correct a wrong We can do little about journalists who are made by a media giant. inaccurate. The best that we can hope for ourselves Sometimes pitifully poor reporting is an advanis to provide our fellow citizens with timely, cortage to lawyers. Years ago my client was unhappy rect information, so that they will not be misled into with a recently activated ball diamond 60 feet from believing that Canada’s very good rule of law is poor. his apartment building. Beer leaguers preferred to Keep up the good work. I wish you success in urinate in his parking garage and thought nothing of your professional and personal endeavours. BT damaging his windows or his tenants’ cars with foul
BARTALK October 2007
CAROLINE NEVIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This Fairy Tale is True
Professional development will not be optional
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nce upon a time, in The LSBC Lawyer Education a town not far from Committee will be releasing its here, lived a lawfinal report soon. I strongly advise yer who believed you to read it – watch your Benchers that mandatory CLE was only a Bulletin or check in regularly on fairy tale…. www.lawsociety.bc.ca. The good Gentle readers, believe it or news is that all of your familiar, not, you have already been told easy ways of gaining professional (several times) that professional development hours will remain, development (PD) requirements including CLEBC’s award-winare soon to be introduced. The ning programs, CBABC Sections Caroline Nevin Law Society has taken every opporand PD programs, and CBA Executive Director tunity in its Benchers Bulletin, National Online CLEs. B.C. Branch website and local bar meetings to CBABC Section activities Canadian Bar Association bring this important message to give you easy-bite chunks of the profession. And yet, I meet relevant, up-to-date info in your very few lawyers who seem to be aware of this fields of law. You get one free Section with impending change. your CBA membership, extras are only $25, The Law Society’s message has been clear: and online Section Papers, teleconferences and B.C.’s lawyers are overdue in joining the rest of minutes come free with that enrolment. One or the major professions that require lifelong (or two Sections, a CLE course, and you’re meeting at least career-long) learning. Within 15 short your PD requirement for the year. And it doesn’t months, every lawyer will be required to parmatter where you live; many Sections are teleticipate in a mandatory number of hours of PD conferencing or holding their meetings by Web activity each year. seminar and CLEBC has made a big technology Are you ready? investment (with Law Foundation help) to shrink The first thing you will want to know is “how the distance between any B.C. lawyer and CLEBC’s many hours?” The likely answer is 12. There is exceptional speakers, resources and courses. The a debate underway about whether two of those CBA National Conference (Quebec City in 2008 and hours must be specific to “professional responsiDublin in 2009) and our Branch Annual Conference bility, ethics, client care and relations, or practice (this November in San Francisco) offer the added management.” While no-one would argue against bonus of attractive destinations and big networking these important topics, one or more of them is opportunities to build your contacts and business woven into almost every PD program; it while learning. seems artificial to separate them out in order to Take a moment to find out more about the Law say a lawyer has “met” a specific requirement. The Society’s mandatory PD requirements and consider CBA has asked the Committee to consider this how the CBA can help you meet them. This fairy matter further. tale can have a happy ending, but only if you prepare. Remember…the smart little piggy built his house of The second thing you will want to nail bricks well before the wolf was at the door. BT down is “what type of activities will count?” October 2007 BARTALK
national news | EVENTS
Meet the New National President The new president of the CBA says his priority is to provide pragmatic approaches to improve the practice of law, in particular through the CBA’s Conflicts of Interest Task Force. Bernard Amyot, of Heenan Blaikie LLP in Montreal, is also committed to increasing CBA membership among women, younger lawyers and francophones. That commitment is at the centre of the CBA’s new five-year strategic plan, adopted earlier this year. “We can build even greater accomplishments if we have a larger and more robust membership, fully supportive of our goals,” he says, adding that more francophones should be involved in the CBA. Bernard Amyot received the chain of office at the CBA’s Canadian Legal Conference in Calgary in August. Bernard Amyot President 2007-2008 Canadian Bar Association
News release uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/News/2007_Releases/2007-08- 13_president.aspx Full biography uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/Info/Main/president.aspx
CBA Calls for Khadr to be Turned Over to Canada The CBA has urged the Prime Minister to negotiate with the American government for the immediate release of Canadian Omar Khadr from Guantanamo Bay. In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the CBA called Khadr’s detention “an affront to the rule of law,” adding that the 20-year-old should be turned over to Canada to be dealt with under Canadian law. The letter noted that Canada is the only Western country with a citizen still being detained at Guantanamo Bay. Both Australia and the U.K. have repatriated their citizens. News release uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/ News/2007_releases/2007-08- 12_omar.aspx Letter uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/ submissions/pdf/07-43-eng.pdf
BARTALK October 2007
Recognizing Excellence The CBA recognized the exceptional achievements of its members through 13 awards presented during the course of the Canadian Legal Conference in Calgary from August 12-14. The awards recognize contributions in areas such as human rights, equality, journalism and more. • Donald J. Manderscheid, QC, wins John Tait Award • J. David O’Brien, QC, wins R.V.A. Jones Award • Justice John Gomery receives Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award • Lisa D. Belcourt wins Young Lawyers’ Pro Bono Award • Tamara Kronis receives CBA SOGIC Ally Award • El-Farouk Khaki receives CBA’s SOGIC Hero Award • Justicia Awards presented for Legal Reporting to The Canadian Press and filmmaker John Kastner’s • Margaret Ostrowski, QC, wins Touchstone Award • David Matas wins Tarnopolsky Award • Nicolas M. Rouleau wins Viscount Bennett Fellowship • Former Ontario Hon. Chief Justice Roy McMurtry wins President’s Award • Lorne Waldman receives CBA Louis St-Laurent Award • Ari N. Kaplan and John Swan win Walter Owen Book Prize Full details on winners and awards: uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/calgary2007/main/awards.aspx
national news | EVENTS
Conflicts Task Force Begins Consultation Phase The CBA’s Task Force on Conflicts of Interest begins a busy round of consultations this fall, both within and beyond the CBA. Branches, Sections, Conferences, and Committees will all be canvassed for their views. Created last June, the task force includes lawyers from all areas of practice and firm sizes, as well as an ethicist who is a liaison from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, a law society insurer and a conflicts expert. It will offer a progress report in February 2008 and anticipates a final report in August 2008. Details uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/groups/conflicts/
Resolution Would Improve Access to Justice A motion passed by CBA at the Calgary 2007 Canadian Legal Conference last month aims to improve access to justice by middle and low-income Canadians. The CBA is calling on all levels of government to zero rate the GST/HST on legal services and pay fair compensation to legal aid lawyers. Moved by Robin Bajer of Miller Thomson LLP in Vancouver, the resolution says governments should stop using the justice system as a source of government funding and instead invest time, money and energy in the justice system to bring access to justice to the people of Canada. 2007 Resolutions (requires CBA member number) uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/resolutions/2007res/Default.aspx
CBA Calls for Debt Relief for Law School Graduates In response to an alarming trend toward dramatically increased tuition costs for law school, the Young LawyersCBA and Branch presidents are asking governments to defer interest and loan repayment until the end of articling and Bar admission programs. Noting that loan programs vary from province to province, have not kept pace with increases in tuition that are a reality for most law students, YL-CBA past chair Annette Horst says the situation is further exacerbated when students graduate from law school and are required to repay loans and interest immediately, although they are not yet earning professional income. The letters follow a CBA resolution passed in 2006. Preliminary responses to the campaign have been positive.
CBA PracticeLink: Top Five Trial Blunders and How to Avoid Them Litigation is challenging. High-profile litigation is doubly challenging. This month on CBA PracticeLink, trial and technology consultant Ted Brooks draws on his experience in several high-profile trials to share the top five problems that can arise and how you can prevent them in your cases. Plus, read the second in the series of excerpts from Ed Poll’s More Secrets of the Business of Law – Opening Your Own Office: What Will It Cost? Also new on CBA PracticeLink: • • • •
Drop Your Hook Where the Fish Are: Market at Trade Shows Law Firm Fitness Benefits for a HealthConscious Generation Reducing Law Firm Overhead Costs Quick tips on marketing, financial management, client services and more.
