EDITOR’S
PAGE
IN THIS ISSUE President’s Report
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Cyril Gurevitch, Pres. 2012-13
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Back to Basics
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What’s Happening
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View from the Bench
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Practice Pointers
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Unsung Hero
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LSA Accreditation Committee
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Front & Centre
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You Can’t Handle the Truth
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Justicia Project
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Times are Changing
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Health Matters
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CBA National News
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LESA
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Going In-House Guide
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Pro Bono Law Alberta
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Cross-Section North
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Assist
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Cross-Section South
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Notice to the Profession
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State of Articling in Alberta
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Small Communities Action Plan 25 Classified et Cetera
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Non-Profit Announcements
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This is my last editor’s page, as I am pleased to announce that I will be passing the torch to another Editorial Committee member, Shannon McGinty, who I am confident will be innovative and creative with the future of this publication. As I sit and reflect back on the seven years I have been editor, I am proud to say that, with the assistance of the Dragana Sanchez hard-working, dedicated Glowicki, Editor and fabulous Editorial Committee, the magazine has taken on a new look, a quarterly theme, and a table of contents, has become well-balanced between educational and informative material, and is a great magazine to read and archive for future reference. Although I am stepping down, I am pleased to have been asked (well, okay, begged – but this is a volunteer position, so begging does not reduce bragging rights) to remain on the Editorial Committee and mentor our new Editor.
A lot happened in Alberta this summer, and not just the fabulous weather of thunder, lightning, and rainstorms. The CBA has been organizing and planning the Canadian Legal Conference, which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia from August 12th to 14th. If you have never attended this conference, you should immediately put it on your to-do list and make it a priority! There truly is something for everyone. This conference is “an unparalleled, all-in-one event for continuing legal education, professional development, networking, and socializing with members of the profession from all across Canada. From articling students to the most senior members of the judiciary.” (Analea Wayne, QC). The Canadian Legal Conference is a valuable experience for one’s education and career development.
By Dragana Sanchez Glowicki
Speaking of education, this publication contains several interesting and informative articles that affect all of our practices. Robert Harvie, QC, has written an article on succession planning one’s own career. The article discusses the spectrum of succession planning, from the beginning as a law student, to articling, to associate lawyer, and eventually to (the Holy Grail of) partnership. However, the article certainly has a twist in that it suggests that perhaps now, more than ever before, the succession plan has evolved and is no longer what it was when our senior lawyers and mentors started the practice of law. Shekhar Parmar, Director with Counsel Network, completes his article with Part II of the “Going In House Guide”. And Shekhar has a double-header in this edition with a second article titled “The State of Articling in Alberta”, which will be as interesting to articling students as to managing partners. Cyril S. Gurevitch, QC, (who has on several occasions touted himself to be the“CBA junkie”) will commence his term as the Alberta Branch President in August of 2012. Congratulations, Cyril! Cyril writes about an initiative very near and dear to his heart – the initiative to reverse the unfortunate trend of the dwindling of lawyers in smaller centres across the province. This is a problem that the CBA is actively working on as well. Anthony G. Young, QC’s article, titled “Times Are Changing”, is an excellent reflection on how economics, technology, and the cost of legal services have not only changed the practice of law, but will continue to do so. If you do not keep up, you may get left behind. In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the publication during my lengthy term with positive letters and e-mails. Our reader base is what keeps this publication alive, growing, and exciting. Thank you for supporting me as the Editor for the past seven years. It has been an honour and a privilege to work for you.
Contributing Authors this Issue Dragana Sanchez Glowicki Jeffrey D. Wise, QC Enrique Dubon-Roberts Marian V. De Souza Hon. Judge A.A. Fradsham Jocelyn Frazer Jennifer Flynn
Cyril S. Gurevitch, QC Robert Harvie, QC Patty Johnston, QC Anne Kirker, QC Jeremiah Kowalchuk Ola Malik Gillian Marriott, QC
Birch Miller Shekhar Parmar Frederica Schutz, QC Hon. Mr. Justice Jack Watson Anthony G. Young, QC
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
L-R top row: The Honourable Madam Justice E.I. Picard (Edmonton); Terrence A. Cooper, QC (Fort McMurray); Jason Schlotter (Calgary); Anthony G. Young, QC (Calgary); and, Devin Mylrea (Calgary). L-R bottom row: Robert Harvie, QC (Lethbridge); Michele Hollins, QC (Calgary); Shannon McGinty (Calgary); and, Gillian Marriott, QC (Calgary).
2 | Law Matters