The Art of Practice

For lawyers with a higher calling, effective practice is an art. Check in for regular case summaries, practice points, client service tips and more.

Today
Today
man seated at desk in front of laptop computer, interacting with generative AI on his phone

To Use or Not to Use: Navigating privacy risks associated with generative AI tools

  • March 14, 2024
  • James G. Kosa, Vipal Jain and Yatin Sidhu, Weirfoulds LLP

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Cohere, and DALL-E2 are popular tools that allow organizations to generate images, text, sounds and creative content based on a prompt. While these tools can provide practical benefits such as improved efficiency and productivity, they raise privacy risks which are important to mitigate.

A multicultural, multigenerational family pictured in an affectionate huddle

Family Dynamics: Five ways they come into play in practice

  • March 14, 2024
  • Gosha G.S. Sekhon

Whether it’s taking the time to get context around a client’s instructions, avoiding generic definitions, understanding that experiencing the death of a family member can be a form of trauma, or remembering to be alert to unconscious bias, lawyers who devote due consideration to family dynamics become better service providers.

Woman sitting cross-legged with computer on lap looking in surprise at the screen

Spill: Your most surprising answers from AI

  • March 14, 2024

Many lawyers contemplating making greater use of generative AI in their practices – a prospect entertained with equal parts curiosity and caution – are in the early stages of testing out just what the rewards and risks might be. So, we asked members who’ve used AI tools, what has been the most surprising result they’ve received from a request.

male lawyer standing arms crossed with large shadow of caped superhero behind him

Practice Motivation for Solo Practitioners

  • March 13, 2024
  • Rajen Akalu

Solo practitioners tend to be motivated self-starters; however, given the demands of working at personal capacity, they are often acutely aware of their limitations. By way of encouragement, Rajen Akalu offers sole practitioners a reminder of why they should be respected by the legal profession and selected by clients in the market for legal services.

meeting between a worried-looking client and lawyer who is listening and leaning in, offering counsel

Enhancing Client Service and Lawyer Wellness through Trauma-Informed Lawyering

  • November 30, 2023
  • Jakob Wenzel

Understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on clients and practitioners is crucial for compassionate and effective representation. In a recent program jointly hosted by the OBA’s Elder Law Section and Family Law Section, experts in the fields of law, mental health and academia offered valuable insights and strategies to enrich legal services with a trauma-informed approach.

cartoon illustration of a business person in a time machine, moving across the sky and pointing forward

Build as You Go – and Four Other things you Should Know Before Opening Your Firm

  • November 30, 2023
  • Emily Sinkins

No firm is the same, but there are common keys to establishing a successful enterprise uniquely yours while building a solid reputation and stepping up client service. Sparing would-be sole and small-firm practitioners potential missteps or missed opportunities, OBA members from a variety of practice areas share what they wish they'd known before setting out on their own.

Lawyer seated at a table with client, helping them complete form

Name and Gender Marker Changes In Ontario: A primer for lawyers

  • November 30, 2023
  • Amy Chen (she/her), Rachel Allen (she/her)

Those looking to change their name and gender markers often face hurdles that cannot be navigated without lawyers. Underscoring the importance of Trans ID clinics, this article offers an introduction to a lawyer's involvement in assisting individuals with their change of name or change of gender marker applications for Ontario documentation.

illustration of different-coloured figures, each with speech bubbles emerging from their heads

Recent Amendments to Canada’s Official Languages Act

  • November 30, 2023
  • Kenza Salah

On June 20, 2023, amendments to the Official Languages Act received Royal Assent as part of Bill C-13. Kenza Salah provides a high-level overview of some of the new provisions that should be of interest to lawyers.