President's Message
by Wayne Kitchen
The legal profession is considered by many to be a staid institution that has remained unchanged for centuries.
The perception does not reflect the reality of today's practice.
The profession is in transition. Not only has the manner in which services are provided have dramatically altered with the introduction of technology, but there have been changes to the very nature of the practice itself. It's governance, the licensing of new lawyers and even the issue of who can provide legal services are being reviewed,.
Current issues being considered include:
- advertising and fee arrangements;
- cost grids in family law;
- maintenance of Local County and District Law Libraries;
- expanding the role of Paralegals;
- compliance based entity regulation of law firms;
- the possible elimination of the LPP Program;
- the report recently submitted to the Law Society in respect of the challenges faced by racialized licensees.
Over the coming months it is anticipated that the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Federation of Law Associations (FOLA) will be seeking input on some of these issues.
After consultation with the members, the York Region Law Association not only submitted a report to Justice Bonkalo on the issue of expanding the role of paralegals in Family Law, but also attended a meeting with Justice Bonkalo, and others to make representations,
In August , we hosted a discussion session with the Chair of the Family Law Committee of FOLA to provide input into the consideration being given to instituting a cost grid in Family Law.
It is anticipated that in the near future, we will be able to provide input on other issues that arise, often on short notice.
I urge members to watch for emails advising of such sessions. Your voice counts! We want to give you an opportunity to be heard.
Please feel free to contact me regarding these issues or others that may arise.
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Upcoming Events
ANNUAL COURTHOUSE BBQ
The Annual Courthouse BBQ takes place Friday, October 7 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and a portion of the proceeds go to the Helping Hands Court Initiative. The library is not selling tickets.
Details and ticket sales here.
SAVE THE DATE
Please join the Dufferin County Law Association in celebrating the retirement of The Honourable Justice Douglas Maund on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the Best Western Plus, Orangeville Inn & Suites. Details and ticket sales here.
SAVE THE DATE
Year End Celebration December 10th, 2016. Red Crest Golf Club. Details to follow.
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FALL CPD PROGRAMS
Upcoming LSUC CPD replays in the Lawyers Lounge at reduced rates. Presented by the York Region Law Association:
(Note: If you are unable to attend on the dates that we plan to do the replay, we will make arrangements for you to view the program at your convenience,)
Sept. 29 - The Annotated Guardianship Application 2016 (from June 3, 2016)
Oct. 5 - Bringing Proportionality to Family Law Disputes under the Amended Rules (from August 10, 2016)
Oct. 6 - Introduction to the Law of Impaired Driving (from June 11, 2016)
Oct. 13 - A Primer on Mediation: for Litigators (from April 5. 2016)
Oct. 18 - The Six Minute Estates Lawyer 2016 (from May 3, 2016)
Criminal Law Lunch & Learn Programs
October 5th, 2016 "An Early Look at Lateness: A Post-Jordan World" - notice to be sent out shortly
Nov 16th, TBA
Dec 14th, TBA
Young Lawyers Committee Lunch & Learn
Nov 3rd, 2016 - Starting and Running your Own Practice
HSJCC - Human Social Justice Coordination Committee is hosting a full day workshop eligible for cpd credit entitled "Facing our aging population: the unspoken truth " . Link
Dates TBD:
WestLawNext Training
Lexis Advance Quicklaw Training
Practice Gems: Mortgage Enforcement Essentials
The Twelve Minute Civil Litigator 2016
Criminal Law & the Charter
Plaintiff's Personal Injury Law Practice Basics 2016
Advanced Issues in Spousal Support
Civil Litigation Practice Basics 2016
There may be more programs offered at a later date.
If you have any requests for us to do a replay please send an email to cpdregistration@yorklaw.ca |
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Family Law Update
SAVE THE DATE
The Fall Family Law Lunch is scheduled for October 31st. We are currently working on the finer details but the location will be Cardinal Golf Course and we are anticipating that it will be about 2 hours. We will send out the notice by separate email.
SAVE THE DATE
The York Region Law Association will once again be presenting the live group presentation of "6 Minute Family Law Lawyer 2016" in conjunction with the Region of York on November 29th. Further details on our group presentation with reduced costs will be available shortly. If you wish to view the program with us at the reduced costs, you must register with us and not the LSUC.
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Federation of Law Associations
Have you ever just wished you could run away.....
