BarTalk | April 2008 by The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch

APRIL 2008

VOLUME 20, NUMBER 2

Access to Justice is a Fundamental Right

he core value of inclusivity was integral to Vancouver’s successful bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games. As such, a strong commitment to upholding civil liberties before, during, and after the event was made in the bid’s Inclusive Intent Statement (Appendix B – www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/ public/PubDocs/bcdocs/359499/theme17_backgrounder.pdf). The values enshrined in this statement are not restricted to the Olympics but are an important aspect of the ongoing work of the Canadian Bar Association. While advocating for our members, the CBA works hard to ensure that the public at large has access to affordable and comprehensive justice. On the national front, the CBA has been working in the courts to promote that legal aid be recognized as an essential service and that access to justice be available to low-income Canadians. This past month the case was turned down on appeal, but the CBA is as committed as ever to advocating for the dismantling of financial barriers to justice. Our Branch has been continuing to lobby the provincial government to remove the discriminatory seven per cent tax on legal services. Upon the release of the most recent B.C. budget, in which the tax was not removed, Ken Walton, CBABC President commented, “Individuals and businesses in B.C. are targeted to pay extra money to gain access to justice. The legal system is a key pillar of a strong society and economy, and requires adequate public

www.cba.org/bc

funding to work well, no less than the health and education sectors. In a province with high numbers of unrepresented litigants in courts, it is offensive that this financial barrier continues to exist.” This month, from April 14-20, Law Week events will be held across the province in the communities of Fort St. John, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Vancouver and Victoria. In celebration of Law Week, a number of events such as mock trials, free legal classes, citizenship ceremonies, courthouse tours, public speaking contests, and essay contests for high school students will be held throughout British Columbia. Law Week is the result of the hard work of CBA members in British Columbia to bring information about the justice system to every British Columbian. Appropriately, the theme for B.C. Law Week 2008 is “Access to Justice: Breaking Down Barriers.” All British Columbians should be provided with affordable access to justice. In 2010 and beyond, our province should serve as a model to the world of how a justice system can equally serve every citizen, and thus support a vibrant and working democracy. Our members have an opportunity this month to help break down the barriers of negative perception and showcase the amazing work of the lawyers in this province. To find out more about Law Week 2008 and the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch initiatives please visit: www.cba.org/bc and www.bclawweek.org. BT

APRIL 2008 UP FRONT

VOLUME 20, NUMBER 2

FEATURED THIS ISSUE

4 From the President 5 Executive Director 6 National News 8 Sections 10 Practice Talk

This edition of BarTalk highlights the dramatic challenges access to justice faces in this country. It also showcases the extraordinary work performed by the legal community, outstanding individuals, and groups such as LSLAP and the Pivot Legal Society in furthering a more just society.

12 Nothing Official by Tony Wilson

by David J. Bilinsky

13 On the Web by Patricia Jordan LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 14

Acts in Force

IN THE BACK

22 24 25 26

Events | Calendar

Classified Ads

Member Services Bar Moves

Partners | Membership Continuing Legal Education Society The Law Foundation of B.C.

Law Week 2008 Access to Justice: Breaking Down Barriers

New Supreme Court Rules of Civil Procedure

by Honourable Wally Oppal, QC

Access to Justice

by Chief Judge Hugh C. Stansfield

Law Grad Debt Blocks Access to Justice

by David Eby

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program by Nicholas Tsoi GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

Investing in the Future of Law:

Davis LLP and Irwin Davis make a $1 million donation to UBC by Doug Buchanan, QC

Health & Wellness TIP Workplace Conflicts Try to depersonalize conflicts. Instead of a “you vs. me” mentality, create an “us vs. the problem” scenario. This professional and respectful approach will create a more mutually satisfactory outcome, will improve employee engagement, and increase productivity. uuu

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BARTALK April 2008

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch 10th Floor, 845 Cambie Street Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5T3 Tel: 604-687-3404 Toll-free (in B.C.): 1-888-687-3404 bartalk@bccba.org

BarTalk is published six times per year by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch. BarTalk Senior Editor Jesse Tarbotton BarTalk Editor Deborah Carfrae Staff Contributors Fran Hodgkins Elizabeth Roethe Editorial Board Chair Dierk Ullrich Editorial Board Members Paul Arvisais James M. Bond Nicole Holas Jack Micner Pamela Murray Gurminder Sandhu Barinder Sanghara Craig Watson Barry Zacharias © Copyright the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association 2008. This publication is intended for information purposes only and the information herein should not be applied to specific fact circumstances without the advice of counsel. The Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch represents more than 6,000 B.C. members and is dedicated to improving and promoting access to justice, reviewing legislation, initiating law reform measures and advancing and improving the administration of justice.

BarTalk Publication Sales Agreement #40741008

TASER NATION – TONY WILSON AND SECTION UPDATE – ABORIGINAL LAW (VOL. 20, NO. 1)

Good column by Tony Wilson and I liked the Section update on Aboriginal Law. All the best.

