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
young woman looking at phone and hanging head in shame and irritation

Named, Shamed … and Defamed?

  • December 05, 2022
  • Michael Speers

When contacted by a potential client who feels they have been defamed online or who has been served notice of a defamation claim, your first steps may be critical to a satisfactory resolution or successful case.

a woman and man review a legislative document

Overview of Bill C-13 to Modernize the OLA

  • November 30, 2022
  • Jean-Michel Richardson and Kenza Salah

On March 1, 2022, the federal government tabled Bill C-13 to modernize the Official Languages Act (the “OLA”), whose review in committee is ongoing. This article provides an overview of some of the proposed amendments that the authors consider important in this proposed reform to the language regime that was initiated in 2018 by the former Minister of Official Languages and suspended during the 2021 federal election.

bitcoin currency in foreground with pen to paper blurred in background

Blockchain and Tax Law: Behind the curve

  • November 30, 2022
  • Matthew Boyd

Despite the meteoric rise of cryptocurrencies, the first tax legislation to specifically address them – an addition to the Excise Tax Act drafted to address crypto mining’s GST/HST treatment – was proposed in 2022, over a decade after Bitcoin’s creation. While a good first step, there are still significant uncertainties as to their proper treatment in other situations that will only become more problematic as blockchain and cryptocurrencies are used in novel ways.

Man at computer with several arms, juggling different admin duties

5 Ways to Increase Efficiency in Your Growing Law Firm

  • September 11, 2022
  • Sukhi Hansra

For many lawyers, time is everything. But time is hard to manage, particularly when you are busy dealing with a slew of phone calls, emails, invoices and document preparation. Sukhi Hansra offers innovative ideas for growing your business efficiently, cost-effectively and with savvy application of technology.

Woman seated at desk with laptop, viewing printed document with confusion

Persuasive Legal Writing: Pointers, pitfalls and pet peeves from the pros

  • September 06, 2022
  • Emily Sinkins, with contribution from OBA Civil Litigation Section Executive members

Ahead of the OBA’s popular primer program on writing sharply, strategically and skillfully – beyond boilerplates and bound to sway – leading litigators share six deeply held drafting dos and don’ts.

Magnifying glass magnifies document and cardboard-cut-out-style suspects

The Original Will is Not Available: A case study

  • September 06, 2022
  • Susannah B. Roth

The case of Mister Bull, Madame Curie, a modest Ontario bank account and a missing will provides executors with a lesson in overcoming an international impasse with “proof in solemn form” and an example of a predicament that could have been prevented with an expertly prepared estate plan.

Photo of young female attorney preparing notes at table in court with law books, laptop and scales of justice

Your First Appeal at the OCA: Tips from the gurus

  • June 13, 2022
  • Nancy Sarmento Barkhordari

Navigating appeals to the Court of Appeal for Ontario can be a challenge for any lawyer, but new lawyers navigating their first appeal are probably doubly stressed, particularly if they are working alone, and especially where the appeal is complicated by a motion to quash. Nancy Sarmento Barkhordari offers a fantastic ensemble of gems from the gurus of appellate advocacy.

Illustration of father working on computer with baby in his lap

From Juris Doctor to Juris Daddy: Tips for new-father lawyers

  • May 31, 2022
  • Sherif Rizk

From establishing limits and availing yourself of resources, to building your back-up network and creating routines that capitalize on your capabilities and capacity, a sole practitioner shares his advice on balancing a busy practice with fatherhood.