All this and much more uuu http://www.cba.org/practicelink
Canadian Bar Review Online: Issue 1, Volume 86 (2007) The following are among the articles and book reviews now available online in the current issue: • Return of the Undead: Fundamental Breach Disinterred by Richard F. Devlin • Family Law as Fundamental Private Law by Robert Leckey • Inside and Outside Canadian Administrative Law: Essays in Honour of David Mullan Reviewed by Gerald P. Heckman Visit Canadian Bar Review online uuu http://www.cba.org/cbr
October 2007 BARTALK
sectionS
Section Update Keep your practice current
The following are brief summaries of several recent Section meetings held throughout the province. More detailed information, minutes, and Section Papers from the Section meetings are accessible online at www.cba.org/bc for enrolled CBA members. Employment Law Meeting: June 27, 2007 SpeakerS: Nazeer T. Mitha, Harris and Company; Simon Kent, Kent Employment Law Topic: Employment Law – The Year In Review
there are hundreds of outstanding extradition cases. With hearings and appeals, each case takes on average up to five years to process. Mr. Delbigio, who practises criminal law, said that extradition law has shifted of late. Where the requesting state provides a disclosure package, the requesting state now certifies the evidence is “available for trial.” Defence counsel doesn’t get all that is in the hands of the requesting state as disclosure, but only that which is relevant to committal, and this is narrow. The following considerations decide if there is a sufficient case: Is the evidence otherwise admissible under Canadian law?; Is the record of the case certified as required by the Act?; Have the documents been provided?; and, Is the evidence from the person sought reliable and relevant to whether there is a prima facie case?
Nazeer T. Mitha reviewed various cases of significance this past year, emphasizing several decisions where employers were successful in establishing just cause. He provided a paper on New Developments in Just Cause and Constructive Dismissal to members at this well-attended meeting. Simon Kent discussed several recent Employment Standards Act cases, two of which were Colak and Holland, and both of which have significant implications for the employment Bar. He also noted that the Director of Employment Standards will not enforce judgments and will not allow the parties to enforce the judgments themselves on the basis We’ve that the judgment belongs to Listened! the Director. Criminal Justice – Vancouver Meeting: May 16, 2007 SpeakerS: Jeffrey G. Johnston, Counsel, International Assistance Group, Department of Justice Canada; Greg Delbigio, Defence Counsel Topic: Extradition – Latest Developments
Your comments on teleconferencing of Section meetings were taken seriously, and phones have been upgraded to improve sound quality. Try attending an upcoming Section meeting outside your area by teleconference. Check the Section Calendar online.
Mr. Johnston provided members with a handout entitled Latest Developments in Extradition Law. The Extradition Act implements Canada’s treaty obligations. The extradition process begins when a foreign jurisdiction requests the release of an individual, currently in Canada, because that individual could be charged or sentenced in the foreign jurisdiction. In Canada,
BARTALK October 2007
Legal Research Meeting: June 20, 2007 SpeakerS: Catherine Best, Boughton Law Corporation; Teresa Gleave, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Topic: Update on Electronic Research
Catherine Best demonstrated some of the features of the recently-revised CanLII website, providing suggestions for getting the most out of this free service. A regular presenter to the Section, Ms. Best listed some of the new developments at CanLII such as: board and tribunal decisions have been separated from court decisions; the advanced search page allows limitation by jurisdiction, by level of court, and by tribunal type; partial citations can be searched; and, provincial legislation appears in a single document. Teresa Gleave presented a short
review of the new Quicklaw and discussed some of its features and changes, a few of which were: legislation can be browsed in a Folio type format; search histories and recently-viewed documents are stored for up to 48 hours; and new invoicing options which can charge back at rates or a percentage, and can sort, or delete charges for specific transactions. Commercial & Real Estate – Vancouver Island Meeting: June 7, 2007 Speaker: Angus Izard, CA, CGA, CFP, Partner of Cameron Hoggard Izard Snell, Professional Accountants Topic: Tax Implications with Different Ownership Structures for Owning High Value Second Properties
This Section meeting appealed to a broad group of solicitors. Mr. Izard’s PowerPoint presentation focused on the tax implications of different ownership structures for owning high-value second properties. He specifically included Canadians owning foreign properties, family cottages, and recreational properties, as well as foreigners purchasing Canadian properties. Mr. Izard’s discussion included the legal and tax perspectives of rapidly increasing second property values as a result of the scarcity of vacation properties and retiring baby boomers.
Maritime Law Meeting: May 24, 2007 SpeakerS: Brad Caldwell, Caldwell and Co; David K Jones, Bernard and Partners Topic: Update on the status of the proposed new Fisheries Act; Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals
Brad Caldwell provided an update and general overview on the status of Bill C-45, the proposed new Fisheries Act. This Bill amounts to a comprehensive rewriting of the entire 138-year-old Fisheries Act. He distributed the unanimously approved Report of the Fisheries Sub-Committee, which is to be delivered to the CBA National Maritime Law Section and to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans by the Section Chair, Tom Hawkins. Mr. Caldwell then commented on the interesting issues raised in this Report. David Jones discussed specific points of interest regarding the Pollution Prevention Regulations, in force May 16, 2007. These included the prohibited discharges and authorized discharges of sewage and different pollutants, such as oil, noxious liquid substances and dangerous chemicals, and the definition of the waters to which the Regulations apply. Discussion ensued regarding the strict sewage discharge regulation and its effect on pleasure craft operation. BT
Section Chairs
SPOTLIGHT Cori McGuire The Family Law – Okanagan Section members are kept current and up-to-date due to the work and dedication of Co-Chairs Cori McGuire and Valerie Bonga. Throughout each year, six or seven Family Law – Okanagan Section meetings are held in Kelowna including joint meetings with the ADR – Okanagan Section. Ms. McGuire attended two national Family Law Section meetings this year representing and reporting activities of all B.C. Family Law Sections. Ms. McGuire will continue her role as the B.C. representative for another year. Ms. McGuire is actively involved in the CBA Family Relations Act Review Committee and with the Legal Services Society’s Duty Counsel program.
October 2007 BARTALK
Practice Talk
david j. bilinsky
Having Your Say
Crafting your own presentation…
In the day In the night Say it all Say it right
the audio files for later listening. Think of them as online CLE’s that you launch for your potential clients that are both informative and can help market your experiWords and music ence and background in your choby Nelly Furtado, Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley and sen area of practice. Furthermore, Nate “Danja” Hills, recorded podcasts have a “long tail” since by N. Furtado the time and effort in developing one is fixed, yet it can be downDavid J. Bilinsky is the Practice good way to market loaded and viewed by hundreds if Management Advisor for the your practice is to do not thousands of potential clients. LSBC. E-mail: daveb@lsbc.org a live presentation And of course, Google and Blog: www.thoughtfullaw.com before an interested others who follow legal blogs spigroup of people that you can then der and list your site and your nurture and develop into clients. However, the numpodcast, thereby helping to spread the news… ber of venues for live presentations are not all that What’s in it for viewers or listeners? Convenience is numerous and the audience may want to hear about a big factor. Downloading a podcast means being able to a topic that doesn’t quite fit in with your business listen to the presentation anywhere, anytime. If audio, strategy and plan. Since the presentation takes place it can be listened to on an iPod or other player hooked “live,” it will be limited to those who can attend up to a car’s stereo or through headphones on the drive in the same place and time. What is an enterpristo work. If video, the viewer will require a computer or ing lawyer to do? The answer is: Create his or her a video iPod or similar device. But once on the device, own custom presentation that can be hosted on the the listener can see it on their schedule. Another facWeb and made available 24/7 for download by any tor is random access; the presentation can be played, interested potential client for viewing on the client’s paused, fast-forwarded or rewound at any time. own time and schedule. Furthermore, the client If you develop this type of content regularly, you already knows your website (having downloaded the can incorporate an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) presentation) that contains credentialing and contact feed into your website, so that interested persons info on how to reach you, whether in person, by will receive updates of new podcasts on your site telephone, e-mail or fax. automatically. This means that people subscribe to How do you do this? The lawyer podcast. and receive updates on your content! Virtually every Podcasts are on-demand presentations (which can browser, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer has be audio or both audio and visual) in the form of add-ons that incorporate an RSS feed that allows MP3, iTunes, Windows Media or other files that can subscriptions. So does Google Mail and other cusbe downloaded from the Internet and then loaded tomizable sites. Or you can download an RSS client onto appropriate computers or players for listening to subscribe to and monitor your RSS feeds. or viewing 24/7. The term “podcast” is originally On your side, you will need a podcast client as derived from Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod porwell as the hardware and software to create, edit table musical player, upon which people download and produce your podcast. You will also have to
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BARTALK October 2007
decide whether to do an audio podcast or an audiovisual one. The former is easier and requires less production work; the latter can be very effective as it delivers a “head-shot” as well as other visual elements (such as PowerPoint slides, graphics, sounds and video) that can enhance your podcast. The choice of format may also influence your product, as iTunes and QuickTime offer enhancements over an MP3 file, for example. Is there anything that you should read before launching into a podcast? Certainly, one of the best resources is a distinctly Canadian legal guide to setting up your podcast found at: http://www.creative commons.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/ podcastinglegalguideforcanada.html. This is a “must read” as it delves into copyright as well as other legal issues in and around podcasting. Are other lawyers doing this? While this is still a new phenomenon, some rather big names in the Canadian legal community are jumping on this Internet bandwagon. For example, Osler’s podcasts can be found at: http://www.osler.com/resources_landing.aspx? id=10366 and Gowlings can be found at: http://www. smithlyons.ca/ohslaw/index_PodCasts.asp. Lest you think that podcasting is only for the larger firms, smaller firms are also podcasting. http://estatelaw.hullandhull.com/2007/01/articles/ audio-podcasts/podcasts-hull-on-estates/hull-onestates-podcast-41-the-waters-law-of-trusts-in-canada/ is a smaller Canadian estate and trust firm that has launched podcasts. The SLAW (a cooperative Canadian weblog on legal: research, information, technology, miscellany, etc.) community of legal bloggers – a very respectable group in the Canadian legal community – have posted the podcasts that they would recommend at: http://www.slaw.ca/2007/08/28/ any-podcast-listeners-out-there. The CBA has incorporated podcasts onto their CBA PracticeLink pages. Find their podcasts at: http://www.cba.org/cba/PracticeLink/podcasts/. The Legal Services Society of B.C. has podcasts on family law issues. These can be found at: http:// www.familylaw.lss.bc.ca/resources/podcasts.asp. http://www.llrx.com/features/techpodcasts.htm features a very good online article on law and technology podcasting and discusses many American podcasts on the web.
