Articles 2022

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.

OBA Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Section Chair, Grant Buchan-Terrell outlines his priorities for the Section this year and highlights what's in store and why you should get involved.

While succession planning may be difficult for many lawyers – particularly practitioners who are older or located in more remote areas of the province – it is absolutely necessary in the interest of the public. Lisa Laredo looks at the recommendations and shares creative solutions.

The story of King Midas is about the tragedy of avarice and contemplates what follows when true happiness is not recognized. Midas was a man who wished that everything he touched would turn into gold. The law firm equivalent is of course the “Rainmaker”. However, too much rain is as bad as too much gold. Midas’ blessing turns out to be a curse.

In this article, Grant Buchan-Terrell, principal of gbtlaw, offers some survival tips for solo and small firms from his 22 years of up and down experiences as a business law boutique practice.

Lawyers need to practice what they preach and implement a succession plan that kicks in when they are no longer willing or able to continue in the profession.

The author shares his insights and lessons learned after having done his first appeal before the Court of Appeal as a sole practitioner.

In this article, the author reflects on experiences since March 2020 working remotely and challenges perspectives on the benefits of in-person as opposed to remote office environments.