Send your LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to: Jesse Tarbotton, BarTalk Senior Editor Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch Fax: 604-669-9601 Toll-free fax: 1-877-669-9601 E-mail: jtarbotton@bccba.org

– Ron MacIsaac RE: THE 4.1 BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS A LETTER KENNETH WALTON SENT TO THE TIMES COLONIST ON JULY 17, 2007

Last week your newspaper reported that the Province of British Columbia has a 4.1 billion dollar surplus. For years the Canadian Bar Association has taken the position that it is in the public interest to eliminate Provincial Sales Tax on legal fees. This stand goes well back to the 1990s when the NDP first introduced the tax. The Canadian Bar Association challenged the law, which was found to be invalid. The NDP then brought the legislation back in a new and different form. One would think the B.C. Liberals would not wish to identify themselves with this bad tax policy, which costs the public (who are often in needy situations such as divorce or matrimonial settlement problems) an additional burden just because they use a lawyer. It is not like they can avoid using a lawyer if they want a decent outcome. Unlike other professions in British Columbia, lawyers are the only group singled out by this tax. Meetings with provincial officials over the years and the fact that this tax brings in an excess of 100 million dollars a year is said to be significant. The question “What will we replace it with?” was put to the Bar Association. Well now, the province has its answer. If it eliminates the Provincial Sales Tax on legal fees, as it should, it will still have nine 0s behind the 4 in its 4+ billion dollar surplus. There is no question this sales tax on legal services is bad public policy. It encourages larger corporations that use legal services to go to tax free Alberta or tax free Ontario. One wonders why….

– F. Kenneth Walton F. Kenneth Walton Law Corporation

Have you moved? Let us know! If you have changed firms, addresses, e-mail addresses, or phone/ fax numbers, you need to let us know. E-mail us at data@bccba. org, phone 604-687-3404 or fax 604-669-9601 or contact us toll-free (phone 1-888-687-3404, fax 1-877-669-9601).

April 2008 BARTALK

FROM THE PRESIDENT

KENNETH WALTON

What Are You Doing For Us?

British Columbia is much worse off, walked through an airport as is our profession, by the absence check-in a couple of months of Debra. ago and was required to give Ask yourself: when your final my occupation. I said I was day has past, will someone say that a lawyer and was told I would be about you? forgiven for that. I said forgiveness Art Vertlieb, QC; I run into him was not needed, as my profession frequently and I, constantly hear of was all that stood between indihim. He has founder status at the viduals and tyranny. Trial Lawyers Association and the Many have a very poor view Lawyers’ Assistance Program, sits of our profession and we, in turn, Kenneth Walton on Judicial Council for the selecangst about why we are not loved. President 2007/2008 tion of Provincial Court Judges My view is that this is a reality B.C. Branch and helps other lawyers re-establish Canadian Bar Association that we will never change. Do not their careers. He sits on the Board of waste your time expecting help Continuing Legal Education, is a Bencher, and was a or understanding from the public. The only people key member of the Law Society’s Equality Committee. likely to help us are ourselves. One wonders when he would have time to practise law. That brings me to my point. In the course of my I was not fully aware, until I obtained this posiyear so far, as President of our Branch, I have been amaztion, of the many good works of John Waddell, ed at some of the great work done by our fellow lawyers. QC, of Victoria, B.C. John sits on the board of the Many great things were said at the February 9, Canadian Bar Association Financial, which deals 2008 Celebration of Life of the late Debra Van Ginkel, with investing lawyers’ retirement funds. He is past QC. She was 50 when she succumbed to lung cancer president of the Victoria YM-YWCA and a past in late January, ironically, not having smoked a day in Canadian Bar Association B.C. Branch President. her life. Debra was a rare combination of outward and He is on the boards of the Law Foundation and the inward beauty. She was perhaps the closest thing to a Benevolent Fund – a wonderful organization which saint that the legal profession has had this generation. looks after members of our profession who have no Debra was heavily involved in the Lawyers’ resources due to personal calamity. Assistance Program, in a project still ongoing involvThese three people exemplify one common thing; ing children’s rights in our courts, in the Benevolent an interest in serving the needs of the practising Bar; Fund, in the Women Lawyers Forum, and in menyou and me. toring young women, all this done in the space of I urge you in looking at your professional life to very few years at the Bar. She could have been a consider what it is you could do to help our profesProvincial Court Judge but refused to consider being sion. It does not have to be great. It could be as simple alienated from her beloved mentoring program. as taking someone’s student to a trial and showing She was well respected and highly competent in that person the ropes. the courts. She took the high road in her family law Do something, no matter how modest. cases. Through personal misfortunes, she persevered I wish you success in your personal and professional in an ever optimistic manner and enjoyed every fast life. BT paced day of her life. As our Attorney General said, 4