And of course, if you wish to find out more about podcasting or any of the latest innovations in legal technology, you can attend the Pacific Legal Technology Conference on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel and Resort in Vancouver. This will be a full-day of concurrent sessions divided into tracks such as: Solo and Small Firm Track (with such sessions as “Law Office Technology for 2008: The Best of the Best on a Budget”), the Tips and Marketing Track (where you can catch a session entitled “Podcasts, Websites and Google”) and the Applications Track (featuring sessions on Adobe Acrobat as well as Dragon’s Naturally Speaking). Tracks such as the Implementation Track and the Administrators and Managing Partner Track delve into the issues of how to successfully integrate technological changes into your firm. Lastly, the e-Discovery and Litigation Track deals with all the changes that have occurred in litigation courtesy of technology, including Electronic Evidence Best Practices as well as Bringing Technology to Court. You can check out the full program, distinguished speakers and registration information at: www.pacificlegaltech.com. Once you have crafted your podcast, then the web will allow you, in the day and in the night, to say it all and say it right.... BT The views expressed herein are strictly those of the author and may not be shared by the author’s employer, the Law Society of B.C.
October 10, 2007 The Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, B.C. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Top rated ABA Tech show speakers join forces with B.C. legal technology leaders to bring you a world class technology program focused on Leadership, Technology and You. More info uuu http://www.pacificlegaltech.com/
October 2007 BARTALK
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nothing official
BY Vancouver Franchise Lawyer
Law Firm Names in the Age of Google
For more buzz, name your firm after a celebrity. For more Google hits, change yours!
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ne of the perks that than the Preston Manning firm. It goes along with being could also offer a line of clothing a franchise and tradeon the side through the firm’s webmark lawyer is that I site. In the same vein, Vancouver seem to act for more restaurateurs lawyer Jim Spears could merge than anyone else in the province. with Alberta lawyer Paul Brittany I draft (or review) their franchise to form Brittany Spears and live agreements. I vet and register their off misdirected Google hits. Every trademarks. And despite my advice time the real Brittany Spears got for them to see branding experts in the paper for shaving her head about their business names, they or doing something bizarre (every Vancouver Franchise Lawyer seem to rely on me for this, perhaps day, I suppose), they’d get called practises Franchise Law with because I speak English good. Thus for interviews on Entertainment Boughton. He is the lawyer I have named at least five restauTonight! Alternatively, you could previously known as Tony Wilson, and has yet to tell his rants in Vancouver during my long simply recruit new lawyers based wife and children about their and uninsured career as a wanna-be solely on last name combinations. new last name. branding guru. Many of you will Just make a offer to Max Pink and have eaten in “my” restaurants, but Harry Floyd, tell them they’ll be as there is no wall plaque celebrating my achievements, named partners in a new firm called Pink Floyd. my life’s part-time work goes largely unnoticed. But why hire a Pink and a Floyd when you don’t Of late, I have been helping lawyers re-brand. have to? To get more media buzz and to elevate your This involves words, names, image, spin, BS, and all ranking in Google, don’t change the firm name. those ephemeral things branding guys get paid for, Change yours! If celebrities like Bif Naked, Prince, but lawyers don’t. Often, I suggest strategic mergSting and Faith Popcorn can sacrifice their previers to give law firms a more recognizable name. ously dull and boring names on the altar of business For example, if Vancouver lawyers Bruce Preston promotion and buzz, why can’t you? and Gavin Manning combined their real estate and I for one am changing my name from Tony patent practices together under one roof (an unlikeWilson to Vancouver Franchise Lawyer. Not only ly merger, I’ll admit), they could call themselves will people in the office have to call me Mr. Lawyer Preston Manning and get free publicity every time (“Oh… do call me by my middle name, ‘Franchise’”), the founder of the Reform Party got on television. but by changing my name like this, I’ll slant Google’s Better yet, if Vancouver lawyer Mark Hilton search algorithms, get more “hits” from clients lookmerged his practice with Ontario lawyer Neil Paris, ing for a lawyer in my practice area and get the firm not only could they create another National Firm in prize for “wackiest marketing idea of the year.” Canada (Lord, do we really need another one?) but I may not be the first though. Apparently, some they could call it Paris Hilton and get instant publicof my colleagues are planning to change their names ity every time the nonebrity hotel heiress got in the from something droll and forgettable to “Really newspaper, appeared on a grainy Internet sex video, Excellent Lawyer,” “Tough Family Lawyer” and or got thrown in jail. The Paris Hilton firm could “Winning Criminal Lawyer.” appeal to a hipper, more celebrity driven clientele I can hardly wait for the family reunions. BT
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BARTALK October 2007
PATRICIA JORDAN
ON THE WEB
Are Web-based Applications Right For You?
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eb-based applicadocument or spreadsheet. Anyone tions or webapps who has been invited to edit or view are applications a file can access it upon signing in. that are accessed Files can be viewed and edited by through web browsers over the multiple people in real time and can Internet or an intranet. They are be organized by dragging and dropincreasing in popularity as they are ping a document into a folder or updated and maintained without folders. Files can be posted to your distributing and installing software blog or published online as a web on computers. Webapps are used page that can be viewed by a few to implement calendars, e-mail, people or the world. Google adheres Patricia Jordan is the CBABC information managers, online retail to the US Safe Harbor privacy prinWeb Manager. She welcomes sales, online auctions, spreadsheets, ciples. For more information visit your comments, questions weblogs, webtops, word processors, www.export.gov/safeharbor. and suggestions. Tel: 604-646-7861 and many other functions. Has your browser been E-mail: pjordan@bccba.org Webapps allow you to access hijacked? data from anywhere 24/7, and If your computer’s Internet browser suddenly changreduce overhead costs for system maintenance. Parts es as to how and what is displayed when you surf of a web application can be hosted in different the web, then you could be a victim of a “browser locations on multiple machines to prevent server hijacking.” Hackers use this common form of online overload. Application security can be centrally manattack to take advantage of improperly secured sysaged. Depending on the type of application, users tems to install malicious software that can monitor pay a monthly or yearly fee for use of a software your Internet use, build a profile of your habits, and application without having to install it on a local impede your computer’s performance. Other common hard drive. A company that provides this type of indicators of a hijacking include the inability to naviservice is known as an application service provider. gate to specific websites for security and anti-spyware Google Docs & Spreadsheets software, multiple pop-ups, redirection to a variety Google Docs & Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) is of unsavory sites, and new shortcuts that appear on a popular resource for free webapps. With Google your favourites menu. webapps, you can create basic spreadsheets and These attacks differ from spyware attacks in that documents with bulleted lists, columns, comments, victims usually have not downloaded a program, but formulas, fonts, tables, and more. Google accepts have inadvertently allowed the addition of a web toolbar most file formats, including DOC, XLS, ODT, ODS, or a change in home-page settings. Some steps that can RTF, CSV, and HTML. Files can be saved to your be taken to protect a computer from these attacks are: computer in a variety of formats and are automati• installing a firewall and antivirus/spyware software cally saved to Google’s servers to prevent data loss. • using automatic software updates Google allows you to share files by providing a list of • installing the latest version of your browser e-mail addresses for people with whom you wish to share • using the “Trusted” sites zone. BT a file. You send an invitation via e-mail to access your October 2007 BARTALK
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
ACTS IN FORCE
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to you in this article but the information should not be relied upon. Lawyers should refer to the specific legislative or regulatory provision. You will see a reference in some cases to the number of the Bill when it was introduced in the House. This number may be different from the chapter number of the new Act which is quoted after the title of the Act and which is the proper citation for the Act. The Bill number has been given to make it easier for you to note up the Bills you may have in your library.
