Articles

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

Editor: Yoann Emian

Today
Today
Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month and the Ethics of Solidarity

Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month and the Ethics of Solidarity

  • November 02, 2020
  • Rolando Aguilera, legal counsel – Indigenous Justice Division, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General

In this thought-provoking article, Rolando Aguilera reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month 2020 and shares candidly what he understands to be his responsibilities and duties to others, as informed by his parents’ teachings and guidance.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
Judicial Diversity Highlighted at this Year’s Hispanic / Latin American Heritage Month Celebration

Judicial Diversity Highlighted at this Year’s Hispanic / Latin American Heritage Month Celebration

  • November 02, 2020
  • Veronica Marson, former president and current treasurer of the Canadian Hispanic Bar Association

The Law Society of Ontario and the Canadian Hispanic Bar Association marked this year's Hispanic Heritage Month with a timely discussion on diversity in the judiciary. It is an issue that is particularly important to the Hispanic and Latin American community in Canada, given that there are currently no federally appointed Latino judges and only one provincially appointed Latino judge. This article highlights some key points from the panel discussion and shares practical tips from the panelists.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
Practical Considerations for Starting a Solo Practice: Expectations, Startup Costs and Client Acquisition

Practical Considerations for Starting a Solo Practice: Expectations, Startup Costs and Client Acquisition

  • November 02, 2020
  • Sukhi Hansra, Hansra Law

During these unprecedented times, it is important for young and senior lawyers alike to know the realities of starting a solo practice and what really goes into it. This article aims to provide sufficient information to anyone considering a solo practice to allow them to make a better assessment about the options and choices available to them.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division

COVID-19: Legal Obligations Around Childcare Accommodation

  • October 30, 2020
  • Priya Sarin and Matthew Badrov, Sherrard Kuzz LLP

As provincial economies reopen and many employees return to the physical workplace, the issue of childcare remains as many schools and daycares are closed or operating at reduced capacity.

Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Law, Student Forum

Lawyers and Law Students Urge Parliament to Protect the Rights of Marginalized Canadians

  • October 30, 2020
  • Derek Ross, LL.B., LL.M., Executive Director and General Counsel of Christian Legal Fellowship

On October 5, 2020, the federal government re-introduced Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). Among other things, this Bill would remove the requirement that a person’s death be “reasonably foreseeable” in order to obtain a physician's assistance to end their life. This article discusses the federal governments obligations to uphold its international commitments, protect the rights of marginalized Canadians, and reconsider Bill C-7.

Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Law, Student Forum

Electronic Meetings and Proxy Voting

  • October 30, 2020
  • Sarah Hahn and Jacklyn Tuckey, Barriston Law

New tools are at the disposal of municipalities, with the introduction of electronic meetings and proxy voting.

Municipal Law, Student Forum

Court of Appeal Summaries (October 19 - October 23, 2020)

  • October 30, 2020
  • John Polyzogopoulos

There were only three substantive decisions released by the Court of Appeal this week. In Paulpillai Estate v. Yusuf, the Court reviewed in detail the factors to be considered in an analysis of whether an order is final or interlocutory for the purposes of determining the proper appeal route. Other topics covered this week included bank negligence, and building code violations. Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend.

Civil Litigation, Student Forum
Professional Development: A Lawyer in Recovery

Professional Development: A Lawyer in Recovery

  • October 30, 2020
  • Jessie Gomberg

In my recovery from depression and alcoholism, I found purpose in life when I once found none. Once deeply ashamed, I now hope my recovery story can help others.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law, Student Forum

Canada’s Human Rights Failures on COVID-19

  • October 28, 2020
  • Errol Mendes

When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March, everyone was saying that we are all in it together. Six months in, it is clear that we are not. We have seen huge disparities in terms of the impacts of this virus on the elderly, the unemployed and underemployed, women, the disabled, Indigenous peoples and racialized minorities.

Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Law, Student Forum