Articles

The following articles are published by OBA Sections, including the Student Section. Members are encouraged to submit articles.

Editor: Yoann Emian

Today
Today
photo of author Michael A. Cappabianca

Unlearn and Rethink: Adam Grant's Important Lessons for Young Lawyers

  • December 11, 2023
  • Michael A. Cappabianca, Aird & Berlis LLP

In his bestselling book, Think Again, Adam Grant encourages readers to think like scientists by routinely testing our most common assumptions and beliefs. This means relying less on our often flawed instincts and heuristics, and making objective evaluations of even the most basic subjects we consider 'common sense'. Can a lawyer think like a scientist?

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author Sigma Khan

Engaging Experts To Inform The Law On Artificial Intelligence: A Candid Conversation With Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer at Western University

  • December 11, 2023
  • Sigma Khan, associate at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

The legal sphere’s neoteric fascination with artificial intelligence is ubiquitous. It is in the interest of the legal community to draw from experts outside of the law to make comprehensive sense of how we should perceive AI in its initial stages. I had the opportunity to discuss AI developments with one such expert, Mark Daley, who was recently appointed as Western University’s inaugural Chief AI Officer.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division

Get to know your OBA Insurance Law Section Executive

  • December 11, 2023
  • Zack Garcia

A profile to get to know the OBA Insurance Law Executive. This focus is on Zack Garcia, Senior Claims Officer and Counsel Financial & Professional Services (FPS) at Liberty Mutual Canada.

Insurance Law, Student Forum

How to Grab the Attention of Creative Clients Who Aren’t Interested in the Law

  • December 11, 2023
  • Jordan Narod

While working with clients in the creative industry who actually take part in the creative process, such as artists, writers and musicians, there is often a slight aversion to engaging with the law or directing legal decisions. Here are five points to perk up the ears of your creative client.

Entertainment, Media and Communications Law, Student Forum

New California Bill Tackles Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

  • December 11, 2023
  • Shayna Jan

In recent years, the rise of social media and the prevalence of influencer marketing has created an oversaturation of tastemakers and microtrends. Many fast fashion brands capitalize on these trends and mass-produce products at a rapid pace. Once these items go out of style and there is no longer any demand, the clothing is then discarded.

Entertainment, Media and Communications Law, Student Forum

Empowering Endings: Insights from OBA’S “Comprehensive End-of-Life Planning” Program

  • December 05, 2023
  • Yalda Mousavi, articling student, WeirFoulds LLP

On October 19, 2023, experts gathered on the OBA’s panel and provided meaningful insights on comprehensive end-of-life planning. Beyond wills, the panel emphasized the importance of key documents, such as powers of attorney and advance care directives, to ensure that end-of-life wishes are well understood, documented, and followed. The audience was also reminded of the significance of family involvement, transparent communication, and early initiation of uncomfortable discussions.

Elder Law, Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

COVID-19 Fails to Constitute “Direct Physical Loss or Damage” at Court of Appeal

  • November 30, 2023
  • Thomas Russell

As the world struggles to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, one question that has been gaining some attention in the world of insurance is: in what circumstances did COVID-19 trigger coverage for business interruption under property policies? A Review of the 2023 Ontario Court of Appeal Decision in SIR Corp. v. Aviva Insurance Company of Canada.

Insurance Law, Student Forum
head-shot photo of author Christine Marchetti

On Being Weary

  • November 30, 2023
  • Christine Marchetti

The COVID-19 pandemic left many family lawyers burned out between increasing demands on their personal and professional time along with growing incivility. Despite this, there were also moments of connection and goodness. How do we move forward? Christine Marchetti offers her reflections on maintaining resilience and how we can reestablish equilibrium.

Family Law, Student Forum

Why the Practice of Family Law Has Become So Stressful

  • November 30, 2023
  • Steven Benmor

Family law is becoming increasingly burdened by high stress, combative lawyers, and unfair judicial rulings. Lawyers, judges and clients are all accountable. Some clients demand an aggressive approach, lawyers justify it, and judges resist penalizing it. Good advocates are motivated by the goal of serving the public good, protecting children from trauma and helping parents solve family problems collaboratively, rather than contributing to the conflict.

Family Law, Student Forum