CURRENT FROM JULY 4 - AUGUST 28, 2007 Legislative Update is provided as part of the CBABC legislative and law reform program. It is a service funded by CBA membership fees, and is therefore provided as a benefit of CBA membership. The full version of Legislative Update is now only published online, available to CBA members exclusively at www.cba.org/bc.
acts in force FORESTS AND RANGE STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2007, S.B.C. 2007, C. 18 (BILL 18) Section 22 is in force July 19, 2007. Sections 73 and 80 are in force July 26, 2007
Proposed New Rules of Civil Procedure The Proposed New Rules for Civil Procedure of the British Columbia Supreme Court have now been released by the Civil Rules Drafting Jim Vilvang, QC Group of the British Columbia Justice Civil Justice Reform Working Group member Review Task Force (“JRTF”). The Task representing CBABC Force was formed in 2002 with the goal of making the justice system more responsive, accessible, and cost effective. In 2004, the JRTF established the Civil Justice Reform Working Group (“CJRWG”). Jim Vilvang, QC was the CBABC’s representative on the CJRWG. In 2006, JRTF released a report, Effective and Affordable Civil Justice, containing recommendations including changes to the Supreme Court Rules to better ensure that cases could be dealt with justly, and pursuant to the principles of proportionality. After receiving input from many groups, including the Civil Justice Report Special Committee, the Civil Rules Drafting Group went to work. The results of their efforts, the Proposed New Rules of Civil Procedure, are posted on the JRTF website: www. bcjusticereviewforum.ca/civilrules. The JRTF invites comments from everyone. The CBABC is currently reviewing the draft and plans to make submissions. The deadline for comment is October 31, 2007. It is intended that the new rules will be implemented by early 2010. If implemented, these rules will have a profound effect on the conduct of civil litigation in B.C. for many years in the future. This is your opportunity to be heard. BT
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BARTALK October 2007
PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2007, S.B.C. 2007, C. 27 (BILL 24) Section 4(b) is in force July 19, 2007
??? Let Us Know What You Think
BarTalk is published six times per year, and sent to the entire legal profession in B.C. With so much information available in print and online, we want to be sure that we continue to keep BarTalk relevant. Is there a topic you think we should cover? Do you want to submit an idea or article? Let us know! E-mail: bartalk@bccba.org
KENNETH ARMSTRONG
GUEST
Top Eight Things You Need to Know About “Online CLE Courses”
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nline education has resources referenced. The Small been prevalent in the Firm Practice course, which is academic communities mandatory for some lawyers, for decades; however, includes testing components. online courses seem to be just Now that you know what’s availcoming into their own in continuable, here are a few hints: ing legal education across North 4. When participating in CLES online conferences, you need America. Of course, there is much to use a different phone line more to online legal research than for your phone than for your online courses, but that would be a computer. On a related note, if topic for another column. Today, Kenneth Armstrong is a you are still using your phone we offer up eight things you need New Westminster lawyer, line for your Internet connecto know about “online courses.” with Cassady & Company, and tion, we strongly recommend Online continuing education member of Provincial Council. either ADSL or cable Internet. contains many forms, including Connectivity is the key! but not limited to: 5. The CLES website does not say you must pay 1. The Continuing Legal Education Society (“CLES”) provides real-time online access to separately for each person attending at a given its courses. Unfortunately, as yet this does site. Canadian Defence Lawyers teleconferencnot include real-time video streaming. Rather, es permit unlimited attendance per enrolment these conferences are described as “real time fee at a given site. Please ensure you respect all events that take place using a telephone confercontractual and intellectual property obligaence call and your computer.” You listen to the tions you may have with the CLE providers. lectures over your phone, while watching the 6. CLES “Online OnDemand” will allow you to choose when, and even where, you take the power point presentation on your computer. course. Once you purchase the course, you will The papers are also available online. have a specified period of time to view the course 2. CLES will shortly introduce “Online OnDemand”: pre-recorded CLE courses you – they allowed three months during testing. You can access 24/7/365. These online repeats will can watch an hour at a time or a presentation at feature the lectures and synchronized a time; and, you can pause the course when you PowerPoint presentations, with course mateneed to refresh yourself or your coffee. rial available as well. Some courses may have 7. CLES “Online OnDemand” will also allow you to pick and choose which presentations a video component. Unfortunately, the roll-out you want to see and which you would prefer has been delayed from summer, 2007 to January, to skip. Have you ever been to a CLE where 2008 (tentatively). there was that one presentation you just wish 3. The Law Society has two online courses on their website, Small Firm Practice and Building you didn’t have to sit through? Your Practice. These are much less demonstra8. Online Courses are available to Windows users and Mac users. The CLES website does not say tive courses, consisting of “concise modules” of whether Linux users can access their courses. BT online written material, with optional additional October 2007 BARTALK
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guest
hunter gordon
Seven Lawyers Appointed Judicial Justices of the Peace
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n July 2007, lawyers Until now, JJPs Brad Beer, Edward have been primarily Bowes, Anna-Maya former court services Brown, Brian Burgess, workers employed Hunter Gordon, Tim full-time as JJPs. Holmes and Debra Padron These seven lawyers were appointed as judiare the first appointIn July 2007, seven lawyers (pictured left to right), cial officers of the B.C. ments under the new Edward E. Bowes, Hunter W. Gordon, Tim Holmes, Provincial Court. These requirements. They Debra Anne Padron, Bradley D. Beer, Anna-Maya lawyers are the first of a new work part-time as JJPs S. Brown and Brian R. Burgess, were appointed as model of Judicial Justices and are authorized to judicial officers of the B.C. Provincial Court. of the Peace (“JJP�) who continue to practise began sitting this summer in law in areas which do the Provincial Court. They were appointed by not conflict with their duties as JJPs. They are Order in Council as Justices of the Peace under paid a per diem rate. The 2007 Judicial Justices the Provincial Court Act and designated as Judicial of the Peace Compensation Commission has Justices of the Peace. just completed its triennial review and has made JJPs are officers of the Provincial Court. Their recommendations to the provincial government for current duties, assigned by the Chief Judge, are to JJP remuneration for the three year period beginning hear applications by telephone and video for search April 2008. warrants and judicial interim release (bail) from These new appointments are the vanguard of a every part of the province. Much of this work is pernew collaborative initiative being developed by the formed at a Justice Centre located near Metrotown Ministry of Attorney General and the Provincial in Burnaby. These hearings are conducted in eightCourt to remove unscheduled bail hearings from hour shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some the courtroom and move them to a centralized and of the JJPs perform these hearings from offices in video-supported process to serve the whole province. their homes. JJPs also hear ticket violation offences, The process will likely begin with a pilot project in mostly offences under the Motor Vehicle Act and other the near future. In time, as the experience with the provincial statutes, and under municipal bylaws, and new JJPs grows and with the new model of part-time conduct small claims payment hearings in provincial legally trained JJPs, other functions now carried out courthouses around the province. only by Provincial Court judges may be assigned by The creation of this new model of JJP followed the Chief Judge to JJPs. a project by the Provincial Court to review the tasks The Office of the Chief Judge is actively recruitassigned to JJPs and to review the effective discharge ing additional candidates and anticipates that in total of the workload of Provincial Court judges. As a as many as 25 will be appointed. Lawyers who are result of these reviews, the Judicial Council changed interested can contact the Office of the Chief Judge at the minimum standards for candidates recommend604-660-2864 or access the Provincial Court website at http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/ for a link to ed for appointment as a JJP to include a law degree with a minimum of five years as an active practising further information. BT member of the Law Society of B.C. 16