Asalaam ‘Alaykum and Ciao Presidents and PRC/Association Staff!
The deadlines for the FOLA trips to Egypt and Italy are fast approaching and I wanted to ask the Presidents and Staff to, once again, distribute these flyers to your members.
Both of these trips have been carefully selected to appeal to members across Ontario who have a trip to see the pyramids of Egypt or a trip to the wine regions of Italy on their bucket lists. Like our four trips to China, we expect these trips will be widely praised by anyone who goes for their value and for how well organized they are. You simply cannot get this value and as wide-ranging a trip if you organize this on your own. Our own Kelly Lovell just returned from a similar trip to Italy (slightly different tour) and she can’t stop talking about what a wonderful time she had!
Of course, these trips are also a fundraiser for FOLA and it provides an important stream of revenue to our organization allowing us to do even more, provide more benefits to your members and to engage in even more effective advocacy on their behalf.
Please take a moment to forward these two fliers on to your members and direct them to visit our two web-sites at:
http://folaegypt.grouptoursite.ca/
http://folaitaly.grouptoursite.ca/
I am also happy to field any questions that your members might have. You can direct them my way or to GoAhead Tours at 1.800.742.1731
Shukran and Salute! |
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Legal Aid Update
by Norm Panzica
To York Region Law Members
Re: Legal Aid Issues
As Chair of the Legal Aid Committee I have had several discussions with legal aid staff, and in particular Senem Oskin who is the Manager of the Criminal Duty Counsel Office. Recently I sent her an email outlining concerns with respect to several matters including issues surrounding the application process for both youth and adult criminal and drug matters. A copy of the email was also sent to Jane Robertson who Chairs the Legal Aid Committee of the Federation Of Ontario Law Associations. The concerns expressed were based on comments I had received from lawyers as well as from clients.
I have been offered a meeting with Paula Beard (Director General for Legal Aid for Peel York District) to discuss these and other issues. I am therefore seeking input from members regarding concerns or experiences with Legal Aid that I can communicate to and discuss with Ms. Beard.
Please provide your thoughts/comments etc prior to Oct 4 2016. You can email me at normanpanzica@yahoo.com. |
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Library Report
by Betty Dykstra
Over the summer, the Library acquired and installed 8 new workstations for the use of the lawyers. They are 24-inch all-in-one computers with wireless keyboards, mice, usb ports on one side and a disc drive on the other. They are running Windows 10 and have had Office 2016 installed along with the often-used icons on the desktop. We have left one of the old computers available for the Disclosure discs that do not work with the new computers as we await the Police to upgrade their software.
Also during the summer, the Library weeded through the collection, withdrawing little-used or older material. These items will be available free to lawyers of the Association on a first-come-first-served basis beginning on October 5th in the lounge.
Thank you to all who took the time to do the LibraryCo Library Survey. I have received word that responding participants from York Region were amongst the highest. We strive to provide value and service to the Lawyers of Ontario and Janet and I never get tired of hearing your words of appreciation.
Please note: Janet and I will be attending the Conference of the Law Association Libraries on October 26 & 27th and the Library will be unstaffed. Please be courteous to out of town Counsel as they may be required to ask you for access to the Library.
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New Books This Month
- Trusts in Common-Law Canada 2nd ed.
- The 2016 Annotated Ontario Highway Traffic Act
- Ontario Civil Practice 2017
- Ontario Civil Practice 2017: forms & other materials
- The 2016-2017 Annotated Ontario Personal Property Security Act
- The Practitioner's Criminal Code 2017
- 2017 Canadian Legislation on Intellectual Property
- 2017 Martin's Annual Criminal Code
- 2017 Martin's Ontario Criminal Practice
- 2017 Annotated Ontario Building Code Act
- Drafting Trusts & Will Trusts in Canada 4th ed.
- Economic Torts in Canada 2nd ed.
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Announcements
On the Move...