BARTALK April 2008

CAROLINE NEVIN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Milagro’s Beanfield is Everybody’s Business Why we all have a stake in cultivating new “sprouts” in the field

ike much of the rest by the entire community, and the of the country, B.C.’s greater good prevails. Outlying population is largely areas are having trouble divertconcentrated in a few ing their own “water source” – urban areas, with the rest strewn young lawyers – to their towns. across a huge geographic expanse. The burden of large student loans This affects access to many is one reason, but there are others. resources, including lawyers and None are insurmountable; we just the courts. With a large number haven’t applied the full power of of lawyers set to retire, attractour collective minds and resources ing and retaining young lawyers is to the issue. Caroline Nevin the #1 issue of concern to many Think it’s only “their” problem Executive Director local Bars. and not your own? Think again. B.C. Branch Canadian Bar Association Two-thirds of B.C.’s lawyers Notaries were only created in this work in the Lower Mainland. province in the absence of access to Only 3 per cent work anywhere in lawyers, and paralegals have been the Prince Rupert or Cariboo Districts, which cover gaining in status and scope of practice elsewhere. two-thirds of the province. Victoria, the Okanagan Courts and judges have disappeared in places where and Nanaimo combined only have 17 per cent, and “demand” is considered low, and the absence of the rest are spread across the Kootenays, Kamloops, lawyers contributes to that perception. Clients (and up-Island, or outside B.C. taxpayers) have to pay for access to out-of-town When I visit lawyers in places like Cranbrook, I counsel or, worse yet, forgo legal advice and reprehear a familiar refrain: we have lots of business and sentation. This issue affects our entire society, and amazing quality of life, but we just can’t attract new as leaders we have to step up. lawyers. Law firms, corporations, the Crown and The CBA is serious about bringing the legal Legal Services all face the same challenge. community together to solve this problem. We want The CBA has a National Working Group to hear from you. No idea is too wild. Will $5,000 a looking at the issue of rural access to lawyers year toward articles help? How about funding local across the country. Here in B.C., we’re looking for students’ legal education in return for time served at practical ways to help law firms and employers home? Or funding rural “tours of duty” through a attract new lawyers outside the Lower Mainland. new type of foundation? A new mentoring program? We expect to partner with local Bars, the Law A staff person to organize shared articles across Foundation and the Law Society, all of which several law firms or towns? Let us know what you have identified rural access to legal resources as an think. And if you’re a young lawyer or law student, important priority. The ground for action on this let us know what it would take for you to seriously issue is fertile indeed. consider moving to a smaller town to practise law. In The Milagro Beanfield War, a lone impovThe CBA is ready to plant the seeds, but it will erished farmer diverts a forbidden source of water take the whole community to create real growth. to cultivate a small patch of beans in an otherwise Please take a moment today to write to me at parched land. Eventually, his action is supported cnevin@bccba.org. BT April 2008 BARTALK

NATIONAL NEWS

Quebec 2008 Maya Angelou, Jean Chrétien, Phil Fontaine, and Chantal Hébert are among the high-profile keynote speakers at the CBA Canadian Legal Conference in Québec City, Aug. 17-19. Check for updates online (including online registration form). uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/ quebec2008/main/

CBA Urges Federal Government to Honour International Agreements on Climate Change The CBA is urging the federal government to honour Canada’s international commitments to address climate change rather than adopting legislated targets proposed in Bill C-377, the Climate Change Accountability Act. CBA Submission uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/ submissions/pdf/08-10-eng.pdf

CBA Recommends Parliamentary Review for Bill C-3 Within One Year of Implementation While it welcomes the most recent changes to Bill C-3 (security certificates and special advocates) passed by the House of Commons, the CBA says the legislation may still be vulnerable to a constitutional challenge, and should be subject to parliamentary review within a year of implementation. CBA Submission uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/submissions/pdf/07-59-eng.pdf

CBA PracticeLink Podcast: Leveraging the Media to Help Grow Your Practice You see your competition on the six o’clock news being described as a leading legal expert. You say to yourself, “I could do that. Why didn’t the reporter call me?” This podcast will show you how to effectively gain the media’s attention, without having to hire a high-priced public relations firm. uuu http://www.cba.org/cba/PracticeLink/podcasts/media.aspx Also new on CBA PracticeLink: • • • •

Clients 2.0: Collaboration Creates Enduring Relationships Capturing More Time (and Billing it Too!) Even the Lone Ranger Needed Tonto: Support Staff for Solo Practices Quick tips on marketing, going solo, client services, and more.

All this and much more uuu http://www.cba.org/practicelink

BARTALK April 2008

CBA and Other Bar Associations Call for Closing of Guantanamo Bay CBA President Bernard Amyot, together with 34 Bar leaders around the world, has called on U.S. President George W. Bush to immediately close the prison facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. “Few governmental operations by democratic countries have shown such a profound disrespect for the rule of law,” says Bernard Amyot. “Guantanamo Bay has come to signify injustice for some at the hands of the powerful.” Letter to Prime Minister with joint statement uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/ submissions/pdf/08-15-eng.pdf

Advocacy For a snapshot of CBA’s advocacy initiatives, please visit http://www.cba.org/CBA/ Advocacy/pdf/CBAAdvocacy.pdf.

