Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | January 20, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 12
Premier Ford and China EVs: Following Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with Chinese President Xi, Premier Ford has raised alarm bells about the impact cheap Chinese EVs would have on Ontario's auto sector. The Premier has called the deal, which would allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada tariff-free, as a lopsided deal.
Legislative Update | January 12, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 5
Premier Ford to Turn Over Personal Phone Records: The Ford government’s request for a judicial review of two IPC rulings on access to the Premier’s private phone logs was dismissed. In their decision, the judges wrote, “The conclusion that the Premier used his personal cellphone to conduct Cabinet Office matters is a finding of fact that attracts a high degree of deference.” The Premier’s office will be seeking leave to appeal the decision.
Article | January 12, 2026
Be Your Best Friend: A New Year Resolution that I Suggest to All of You
In this personal reflection, Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang shares a New Year’s resolution that reshaped how she practices law, leads her firm, and lives her life: learning to be her own best friend. Drawing from her experiences as a refugee-turned-lawyer, single mother, and first-time law firm owner, she reflects on how relentless self-criticism, though often mistaken for discipline, can quietly erode resilience. Through moments of parenting challenges, professional mistakes, and emotional reckoning, she argues that self-compassion is not indulgence but essential maintenance—especially for women lawyers navigating demanding careers.
Article | January 11, 2026
Summary – Starting-up a Law Firm in Ontario
Starting a law firm in Ontario is both challenging and rewarding, requiring lawyers to make numerous strategic and operational decisions. New practitioners may choose from various business models, including fully independent practices, agency arrangements, or freelance rosters. Establishing a successful firm demands a solid business plan, careful budgeting for start-up costs, and access to essential resources such as practice management software and professional insurance. Lawyers must also meet Law Society of Ontario compliance requirements, including a mandatory practice essentials course beginning in 2025. As client development skills are rarely taught in law school, networking and marketing are critical. The Ontario Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Section consolidates key guidance, practical tools, and wellness resources into a single, accessible reference.
Article | January 11, 2026
Overview Summary: From Risk to Resilience: Cybersecurity for Legal Practices
From Risk to Resilience: Cybersecurity for Legal Practices provides a practical and comprehensive cybersecurity framework for solo practitioners and small law firms. It explains why legal practices are prime targets for cybercrime and outlines common and emerging threats, including phishing, ransomware, business email compromise, and AI-enabled attacks. The report emphasizes compliance with Law Society of Ontario obligations and PIPEDA, highlights high-risk practice areas, and sets out actionable daily security measures. It includes a clear incident response plan for the first 60 minutes following a breach and offers guidance on engaging cybersecurity professionals and selecting cyber insurance. Overall, the report frames cybersecurity as an essential component of competent, ethical, and resilient legal practice.