Justin Baichoo
New address as of September 1, 2016:
200 Matheson Blvd W, Suite 100
Mississauga ON
Mark K. Lathem
There will be a formal announcement coming out soon, however, Mark K. Lathem is pleased to announce the merger of the Law Offices of Mark K. Lathem with the Law Firm of Himelfarb Proszanski as of August 15, 2016. The office remains in Richmond Hill at:
Himelfarb Proszanski
Barristers & Solicitors
588 Edward Ave., Unit 49
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9Y6
Attn: Mark K. Lathem
t: (905)883-8999
f: (905)884-0790
e mail: mlathem@himprolaw.cnm
Head office is located at:
Himelfarb Proszanski
Banisters & Solicitors
480University Avenue, Suite 1401
Toronto, Ontario,M5G 1V2
Phone. (416)599-8080
Fax. (416)599-3131
Web. www.himprolaw.com
Change of Name Hill Hunter Losell Law Firm LLP
Kenneth C. Hill, Gordon H. Hunter, Craig S. Losell, Catherine M. Callaghan, J. David McLennan, George Van Hoogenhuize and Colin A. Brown are pleased to announce the change of name of their partnership from Hill Hunter Losell Law Firm LLP to HHL Law Firm LLP.
The partners are continuing their practice at 17360 Yonge Street , Suite 200, Newmarket, ON, L3Y 7R6 and welcome your enquiries and referrals
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Employment
Associate Lawyers Wanted
A long established Vaughan law firm seeks associate lawyers to practice family law, commercial law, and real estate law. The ideal candidates will have 2 – 5 years’ experience. Ethnic language skills are an asset. Forward your resume in pdf format to the email provided.
Email: melissa@piersantico.com
Practice Available
Plaxton and Mann, an established, long standing general practice law firm is looking for "young" blood that may consider taking over the practice upon full retirement of remaining partner. Conveniently located in central Richmond Hill. If you would like any information, please send us an email or telephone us directly to make an appointment to discuss all options.
Contact Information:
Phone: 905-884-1115
Email: info@plaxtonmann.com
Associate Family Lawyer 3+ Years
Williams Family Lawyers is seeking a Family Law Lawyer to join our growing, fast-paced boutique family law firm.
Enjoy working in our new office on vibrant and picturesque Main Street, Unionville in the City of Markham surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants. We have a collegial, team environment with long-term members. We continue to strive for professional excellence such that our former partners have been appointed to the Superior Court of Justice, Family Court Branch and our former staff member has been accepted to law school. We are committed to mentorship and are regular speakers in continuing legal education programs and community organizations. We believe in work-life balance and have health/dental and other benefits.
The ideal candidate should have at least three years’ experience in family law, and ability to handle files from inception to Superior Court level, both solely and as a member of a team. The candidate must also have excellent written skills, knowledge of Divorcemate and be collaborative, highly-organized, detail-oriented and possess great interpersonal skills.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and references to Lenore@williamsfamilylawyers.com
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"Good Will Hunting..."
Will of 'Thomas George Walker'
L ooking for the Will of 'Thomas George Walker' who was a resident of North York at the time of his death.
Please contact :
David Nusko
Nusko Professional Corporation
ONTARIO: Barrister, Solicitor, & Notary Public
MICHIGAN: Attorney, & Counselor at Law
PO BOX 1327
Wiarton Ontario N0H 2T0
Phone: 800-536-0566 ext. 101
Facsimile: 800-536-0566
Website: www.nusko.ca
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Judicial Vacancies
Judicial Vacancy – Kitchener (Family/Criminal Law)
Ontario Reports and The Lawyers Weekly – September 30, 2016
The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee is soliciting your assistance to ensure that qualified members of the Bar are aware of upcoming judicial vacancies.
Attached is a copy of the advertisement that will appear in the Ontario Reports and The Lawyers Weekly shortly and which I would ask you to bring to the attention of your eligible lawyers. Interested applicants should respond to the advertisement by either submitting 14 copies of the current application form (February 2016) in the first instance or 14 copies of a letter requesting consideration if an application has been made within the previous 12 months.
Interested parties may obtain information on the Committee’s current policies, selection criteria and process and the current Judicial Candidate Information Form at: www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/jaac/. Alternatively, they may contact me at 416-326-4060 for a copy.
We are pleased to advise that automatic vacancy notification via email is now available. Anyone wishing to receive vacancy notification directly in their in-box can register for this service by logging on to: www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/jaac/judicial-vacancy/vacancy-postings/.
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Newsletter Deadline
The YRLA Newsletter welcomes your comments, news and notices.
The cut off day for submission the next YRLA newsletter is October 11th, 2016.
Please direct all submissions to Betty Dykstra bdykstra@yorklaw.ca
Not all submissions will be accepted for publishing.
Archived copies of the newsletter can be found on our website yorklaw.ca |
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