CBA Awards The CBA offers a wide array of awards to recognize excellence in the legal profession. Many deadlines for nominations are coming up in April. New this year, the 2008 Touchstone Award (http://www.cba.org/CBA/Awards/touchstone_award/) is open to both individuals and organizations. Details on CBA awards, including eligibility and deadlines uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/Awards/Main/default.aspx

Susan McGrath Wins 2008 Douglas Miller Award Susan McGrath of Iroquois Falls, Ont., has been named the 2008 winner of the CBA’s Douglas Miller Award. She received the award from Mary Carol Miller, spouse of the late Doug Miller. A sole practitioner from a small community in Northern Ontario and a mother of three, Susan McGrath is a leading advocate for increased funding for legal aid and a spokesperson for the needs of small-firm lawyers and sole practitioners in rural and remote communities. News Release uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/News/2008_Releases/200802-24_miller.aspx

Guile Debate a Success Student teams from UBC’s Faculty of Law faced off in the 9th Annual Guile Memorial Debate on February 15 at the Law Courts Inn. A standing room only crowd enjoyed final arguments in a boisterous debate that honours the memory of Robert H. Guile, QC and emphasizes humour and camaraderie in the law. This year’s Guile Debate winners are Matt Brandon and Brittany Skinner, who will share a grand prize of $1,000. Runners-up, DJ Larkin and Mike Berger, receive awards of $250 each.

Continuing Legal Education Competition, Crime and Punishment: The Practice, Procedure and Substance of Criminal Competition Law April 28-29, 2008 Toronto 2008 National Charity Law Symposium May 7, 2008 Toronto CBA National Citizenship and Immigration Law Conference May 15-17, 2008 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. 2008 National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Summit May 15-16, 2008 Ottawa 2008 Tax Law for Lawyers May 25-30, 2008 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. For more information uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/CLE/main/

2008 Mid-Winter Meeting Resolutions CHILD SUPPORT RECALCULATION SERVICES The CBA is calling on all levels of government to ensure an accessible and inexpensive means to formalize adjustments to child support as family circumstances and income change.

RULE OF LAW IN KENYA Given the post-election crisis in Kenya, the CBA is urging the government of that country to support the rule of law and to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens. Full text of resolutions uuu http://www.cba.org/CBA/ resolutions/2008res/

April 2008 BARTALK

SECTIONS

Section Update Keep your practice current

The following are brief summaries of several recent Section meetings held throughout the province. More detailed information and available minutes from the Section meetings are accessible online at www.cba.org/bc in Sections/Forums, for enrolled CBA members. ADR – VICTORIA MEETING: February 13, 2008 SPEAKER: Wayne Plenert, Chair, Mediator Roster Society TOPIC: Conflict Transformation

AIR LAW MEETINGS: January 24, 2008 and February 14, 2008 SPEAKERS: Steven O. Rosen, The Rosen Law Firm,

Wayne Plenert, a full-time mediator, whose practice includes family, workplace, and civil mediations in B.C., Yukon Territory, and Alberta, is also an instructor in leadership training, conflict resolution, and conflict transformation in Dawson Creek, Vancouver, and Victoria. His presentation, which was informative and thought provoking, was an overview of a workshop he recently presented for the Roster Society. Using conflict to transform the structure of relationships is a concept that seemed to resonate with everyone at the meeting. Mr. Plenert’s oral presentation was supported by a PowerPoint presentation which was circulated with the minutes to all ADR – Victoria Section members.

Seattle, Washington

Portland, Oregon; Robert Hedrick, Hedrick & Smith,

TOPICS: Movie Magic – How the Masters Try Cases; On the Horizon: Very Light Jets

Mr. Rosen, an aerospace engineer turned aviation attorney, specializes in litigation, trial, and appellate work in federal and state courts. His presentation on trial advocacy used a series of movie clips from such movies as “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Judgment at Nuremburg” to illustrate different techniques for addresses to juries, direct examination of witnesses, cross examinations, and summations. The entertaining presentation demonstrated the importance of using themes, storytelling, and pacing to present the case.

YOUNG LAWYERS – LOWER MAINLAND MEETING: February 19, 2008 SPEAKER: Darrell W. Roberts, QC TOPIC: Courtroom Evidence Refresher

For this presentation, Darrell Roberts, QC stepped into the shoes of a junior barrister and gave a refresher of evidentiary issues likely to be encountered by young lawyers at trial. Mr. Roberts began with From left to right: Cherisse the proof of documents, highlighting Rules 26(14), 31 and 40(13), Friesen, Co-Chair; Guest speaker, and went on to cover the use of examination for discovery evidence, Darrell Roberts, QC; Angela utilizing formal admissions, past recollection of witnesses, and the Rinaldis, Member-at-Large; and case of U.S. v. Riccardi (1949) 174F.(2nd) 883 (USCA), hearsay and Robin Bajer, Treasurer. its exceptions, and using expert evidence wisely. Darrell also gave some important practical advice for trial, including tips on calling and subpoenaing witnesses, making opening speeches, organizing minutes of evidence, using leading questions in direct examinations, refreshing a witness memory, making and answering objections, quickly identifying hearsay objections, and techniques for cross-examination.

