Articles

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

Editor: Yoann Emian

Today
Today

ONCA Clarifies Coverage Chaos: G1 Driver Given Consent to use Father’s Vehicle on Highway they Mistakenly Believe to be Roadway, Injures Passenger on Completely Different Highway on Which he had No Permission to Travel

  • December 12, 2023
  • Michael A. Valdez, Stieber Berlach LLP

In Pridmore v. Drenth 2023 ONCA 606, the Ontario Court of Appeal illuminates the complex issue of whether the mistaken belief that a highway is a road will operate to vitiate third-party insurance coverage. The Court of Appeal provides insight into when courts will allow relief from forfeiture.

Insurance Law, Student Forum

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

  • December 11, 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 panelists (at a program co-presented by the Law Practice Management and Sole/Small Firm/General Practice sections) from a variety of practice areas shared what they wish they'd known before setting out on their own.

Sole, Small Firm and General Practice, Law Practice Management, Student Forum
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