BARTALK October 2007
CHRIS LEE
GUEST
A Day in the Life of an Overseas Lawyer
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he daily work routine calls to accommodate them. You of overseas lawyers in know the exchange rates of the terms of general work major regional currencies to the scope and practice U.S. dollar. The transactions you is not as distant to that of their work on and the people involved colleagues in North America as are multinational, multicultural their geographic distance is to the and multilingual. In Asia, while homes they have left behind. It is English is still the international that geographic distance and the business language, Chinese is comcorresponding foreign environmonly spoken in business circles ment and circumstances in which in a number of markets. There overseas lawyers must learn to Chris Lee began his legal is undeniable value to possessing career in Vancouver and it operate that, more than anything second language skills, not only has led him on three transelse, distinguishes practice overfor facilitating direct communiPacific moves, most recently seas on both the professional and cations but equally importantly back to Asia to join Fidelity personal level. for the cultural awareness and International as its Head of One basic circumstance is knowledge that is inherently Legal Services in Taiwan. that you are a guest in a foreign gained from learning the language country on a more or less perof that culture. manent basis. This is of no small significance to Working overseas, particularly in Asia, one is both your work and personal life and, imporfaced with differing legal systems at differing stages tantly, to that of any family members who may of development that are constantly changing (or be accompanying you (the happiness of your need to) to keep up with the growth, development family being, of course, inextricably linked to your and change in the markets they regulate. own physical and mental well-being!). There are Playing a part in that development through professional qualification and licensing considerlobbying can be a prominent facet of overseas ations – to what extent and what type of law can practice involving leveraging knowledge and you practise in the particular jurisdiction? There are experience in legal and regulatory systems in cultural and language differences that can leave you other jurisdictions. feeling very much an outsider. There are lifestyle Interpreting the law and the legal and regulatory considerations – can you find those products and environments for clients could be considered a foods that you’ve come to know and love or are you basic part of any lawyer’s job. For an overseas going to be bringing an empty suitcase with you lawyer, this involves interpreting different legal every time you go home for a visit? The environment systems for both clients and regulators, interpreting and weather can be key factors (“It was typhoon time different cultures and practices, and interpreting in Taipei…”). different languages, all in a very dynamic and Your clientele or company operate internationdiverse environment. ally, and so must you. Your clock is the world clock A day in the life of an overseas lawyer is always – world time zones are second nature to you and interesting and challenging, inevitably frustrating and so are early morning and late night conference demanding, but ultimately extremely rewarding. BT October 2007 BARTALK
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guest
GARY MITCHELL
What’s At Risk When Your Lawyers Aren’t Happy?
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hey leave! What does now working in an area he loves that cost you? What and serving clients he likes. He can be done to keep is happy, bringing in tons of new more lawyers happy work and has turned his career and thereby lessen attrition? around. His firm fully supported While this article alone cannot him through this transition and is possibly provide all the answers, now reaping the rewards. it does offer some suggestions Identify natural leaders and derived from working one-to-one groom them to take on more menwith lawyers from first year call torship and associate development. right through to 30 year veterRewarding your “star” performers ans, and from a cross section of Gary Mitchell is the managing with leadership responsibilities director of GEM Communications practice areas. doesn’t necessarily translate to Inc., a preferred supplier to the Where do you start? I believe effective leadership. Provide them B.C. Branch of the Canadian it starts at the recruitment stage. with leadership training, or idenBar Association. He serves on Set real expectations for your tify only naturally talented leaders. the board of directors for the prospects starting in the interview Your associates will be a lot more Legal Marketing Association, and paint a clear picture of what motivated and happy to work with Vancouver Chapter as the the culture is. That way you are real leaders and stay. Chair of the Marketing and more likely to attract the type of Create more flexibility in your Media Committee. candidates who will stay and serve work environment. The needs of Gary can be reached at your long term needs. Adopt a “no lawyers are changing. You don’t www.gemcommunications.ca surprise” policy. have to recreate the wheel here. From day one, support the Just as the corporate world has had growth and learning of your team and don’t let them to move to create flexible working conditions, like it fend for themselves. For instance, if you are asking or not, so too must the legal industry – and fast! your lawyers to develop business of their own, then Reward good behaviour. If you are going to give them the adequate training to succeed. The expect different or changing actions, then those cost of providing this form of support is not only actions must be met with reward. Compensation is grossly overshadowed by the business they bring in, an issue that is talked about a lot, but how much it doesn’t even begin to compare to the hundreds of is changing? Good behaviour must be rewarded in thousands of dollars a firm loses when they lose a order to sustain and support it. qualified lawyer. Where and how do you start? How do you make Help your lawyers create or align with a changes in order to support the needs of your lawpractice that interests them. As you are developing yers and keep them happy? Start with the willing. your associates, make sure they are in a practice area Strategically, select a handful of lawyers and help that they are suited for and enjoy, and if not, help them to develop new habits and skills. When the them get there. I had one client who was ready to results appear, and they will, senior management is pack it in after five years. He decided to give up his more likely to listen. BT litigation practice and start over as a solicitor. He is 18
BARTALK October 2007
Continuing Legal Education
CBA at the Forefront of Online CLE
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t’s a brand new world of continuing legal education and it appeals to lawyers for all the right reasons: it’s convenient, less expensive, and far less time-consuming than the traditional in-person programs. Welcome to online CLE, which is rapidly emerging as the future of lawyer education – and the CBA is at the forefront. The CBA’s online offerings this year have been wildly successful. A seminar on The SCC on Privilege presented by Mahmud Jamal drew 343 delegates from across North America; a repeat presentation, offered by popular demand, attracted another 244. More than 1,300 registrants in total attended online sessions offered in 2006-2007. Online CLE, “can be suitable for any area of law,” says Marisol Miro, chair of CBA’s national Continuing Legal Education Committee and in-house counsel with the Ordre des dentistes du Québec. “It’s interactive in the sense that you can ask questions and go to web links given [by the speaker].” A number of programs offered last year were of particular interest to law students – Surviving Your Junioring Years, Drafting Better Pleadings and Business Law Boot Camp. Although students currently represent roughly five per cent of participants, there’s no doubt online CLE appeals to young lawyers, with 55 per cent of participants called to the Bar within the last 10 years. The benefits are huge in terms of time savings. Online CLE delegates don’t have to sacrifice billable time or fight through traffic to attend an in-person event. And lawyers outside urban centers can access top-quality presentations without giving up whole days to drive, train or fly to the nearest city. Participants simply log in from their desktops, using their phone line to access the audio portion of the program and following along with a PowerPoint presentation on screen. Here’s what one enthusiastic participant had to say: “At the moment I am a stay at home mom and I haven’t yet articled, although I’ve completed my degree. This conference (Drafting Better Pleadings) was fabulous since I could stay somewhat in touch with the legal world AND be at home with my son. I hope there will be more like it soon!” For more information about the CBA’s online CLE offerings, please visit http://www.cba.org/cba/cle.