“This meeting was a rare opportunity for us to have a leading practitioner and instructor review the fundamental concepts of evidence. Darrell’s presentation was thorough, precise and surprisingly comprehensive given that he only had an hour to speak!” 8

BARTALK April 2008

– Co-Chair, Cherisse Friesen

ELDER LAW At the February meeting Robert F. Hedrick, a MEETING: February 13, 2008 graduate of the McGill Air and Space Law Institute, SPEAKER: Laura Watts, National Director of the and a multi-rated commercial pilot, flight instructor Canadian Centre for Elder Studies and FAA certified airframe and power plant TOPIC: Aging with Challenges mechanic from Seattle, gave a presentation entitled “On the Horizon: Very Light To Section members in Jets.” The presentation attendance and by teleSECTION PAPERS – canvassed a broad range conference, Ms. Watts gave of legal, regulatory, and an extremely informative A Benefit of Membership insurance issues raised by presentation on a wide range Every CBABC member is eligible for the advent of “very light of issues regarding Elder Law. one free Section enrolment, free access jets” or VLJ. These aircraft Laura described some of the to Section Papers, and archived B.C. from manufacturers such as findings of a recent survey Eclipse and HondaJet Section minutes back to 1999 with each conducted by the Canadian typically seat five to six Centre on Elder Law Studies enrolment. Section Papers are archived passengers and can be on Aging With Challenges. Speaker’s notes, presentations, or case operated at altitudes similar For example, responses comments and are continuously being to commercial airliners. overwhelmingly identified updated online at www.cba.org/bc. The upcoming meeting smoking as the most prevalent in March will include a “addiction” among the elderly videoconfer-ence presentation from Manitoba Crown residents of assisted living and long-term care facilities. Counsel involved in the case of R. v. Tayfel which Another surprise was the number of responses identifying resulted in the conviction of a commercial pilot the need for more information on gender identity issues for criminal negligence causing death. The April in care facilities. Ms. Watts concluded her presentation with an update on the status of Bill 29, the “Adult 18th meeting will focus on aviation security for the Guardianship and Planning Statutes Amendment Act.” BT 2010 Olympics.

EMPLOYMENT LAW MEETING: February 19, 2008 SPEAKER: Gabriel M. Somjen, Borden Ladner Gervais, LLP TOPIC: Dismissing the Disabled Employee

The Section was honoured to have Gabriel Somjen address members on a topic of great uncertainty for employment law practitioners – Dismissing the Disabled Employee. Mr. Somjen used contextual examples from case law to identify a number of the pitfalls in this contentious area, including concerns about human rights and the termination of benefits. He also shared From left to right: Lanny Robinson, Co-Chair, Employment his advice and thoughts on how these potential problems may Law; and Guest speaker, Gabriel be avoided. The interest in the topic was apparent as more than M. Somjen. 60 people attended the meeting in-person, while others attended by webinar (computer and telephone). It was the first time the Employment Law Section has used a webinar which Co-Chair, Lanny Robinson hailed as a success.

“Without the webinar technology, we would have had to restrict participation in the meeting. Fortunately, we didn’t have to contend with limited seating – or the Fire Code – and we did not restrict attendance to Section members in Vancouver. We will certainly be using the technology again.”

– Co-Chair, Lanny Robinson April 2008 BARTALK

PRACTICE TALK

DAVID J. BILINSKY

Financing Pro Bono Getting the right paying clients first...

If you run short of money I’ll run short of time you got no more money honey I’ve no more time …

know of to measure the cost to a firm of providing legal services is to seek to allocate personnel and other costs by lawyer across the number of hours of billable Words and music by Lefty Frizzell, service provided. Every lawyer recorded by Willie Nelson. and every firm should know how much it costs to provide an hour n thinking of Access to of legal services. Without this basic Justice, it occurred to me financial building block, you don’t that lawyers and law firms know whether you’re making are often asked to contribute David J. Bilinsky is the Practice money or losing it by working on Management Advisor for the to the cause by taking on pro bono any particular file. LSBC. E-mail: daveb@lsbc.org cases for worthy clients who otherIf you have a fair fluency with Blog: www.thoughtfullaw.com wise could not afford a lawyer. As Excel, it’s not too difficult to use we all know, law firms can only linked spreadsheets to allow you to take on pro bono cases if they are sufficiently afloat in determine your hourly cost structure. Understanding order to offset their pro bono time by other, presumthis has enormous implications for determining your ably, paying clients. Accordingly, this column will top-profitability lawyers, clients, and files (as opposed look at tips for keeping your house in tip-top finanto top revenue generators… which may, or may not, cial shape in order to be able to support your firm’s be the same!). pro bono activities:

GET THE MONEY UP FRONT

I am continually asked how best to collect receivables. My answer, perhaps unhelpful, is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Most lawyers have long stated that there is a litmus test in the practice of law, and this is asking for money at the start of the file. If a client is reluctant to provide funds at the start of a file, there is a better-than-even chance that they will be even more reluctant to provide such funds at the end of the file. The simple act of asking for money is not embarrassing – it is a tested means of determining if you have a “good and true” client before you or your firm invests time and money into their cause. DETERMINING YOUR HOURLY COST STRUCTURE – WHAT IS YOUR PROFIT SPREAD?

