Articles

About Articles The articles below are published by the Young Lawyers Division of the Ontario Bar Association. Members are encouraged to submit articles. About Articles

Editors: Matilda Lici - Central Region; Caroline Bedard - East Region

Today
Today

Mastering Mediation: A Compilation of Tips From the Masters Themselves

  • February 07, 2024
  • Nancy Sarmento Barkhordari, Gosai Law

There are many elements to a successful mediation. In my view, each one must be approached thoughtfully. In this article, I have collected tips on these very elements from the Masters of Mediation — seasoned lawyers and mediators alike. Things like what makes for effective and compelling mediation memoranda, the do’s and don’ts of opening remarks, how to prepare your client for mediation, negotiation strategy, and everything in between.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author Jessica Byles-Nolet

Mitigation Expands to More Than Just Employees

  • February 02, 2024
  • Jessica Byles-Nolet

For employment lawyers pondering the question of mitigation, Jessica Byles-Nolet provides a thoughtful summary of a recent Court of Appeal decision that considers the duty to mitigate in relation to independent contractors.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author Olivia Koneval-Brown

Cautions of Buying a Home after Separating

  • February 01, 2024
  • Olivia Koneval-Brown

In this article, Olivia Koneval-Brown provides an insightful overview of considerations -- both practical and legal -- that newly separated individuals should take into account before jumping to purchase a new home.

Real Property Law, Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
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
head-shot photo of author Geneviève Fauteux

The Rules of Professional Courtesy: Recent Lessons and Reminders from Caselaw on Civility

  • November 28, 2023
  • Geneviève Fauteux

Communicating with opposing counsel can be tricky when procedural and practical issues arise in a given matter. In her article, Geneviève Fauteux reviews recent caselaw focusing on best practices, and requirements, for how lawyers should act when faced with reasonable requests for extensions.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author James McCarthy

Legal Research Tips

  • November 27, 2023
  • James McCarthy

It is a universal truth that every law student and young lawyer has, at one point, sat down to tackle a research question and been left staring at a blank computer screen, wondering where best to begin. Luckily, James McCarthy has five great pointers to help get the research started.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author Kanon Clifford

Deciphering the Digital Jurisprudence: Embracing Generative AI in the Legal Realm

  • September 25, 2023
  • Kanon Clifford

The application of new technology to the legal field has been an important topic in recent years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, Kanon Clifford provides a thoughtful review of how the latest technology - generative AI - may help and hinder legal professionals.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author Ashley Bennett

How a Condominium Status Certificate Can Help Prospective Purchasers Limit Risk

  • September 25, 2023
  • Ashley Bennett

In this article, Ashley Bennett explains why reviewing a condominium status certificate is a crucial step to assist clients in purchasing residential condos. Further, she highlights how litigators can use status certificates to assist purchasers who experience issues after closing.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division
head-shot photo of author Jill Lewis

Your First Mediation

  • September 25, 2023
  • Jill Lewis

There are many "firsts" as a young lawyer: a first client intake meeting, first case conference, first motion etc. In this article, Jill Lewis breaks down top tips to keep in mind when preparing for a mediation for the first time.

Student Forum, Young Lawyers' Division