Site Jour CLE du Online
National CLE Online Fall 2007
TOPIC: Update on Conflicts DATE: November 27, 2007 11:00-12:30 ET Speaker: Terry O’Sullivan and Paul Michell (both from
Lax O’Sullivan Scott LLP in Toronto)
TOPIC: IP Primer DATE: December (Date and Speakers TBC) For information, please contact Aviva Rotenberg at the CBA National office (613) 237-2925 or 1-800-267-8860, ext. 188, or by e-mail at avivar@cba.org
CBA National Fall 2007 Continuing Education Lineup TOPIC: CBA Annual Fall Conference on Competition Law DATE: October 11-12, 2007 LOCATION: Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau, Que. For information, please contact Carole Roussel at the CBA National Office, (613) 237-2925 or 1-800-267-8860 ext. 107, or by e-mail at caroler@cba.org
TOPIC: Law Firm Leadership: Tools for the Successful Canadian Law Firm
DATE: October 14-16, 2007 LOCATION: Delta Centre-Ville, Montreal For information, please contact Kim MacDonald at the CBA National Office, (613) 237-2925 or 1 800-267-8860 ext. 161, or by e-mail at kimm@cba.org
TOPIC: Military Law Conference Date: October 24, 2007 LOCATION: Ottawa For information, please contact Tracy Antochi at the CBA National Office, by phone at (613) 237-2925 or 1-800-267-8860 ext. 186, or by e-mail at tracya@cba.org.
TOPIC: CBA National Administrative Law and Labour and Employment Law Conference
Date: November 16-17, 2007 LOCATION: Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau, Que. For information, please contact Kim MacDonald at the CBA National Office, (613) 237-2925 or 1 800-267-8860 ext. 161, or by e-mail at kimm@cba.org. BT October 2007 BARTALK
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FEATURE
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Executive Committee 2007/2008 BRANCH PRESIDENT F. Kenneth Walton Ken Walton (Saskatchewan Bar 1973; B.C. 1975) has held numerous offices in many organizations including: past Chair of the Victoria Wills and Trusts Section (CBA); Rotary (President, Assistant District Governor; co-founder of a Rotary Club); President K-40; Chair, Cedar Hill Park Preservation Committee; Kinsmen President and National Convention Committee Secretary; boards of the Victoria Bar Association, Oak Bay Lodge Society, Goodwill Enterprises and the Victoria YM/YWCA (secretary). Years ago Ken was a non-com and later a junior officer in the Canadian Army reserve. Ken’s practice is chiefly personal injury plus wills and estates. PAST-PRESIDENT Frits E. Verhoeven Frits Verhoeven is a partner in the Vancouver law firm of Edwards, Kenny & Bray LLP, where he practises civil litigation. Born in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, in 1956, and raised in B.C., Frits obtained degrees in commerce and law at UBC. After articling with Edwards, Kenny & Bray LLP, he was called to the Bar in 1983. He was managing partner of the firm from 1997 to 1999. Frits was elected to the CBABC Provincial Council in 1999, and re-elected in 2002. He has served on the Branch Executive Committee since August 2003.
VICE-PRESIDENT/ELECTED MEMBER VANCOUVER Miriam Maisonville Miriam Maisonville (B.C. Bar 1986, Alberta 1991) practises with the Ministry of Attorney General, Appeals and Special Prosecutions. Miriam practised civil litigation and criminal defence prior to joining the Ministry. A member of the CBA National Council, she has chaired numerous CBA committees, the Vancouver Criminal Section, and the National Conference of French Speaking Common law members. Miriam has authored numerous papers and publications including chapters for the CLE’s Annual Review of Law and Practice, and Introducing Evidence at Trial. SECRETARY-TREASURER/ELECTED MEMBER VANCOUVER James M. Bond James is an Associate Counsel at Lang Michener LLP. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, franchising and distribution, privacy and technology. James is ranked as a “Leading Lawyer” by the legal publication LEXPERT, and was named one of the “Best Lawyers in Canada” for 2007. James has been a member of Provincial Council since 2004, and is a former member of the Executive of the Vancouver Bar Association. He was also Chair of the Continuing Legal Education courses on Franchising (2001) and Privacy (2004 and 2005). 20
BARTALK October 2007
OFFICER/ELECTED MEMBER VANCOUVER Arlene H. Henry, QC Arlene H. Henry, QC, solicitor, mediator, arbitrator, instructor and coach was called to the Bar in 1986. Her solicitor’s career has evolved to focus extensively in the aboriginal law area, including recent participation in self-government implementation and treaty negotiations. She has been mediating since 1998 in civil and family law. Arlene was elected to the Provincial Council in 2005 and the Executive in 2006. She is the current Chair of the CBA Member Dispute Resolution Committee. She has been the Law Society appointment to the City of Vancouver Building Permit Appeal Board since 1999. OFFICER/ELECTED MEMBER VANCOUVER Michael R. Dunn Michael R. Dunn (B.C. Bar 1993; ON 2005) is an enthusiastic volunteer. From 2002 until 2006, Michael R. Dunn was the Chair of Membership, member of the National Membership Committee of the CBA, member of the CBABC Legislation and Law Reform Committee, and member of the CBABC Law Week Committee. He is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, and member of National Council. In 1993, he founded the Vancouver Law Firm of Dunn & Company where he specializes in complex civil litigation. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY/ELECTED MEMBER PRINCE RUPERT Linda D. Locke, QC Linda D. Locke, QC, barrister & solicitor, was called to the B.C. Bar in 1989. Linda, member of the Sto:lo Nation, began working at the Upper Skeena and Legal Assistance Society (USCLAS) in 1994 as the managing lawyer. Despite losing all its funding in 2002, Linda’s dedication to providing access to justice enabled the USCLAS to carry on as a Law Centre. In 2003, Linda received the CBABC Community Service Award for the County of Prince Rupert and in 2007, she was appointed Queen’s Counsel. OFFICER/ELECTED MEMBER NANAIMO Stephen G. McPhee Stephen began his legal career in South Africa and was called there in 1997. His law degree was earned at the University of Stellenbosch, situated in the heart of the South African wine lands, which makes his successful academic performance there even more impressive. He immigrated to Canada in 1997, obtained his Canadian legal accreditation in 2000, and was called to the Bar in B.C. in 2002. Stephen is a partner with Ramsay Lampman Rhodes in Nanaimo and practises general, commercial and civil litigation, personal injury and family law. He has a special interest in ADR. YOUNG LAWYERS OFFICER Marika Giles Marika Giles was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2002 and B.C. in 2003. She has a general civil litigation practice, working part-time with Conkie & Company while also maintaining a freelance practice easing the workloads of other leading litigators. Marika joined the Executive of the Young Lawyers-Lower Mainland Section in 2004 and became Co-Chair in 2005. In 2006 she was acclaimed as the Young Lawyers Officer. Marika serves as Executive Liaison to the B.C. Law Week and Membership Committees, and serves on the National Communications Committee. Born and raised in Montréal, Marika is fluently bilingual, and sits on the Board of the AJEFCB. October 2007 BARTALK
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CALENDAR
2008 Lawyer Show Looking for Volunteers The 2008 Lawyer Show needs volunteers! Be on the stage or help out behind the scenes! Volunteers are needed to help out with this great community event. Your time and energy would be greatly appreciated.
CBABC 2nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE San Francisco, California November 16-17, 2007
We need help with marketing and sponsorship – so come and be part of the behind the scenes activities! Contact Joyce Johner at B.C. Securities Commission jjohner@bcsc.bc.ca.
Details uuu http://www.cba.org/BC/pdf/events/
cbabc_conference_11_17_07.pdf
Lawyers Seek Dramatic Improvement A course presented by a professional Vancouver theatre company is proving to be very popular with members of the Vancouver Bar. Touchstone Theatre is offering its performance expertise to the legal community with its workshop Advocacy Skills: The Power of Performance. The September course in Vancouver sold out quickly, so an additional two-day course has been added on November 23 and 24. Advocacy Skills: The Power of Performance is designed to teach lawyers how to implement simple, concrete techniques that will maximize their natural expressiveness and give them the critical persuasive edge. These skills enhance the performance of all lawyers at trial, in mediation, in arbitration, and in legal arguments in general. For more information on the November workshop, visit http://www.touchstonetheatre.com/training.htm or call 604-709-9973 for more details. Touchstone can also arrange in-house courses for individual firms upon request. Attendance at this training qualifies as continuing education for annual Law Society of B.C. reports.