Abraham Lincoln said that a lawyer’s time is his stock in trade, and it’s true. The only way we 10

BARTALK April 2008

PREPARE A DETAILED BUDGET

Carl Sandburg said “Nothing happens unless first a dream.” This means forecasting your future financial performance – income and expenses – and then tracking your actual income and expenses to see how you are doing. By taking the steps to build your budget, you are actively visioning your expected financial returns. By tracking your income and expenses, you are building a “feedback loop” that allows you to determine if you are staying on your financial path. Furthermore, a budget is part of your overall business plan – which represents the difference between “taking in whatever comes in the door” to “going after the markets and the clients that you wish to work for and drawing them to you.” A spreadsheet to create a budget can be found at: http://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/practice_support/ articles/docs/Budget.xls.

TRACK YOUR TIME

“Why track my time?” Why? Simply because if you have financial goals (recall the budget?) those goals translate to daily, weekly, monthly and yearly billable time targets (even if you bill by contingency, you still need to achieve an average hourly rate at least equal to your budgeted amount to bring home the amount that you have forecast!). Tracking your billable time is the essential starting point for any financial analysis of your practice. Without accurate time records you can’t determine: • The cost of rendering services (i.e. what did that conveyance actually cost you to produce?) • EHR (your Effective Hourly Rate – or your total hours logged (not just billed) divided by the fees recovered on the file) • Time written off, etc… CRAFT INTAKE FORMS

Craft intake forms and procedures that ask you questions about the potential client and incorporate specific intake policies to match your business and marketing plan (remember that vision?). Your intake forms set forth the area(s) of practice and types of files that you wish to pursue (as well as those that you don’t) by incorporating a check-list as part of the form. Your intake forms ask you whether the potential client matches: • Your target clients (area of practice and type of files). • Your fee agreement expectations. • Whether the client is someone with whom you wish to work (potential trouble?). Your client agreement should also: • Shape expectations (incorporate an information sheet that discusses their type of claim, the process that they can expect and the range of possible outcomes for their type of file). • Minimize unnecessary calls (by providing information early in the process to the client). • Facilitate communications (state that you will send your clients copies of all correspondence sent and received as well as periodic (standard) information when their file reaches predetermined milestones). • Handle emergencies (advise your client how best to contact you and your office).

Proper client and file management will help you attract the right mix of paying and pro bono clients to achieve your income goals and avoid having those awkward moments sitting across from clients and telling them if they have no more money honey, you’ve no more time.... BT

DAVE'S TECH TIP Technology Tip from Dave’s Award-Winning Blog: (www.thoughtfullaw.com):

One of the lessons we have all learned when using computers – usually the hard way – is to back up your work. There are few sensations to match that sinking feeling when you realize that your document/file/hard drive has been deleted, crashed, or simply disappeared – leaving you frantically trying to recover your data. Yet many of us have websites and blogs that are hosted by third parties – and we are blissfully unaware of whether or not these third party hosts have dutifully backed up one’s work in the event of some disaster. Enter HTTrack Website Copier. This free application (distributed pursuant to the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation) allows you to make a backup of your website or blog by downloading to a local directory, all the directories, HTML, images, and other files found in your blog or website using your original link-structure. Once downloaded, you can “browse” your website or blog as if you were online. It is quick, easy to configure and easy to use. This is a great application and a fine example of the other free software to be found under the GNU free licence. And best of all, by backing up your website or blog, you can be assured that your data will never leave you alone.

The views expressed herein are strictly those of the author, and may not be shared by the Law Society of B.C. April 2008 BARTALK

NOTHING OFFICIAL

TONY WILSON

Professional Discourtesy

We aren’t the sharks. But sometimes, we’re hired by them.