(see cba.org/bc for details)
Branch and Bar Calendar
October – November 2007 October 9
New Westminster Bar Association Meeting (Westminster Club)
October 10-12
The Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice Annual Conference (The Prince George Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia)
October 10
Pacific Legal Technology Conference (The Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina)
October 14-19
International Bar Association Annual Conference (Singapore)
October 19
CBABC Executive Committee Meeting (CBABC Boardroom)
October 20
Nanaimo Bar Association AGM (Parksville)
October 25
BCCA Special Sitting in Honour of Mr. Justice Thackray
October 26-27
The Law Society of Alberta 100th Anniversary Conference (Edmonton, Alberta)
November 13
New Westminster Bar Association AGM (Westminster Club)
November 14
CBABC Executive Committee Meeting (CBABC Boardroom)
November 14
CBABC and The Law Society of British Columbia Bench & Bar Dinner (Four Seasons Hotel)
November 16-17 CBABC 2nd Annual Conference (San Francisco) November 28 22
BARTALK October 2007
Fraser Valley Bar Association AGM (Melange Restaurant)
EVENTS
&
Bench Bar Dinner The Law Society of B.C. and the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch, warmly invite members of the profession and the judiciary to attend the 23rd Annual Dinner for the Bench and Bar
Date: Time:
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Reception – 5:45 p.m. (cash bar) Dinner – 6:30 p.m. (wine included) Place: Four Seasons Hotel Park Ballroom 791 West Georgia Street Vancouver, B.C. Dress: Business attire Tickets: $90.00 per person. Includes GST.
Tickets are limited and available only while quantities last, so place your order early. This year's Bench and Bar Dinner comes to the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, offering members of the legal profession and the judiciary a unique opportunity to enjoy an evening of good company and conversation. The Dinner will honour the recipient of the CBA Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service (to be announced this Fall). The Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. will present its Leaders in Learning Award, celebrating lawyers, judges and legal support staff who distinguish themselves by making exceptional volunteer contributions to the society.
Send _____ tickets @ $90.00 each (including GST). Total $
. GST #106843451 RT
(For more information or special requirements, contact Paul Niebisch at 604-646-7855 or toll-free 1-888-687-3404, ext 306.) Name: Firm: Address: City:
Postal code:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Visa
MasterCard
Credit card number:
Cheque enclosed (payable to the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch) Expiry date:
Signature: BY FAX:
Please fax your ticket order, with credit card information, to 604-669-9601 or toll-free 1-877-669-9601
BY MAIL: Mail your ticket order, with payment, to Paul Niebisch, CBABC, 10th Floor – 845 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5T3.
Please join the Benchers of the Law Society and the members of the CBABC Executive and Provincial Council in paying homage to those who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of justice in British Columbia. October 2007 BARTALK
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member services
For information on the highlighted Member Services suppliers and several we have not mentioned, check out the CBABC website under the “Member Savings” section in “Membership” for information on suppliers, contact numbers and order forms. Alternatively, you can e-mail members@bccba.org and request information or call the CBABC office for assistance.
Sports 2007/2008 VANCOUVER CANUCKS TICKETS New look and new year can only mean one thing – hockey season is back! The Vancouver Canucks are poised to make a serious run at Lord Stanley’s Cup, and the CBABC is your source for the best ticket prices in town. Members can save more than 15 per cent on available regular season tickets. The CBABC also has tickets for your chance to see Sidney Crosby in Vancouver, December 8th. Don’t delay – these tickets sell out fast.
ALPINE RESORT SKI/SNOWBOARD PASSES Having world-renowned winter resorts throughout B.C., the CBABC offers incredible deals to members at some of the best mountains. Check the website for details on a resort near you.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS The Harlem Globetrotters will be coming to Vancouver, November 23, 2007; Prince George, November 20, 2007; and Kelowna, November 22, 2007. Check the CBABC website for discount ticket information.
Bugatti Cases The CBABC is continuing to offer Personalized Lawyers’ Cases at substantially discounted prices. These high quality bags can be personalized with your name, initials, or law firm name. Bugatti bags also make a perfect gift and a unique way to distinguish your law firm. 24
BARTALK October 2007
Boutique Items Whether you need a gift for a new associate, guest speaker or special event, the CBABC offers several boutique items that will fit your budget. For golf shirts and umbrellas, travel mugs (new ones in stock), thermal flasks and many other useful items, check out the CBABC website.
Entertainment and Special Promotions Stanley Theatre CBABC members receive a discount of up to 20 per cent at the Stanley Theatre when they purchase tickets or Season tickets at the corporate rate through the Arts Club Theatre Company. Please refer to the CBABC website for the ordering information.
Vancouver Opera Save up to 35 per cent on selected tickets.
Vancouver and Victoria Symphonies CBABC members save 15-20 per cent on regular priced tickets with both the Vancouver Symphony and the Victoria Symphony.
Document Finishing Equipment International Binding & Laminating Systems Inc. offers members 15-20 per cent discounts on products and services.
Sign Me Up! q Yes, please send me monthly updates on
the latest CBABC promotions.
Name: ____________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________ Please complete this form and fax back to 604-669-9601/ toll-free 1-877-669-9601 or sign up by e-mailing your information to members@bccba.org.
bar moves
u
Bar Moves
u
Have you recently changed firms or opened a new firm? Send submissions (maximum 25 words) to Bar Moves at cba@bccba.org.
Lamour Afonso and Michelle Wingert have joined Haddock & Company in
North Vancouver where they will practise general insurance defence, strata property, co-op housing, and construction law. Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP is pleased to announce the arrival of associates Kieran Moore and Sarah Harbottle. Kieran articled with the firm and will be joining the Commercial Litigation group. Sarah also articled with the firm and lends her expertise to the Business and Health Care groups.
Robert Kerr
After completing her articles at the downtown Vancouver law firm Remedios & Company, May Lee joins the firm as an associate lawyer. Bill Sundhu, formerly of the Provincial Court of British Columbia, has returned
to private practice and joined Cates Carroll Watt, in Kamloops, and will provide trial and appellate advocacy in criminal justice, general civil litigation and ADR (arbitration and mediation) practice areas.
Megan Nodwell
Katherine Reilly joined the Vancouver office of Lang Michener LLP in August
2007 as an associate in the Litigation Group after articling with the firm. Her practice includes general civil litigation, employment and labour law, and corporate and commercial litigation. Suzanne Burgess Robins joined the Vancouver office of Lang Michener LLP
in August 2007 as an associate in the Venture Capital Group after articling with the firm. Her practice includes mergers and acquisitions. As of August 31, 2007 the Vancouver law firm of Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP is pleased to announce that Robert Kerr and Megan Nodwell have joined the firm as associates.
Larry S. Hughes
Larry S. Hughes has joined West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. in Vancouver as Senior Vice-President, effective September 1, 2007. Mr. Hughes has had a distinguished legal career as a member of Lang Michener LLP for the past 28 years and is recognized for his expertise in commercial, corporate finance and forestry law. Marika Giles has joined Conkie & Company in Yaletown, where she will continue to practise in the areas of
employment, privacy, insurance, and commercial litigation. In August 2007, Jason Hicks moved from Davis LLP to join the Legal Department at the Vancouver Airport Authority. Neil Chantler has joined the firm of McQuarrie Hunter as an associate. Mr. Chantler practises at McQuarrie
Hunter’s New Westminster office in the areas of civil litigation, employment law and human rights, commercial disputes, creditor and debtor law, and personal injury litigation. Called to the bar in May 2007, the following former articling students have joined Davis LLP as associates: Maggie Campbell (litigation), Chris Metcalfe (corporate/commercial/M&A; intellectual property law), and Kate Saunders (health law; privacy law; human rights law). Nika Robinson joined Lang Michener LLP Vancouver office from the firm’s office in Toronto, in September 2007, as an associate in the areas of insurance and environmental law. October 2007 BARTALK
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cbabc partners | Membership
CLEBC Update ACLEA Awards Presented to CLEBC and Law Society
Left to right: Kensi Gounden, Law Society, Jack Huberman, CLE Executive Director, Ray Ruppert, ACLEA President, and Rob Seto, CLE Program Lawyer, after presentation of awards at the recent ACLEA conference.
The Association for Continuing Legal Education, an association of North American and international CLE organizations, recently presented several prestigious “ACLEA’s Best” awards to CLEBC and the Law Society of British Columbia.
The CLEBC book Advising British Columbia Businesses won the 2007 Award for Professional Excellence in the Publications category. Advising British Columbia Businesses covers all stages of advising a business, from a first meeting with a client who has a new business, through to the point just before a company goes public. The 2007 Award for Professional Excellence in the Technology category went to the Law Society for its Small Firm Practice Course. This self-paced course is primarily designed for lawyers transitioning into sole or small firm practice and is delivered over the Internet in manageable learning modules.