n February, I went to a conThe various lawyers I am fortuference in Nassau. I always nate to have worked with over my scuba dive where the water is career have been, with few excepwarm, but this time, I decided tions, compassionate and dedicated to go on a Shark Adventure Dive, professionals, trying to do what where the dive masters ushered me they’re paid to do without debasing 40 feet below the dive boat while their professionalism. Outside work, they fed around 50 large sharks they volunteer their time for charicircling a foot or two from my table causes, sit on boards, or coach nose. Unlike documentaries on the their kid’s sports teams. Some conDiscovery Channel, there were no tribute to our democracy by becomTony Wilson is a franchise lawcages, but they did suggest that we ing involved in politics. Others seek yer at Boughton in Vancouver. not move our hands or pee in our to create a better world by making He has written for the Globe and wetsuits. Like other dangerous pasus conscious of the energy we misMail, Macleans and Canadian Lawyer . He is the swimmer in times such as driving a car or eating use and what we throw out. the top of this photograph, and too much red meat, there’s a calcuOur own CBA seeks to prodid not pee in his wetsuit. lated risk that you won’t die doing mote justice in an unjust world by it, but a minor risk that you might. drawing attention to the plight of Of course, the Dive Shop sells you the DVD and the lawyers and judges in Pakistan, or the fate of prisonphotos of you in your own personal “Thunderball” ers tortured in Guantanamo Bay. Maher Arar isn’t moment, and I took the bait; posting my 120 secfree because Starbucks or Microsoft rallied around onds of fame on YouTube. I sent the link to an odd him. He’s free because lawyers took on his cause. collection of co-workers, family members, former An active and independent legal profession pergirlfriends, old buddies and clients. Shark diving was mits us to live in a country where cartoons depicting on my “bucket list” of things to do before I died, and Muhammad, Jesus, Thor, Zeus or L. Ron Hubbard having not died, I felt I earned the bragging rights. aren’t criminal offenses punishable by death, but Other than my daughter informing me she works protected by free speech and the right to offend. officially had a cool Dad, I was shocked at a universal In Canada, gays and lesbians can get married because response that I had not expected: “Professional lawyers saw a double standard and decided to fix it. courtesy” said virtually all the non-lawyers. The police can be held responsible for their mistakes, As a humour writer (this column won an award politicians can be accountable for corruption, and last year so I can say that now), I’m totally embarreligious leaders can be convicted of sex crimes. But rassed that I didn’t think of the joke before they did! without lawyers pushing the envelope, our modern But as a lawyer, I’m ticked off that we continue civil society might still be a medieval one. to have the reputation of “sharks” among those who As I consider Conrad Black and other non-lawyers can never be disbarred because they answer to no one serving jail time, it strikes me that we are harpooned for their ethical transgressions. As lawyers, we do our far too often by those whose ethics are governed only best to further our clients’ interests within certain by money. Until they face the equivalent of disbarrules, but we always risk getting our heads bitten off ment, the real sharks aren’t the lawyers. Sometimes if our bills are too high or our ethics are too low. they’re the ones who have to hire them. BT 12

BARTALK April 2008

PATRICIA JORDAN

ON THE WEB

Law Week Online

n March 2008, the Canadian Bar Association B.C. Branch (CBABC) launched a new website for Law Week in British Columbia. Our intention is to raise the profile and public awareness of Law Week/Law Day events that are held throughout the province and across Canada. BClawweek.org has six categories: About, Events, Contests, Locations, Partners/Sponsors and Media. ABOUT

is open to students in grades 8-12. Learn more about these events in “Contests.” LOCATIONS

Patricia Jordan is the CBABC Web Manager. She welcomes your comments, questions and suggestions. Tel: 604-646-7861 E-mail: pjordan@bccba.org

In 2008, open houses will be held in Fort St. John, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, and Victoria. Visit “Locations” for details about events held in your area. PARTNERS/SPONSORS

The history of Law Week, Law Week Committee members, the Committee’s mandate and contact information are published in “About.” As well, a detailed list of links for the courts and judiciary, law libraries, legal services and pro bono services is provided online.

Law Week is made possible through the efforts of hundreds of lawyers who donate thousands of hours of volunteer time to Law Day events across Canada. Visit “Partners/Sponsors” for a complete list of law firms and organizations that support Law Week events.

EVENTS

MEDIA

In “Events” look for information on citizenship ceremonies, courthouse tours, the popular Dial-ALawyer program, public speaking and essay contests, mock trials, free law classes, a free public forum, the fun run, open houses, and presentations and displays by justice systems staff and legal organizations. Mock trials are an important part of Law Day events, as each year during Law Week the CBABC sponsors mock trials for middle school and high school students throughout the province. Look for photos of past open houses, mock trials and fun runs in “Events.”

The popular free public forum that is held in Vancouver will once again be hosted by Ian Hanomansing of CBC. The biographies of public forum guest speakers are available in “Media” under “Biographies of Speakers.” Media kits and news releases are also available in “Media.”

CONTESTS

Each year the CBABC invites students to participate in province-wide contests that offer students an opportunity to learn about the law and the judicial system. A cornerstone event, the annual Barry Sullivan Law Cup public speaking contest, is open to students in grades 11-12. The popular essay contest

DID YOU KNOW?

• In 2007, there were 1,133,424 visits to cba.org/bc or an average of 3,105 per day • The Events Calendar was viewed more than 33,000 times • The top three search phrases used were possession of marijuana, marriage contract and conditional discharge • The employment ad for VANOC was downloaded 18,404 times • Employment ads were downloaded 108,591 times. BT April 2008 BARTALK

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

ACTS IN FORCE

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to you in this article but the information should not be relied upon. Lawyers should refer to the specific legislative or regulatory provision. You will see a reference in some cases to the number of the Bill when it was introduced in the House. This number may be different from the chapter number of the new Act which is quoted after the title of the Act and which is the proper citation for the Act. The Bill number has been given to make it easier for you to note up the Bills you may have in your library.