Construction Law Jeopardy, a CLEBC course presented in February 2007, received a 2007 Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Programming category. Construction Law Jeopardy departed from traditional CLE delivery style in adopting a “Jeopardy” game show format that required speakers to provide focused commentary on legal issues in a minimal amount of time.
NEW MEMBERS The CBABC Branch welcomes its newest members! The following new members joined in the months of July and August, 2007:
Regular Members Simon Biancardi Stikeman Elliott LLP Vancouver John Kevin Cotter John K Cotter Law Corporation Courtenay Gregory Hoff Race & Company Squamish Jordan J. Kinghorn Taylor Veinotte Sullivan, Barristers Vancouver
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BARTALK October 2007
Michael Waters Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Vancouver
Kristine Johns Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Vancouver
Law Students
Jo-Anne Kahan Brentwood Bay
Ian Ashley Coquitlam
Sandy Dhillon Abbotsford
Roland Hurst Vancouver
Marco Lilliu Vancouver
Ada Lam Shapiro Hankinson & Knutson Law Corporation Vancouver Andrew Lau Burnaby
Jeanie L. Lanine Cedar Law Victoria
Allia Tessin Shamji Miller Thomson LLP Vancouver
Articling Students Michelle Bissenden Richmond Jay Havelaar Harper Grey LLP Vancouver
Brent Reems Clay & Company Victoria
Heather Lyman Crease Harman & Company Victoria
Crystal Ho Vancouver
Jennifer Jackson Heenan Blaikie LLP Vancouver
Edward John Nicholas Medeiros Sidney Cara Sheppard Vancouver
Robin Sidsworth McCarthy Tétrault LLP Vancouver
Ari Wormeli Victoria
Jennifer Stewart Ministry of Attorney General Victoria
Scholar
Matthew Swanson Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Vancouver
Hannah Brezer Whistler
GRANTS APPROVED $75,000 LAW COURTS EDUCATION SOCIETY 100th Anniversary of the B.C. Court of Appeal PRO BONO LAW B.C. Bridging Grant
The Board of Governors of the Law Foundation of B.C. met on June 16, 2007. Chair Warren Wilson, QC, is pleased to announce that funding totalling $6,193,449 has been approved for the following: Funding totalling $1,550,349 was approved for the following 10 Projects: $630,000 B.C. COURTHOUSE LIBRARY SOCIETY Supplemental Infrastructure Grant $300,000 B.C. COURTHOUSE LIBRARY SOCIETY Website $177,500 ABBOTSFORD COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY Poverty Law Advocacy Initiative $150,000 NANAIMO CITIZEN ADVOCACY ASSOCIATION Legal Advocacy Project $90,000 CANADIAN FOUNDATION FOR LEGAL RESEARCH Legal Research Project
$18,500 VANCOUVER HOLOCAUST EDUCATION CENTRE/FRIENDS OF THE SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER AND LAW SOCIETY OF B.C. Lawyers Without Rights – The Legacy of Nuremberg Project $18,849 COMMUNITY LEGAL ASSISTANCE SOCIETY Infrastructure Grant $15,500 QUESNEL TILLICUM SOCIETY Bridging Grant
Funding totalling $4,643,100 was approved for the following 16 continuing programs: $2,737,750 B.C. COURTHOUSE LIBRARY Operating Grant
$109,000 ABBOTSFORD COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY AND PROGRESSIVE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY Legal Advocacy Program $99,540 YELLOW PAGES Advertisement of Public Legal Services $89,210 CRANBROOK WOMEN’S RESOURCE SOCIETY Traveling Poverty Law Advocate Program $87,500 KETTLE FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY Mental Health Legal Advocacy Program $71,450 ACTIVE SUPPORT AGAINST POVERTY Legal Advocacy Program $64,860 PORT ALBERNI FRIENDSHIP CENTRE Legal Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities and Mental Health Issues $56,250 MPA-MOTIVATION, POWER AND ACHIEVEMENT SOCIETY Court Services Program
$535,480 B.C. PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE Operating Expenses
$50,000
$279,310 CANADIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, B.C. BRANCH Dial-A-Law, Lawyer Referral and Law Week
SOUTH FRASER WOMEN’S SERVICES SOCIETY Legal Advocacy Program
$149,000 TOGETHER AGAINST POVERTY SOCIETY Legal Advocacy Program $112,500 B.C. COALITION TO END ABUSE OF SENIORS Legal Advocacy Program $110,000 POVNET SOCIETY PovNet Program
CONTACT WOMEN’S GROUP SOCIETY Legal Advocacy Program
$41,250 KI-LOW-NA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY Legal Advocacy Services for Aboriginal People Living Off-Reserve
For full details of the programs and projects that received funding, please visit The Law Foundation of British Columbia’s website at www.lawfoundationbc.org.
GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS 2008/2009 VALUE: Up to five (5) Awards of $13,750 each (subject to change). CLOSING DATE: January 4, 2008. FIELD OF STUDY/ ELIGIBILITY: Full time graduate studies in law or a law-related area. Applicants must either be residents of British Columbia; graduates of a British Columbia law school; or members of the British Columbia Bar. WHERE TENABLE: Recognized universities in Canada, the U.S. or abroad. NOTE: The Law Foundation Graduate Fellowship is not available for the graduate programs of the Faculties of Law at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria as the Law Foundation makes separate grants to the Graduate Fellowship programs at these universities. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Each application form must be typed and accompanied by a current resumé summarizing your work and volunteer experience. Applicants should have official transcripts of all previous post-secondary study sent directly to the Law Foundation. Three letters of reference should be sent directly to the Law Foundation from persons such as former professors, employers or colleagues who can comment on your scholarship, abilities and personal qualities. For more information, please visit The Law Foundation website at www.lawfoundationbc.org or contact The Law Foundation at 1340-605 Robson St., Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3 E-mail: lfbc@tlfbc.org or phone: 604-688-2337. Application forms are available online.
October 2007 BARTALK
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classified ads
OCTOBER 2007
Services
Classified (per line)
CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations Next deadline: November 9
$25 $50
display
3” x 2.5” CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations
$450 $900
intellectual property: Let us assist you in providing protection for your clients. Douglas B. Thompson Law Corporation – Registered Patent Agent, Registered Trade Mark Agent. Practice restricted to Intellectual
6” x 2.5” CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations Next deadline: November 9
$810 $1,620
insert (all of B.C.) CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations Next deadline: November 17 Next mailing: December 7
What’s Your Best Christmas Photo?
$1,200 $2,400
Send your best Christmas photo along with a descriptive caption of 100 words or less and it could be published in the next issue.
Direct BarTalk advertising inquiries to: Jesse Tarbotton BarTalk Senior Editor Tel: 604-646-7856 or 1-888-687-3404 E-mail: jtarbotton@bccba.org
Sec. 257 Determinations, Opinions and Court Applications on referral
604-267-3033
J. G ORDON T HOMSON AW
Claims and appeals Vice Chair at Review Board for 6 years More than 25 years personal injury litigation
CO R P O R A T I O N
B ARRISTER & SOLICITOR R E G I S T E R E D PAT E N T AG E N T REGISTERED TRADEMARK AGENT
Practice Restricted to Intellectual Property Law
Vahan A. Ishkanian
Phone: (250) 418-3250 E-mail: gordonthomson@shaw.ca
Barristers & Solicitors Cell 604-868-3034 Fax 604-264-6133 vishkanian@pepito.ca
Endorsed by:
Visit Us Online:
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BARTALK October 2007
Eldercare assessment, consulting, care management, seminars. Diamond Geriatrics, Inc. www.diamondgeriatrics.com. 604-874-7764.
All photos must be of high-resolution print quality and sent to bartalk@bccba.org no later than November 7, 2007.
Practice Restricted To WCB
L
Property, Victoria, B.C. (www.BCpatents.ca) E-mail: doug@BCpatents.ca.
WCB & CPP DISABILITY CLAIMS
GOSAL & COMPANY Barristers & Solicitors Over 14 YEARS of Workers’ Compensation Claims & Appeals Experience*
FREE CONSULTATION
604-591-8187 SARJ GOSAL*, B.A., LL.B. GAIL SAHOTA, B.Comm., LL.B. #254, 12899-76th Avenue Surrey, B.C. V3W 1E6 www.gosalandcompany.com info@gosalandcompany.com