CURRENT FROM JANUARY 1 TO FEBRUARY 29, 2008 Legislative Update is provided as part of the CBABC legislative and law reform program. It is a service funded by CBA membership fees, and is, therefore, provided as a benefit of CBA membership. The full version of Legislative Update is now only published online and available to CBA members exclusively at www.cba.org/bc.

SECURITIES AMENDMENT ACT, 2006, S.B.C. 2006, C. 32 (BILL 20)

ACTS IN FORCE ATTORNEY GENERAL STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2007, S.B.C. 2007, C. 14 (BILL 33) Section 61 is in force March 3, 2008

Sections 27 to 31, 40, 41(b), 47(e), 66(a) adding “98” and “99” to Section 184(2)(b.1) of the Securities Act and 70 are in force February 1, 2008

SCHOOL (STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENT ENABLING) AMENDMENT ACT 2007, S.B.C. 2007, C. 29 (BILL 20) Sections 6, 7, 32, and 42 enacting Section 175(2)(r) of the School Act are in force in effect March 3, 2008

BLSAC 17th Annual National Conference The Black Law Students’ Association of Canada held their 17th Annual National Conference in Vancouver on February 22 and 23. More than 250 participants and speakers attended. For the first time in the 17-year history of the Conference, BLSAC encouraged their members to participate in the Diversity Moot. The Diversity Moot was created to be a stimulating and didactic way for students to engage in legal issues relevant to the black community, and to enhance the litigation abilities of BLSAC members.

Left to right: Nicole Holas presenting the CBABC Patricia DeGuire Diversity Moot Cup Award to Michelle L. Velvet.

As a sponsor to the BLSAC National Conference, the Canadian Bar Association B.C. Branch was invited to donate a gift, but the CBABC decided instead to donate a multi-year trophy cup to be awarded to the winner of the moot. Nicole Holas, a member of the CBABC presented the CBABC Patricia DeGuire Diversity Moot Cup Award to Michelle L. Velvet, a law student at Windsor Law School. Patricia DeGuire is a co-founder of BLSAC and CABL, the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1993, and is known for her commitment to public service, legal education, and social justice.

University of Victoria Wins Law Games and Donates $2,000 in Prize Money to Charity University of Victoria students returned from the 24th annual Law Games held this January in Montreal with $2,000 in prize money and the coveted Spirit Cup, which is awarded to the overall winners of Canada’s annual law student competition. The $2,000 have been earmarked for donation to the Victoria Women’s Transition House, which offers counselling and shelter to women suffering emotional and physical abuse. 14

BARTALK April 2008

DOUG BUCHANAN, QC

GUEST

Investing In the Future of Law:

Davis LLP and Irwin Davis make a $1 million donation to UBC

Court of Canada in two landmark n December 2007, Davis LLP cases, the Guerin case and the and Irwin Davis, grandson of Sparrow case, which first established the firm’s founder Edward and later expanded the principle Pease Davis K.C., announced that the Crown has a fiduciary a $1 million donation to the new duty to aboriginal people. UBC Faculty of Law building. Our lawyers have a tradition of From time to time circumstancpublic and community service from es arise which force a law firm to holding high political office, to servreflect on matters outside of the daying in the courts, to serving in other to-day business of the practice of law. positions such as Chancellor of The need for the UBC law school UBC and Chief Treaty CommisDoug Buchanan, QC was one of those circumstances. Former National Managing sioner for the Province. It is easy to forget how truly Partner of Davis LLP It is clear that our profession fortunate we are to be in a profession and community need a new law like law, working in an environment school. Helping this happen is nothing more than like the Davis firm and living in a country like Canada. being true to the firm’s tradition and simply doing We recently had a book published on the history the right thing. of the firm which gave the current generation of The new law building, set for completion in late Davis lawyers some insight into the firm’s roots. 2010, will be a combination of classrooms and lecture Since its inception in 1892 in Vancouver, the halls and will highlight a new UBC Law Library Davis firm has not only been a leader in the legal designed to meet the needs of future generations of law profession, but also a leader in the community. The students and legal professionals. In total, the facility firm has a history of “doing its duty” and “doing the will provide space for more than 50 faculty members, right thing” regardless of risk, popular opinion and 600 undergraduate students financial gain. Many Davis and 100 graduate students. lawyers fought for Canada in “It is easy to forget how In commemoration of both World Wars. E.P. Davis truly fortunate we are to Davis’ contribution to the projlost his son in WWI and be in a profession like law, ect, the profession and the comseven Davis lawyers went to working in an environment munity, the building will also fight in WWII with five not like the Davis firm and living house a state-of-the-art student coming home. After WWII, in a country like Canada.” lounge in the Davis name. when the Japanese had few Our relationship with friends, the firm defended UBC dates back many decades. And while UBC the Japanese Canadian citizens from the federal Law has certainly built a reputation for consistent government’s attempts to deport them, and then excellence, producing some of the country’s most later sued the federal government for recovery of outstanding leaders, Davis hopes this donation will property confiscated when the Japanese Canadian ensure future generations of law students will concitizens were sent to the interior camps. tinue to prosper in a broad range of disciplines with The firm later took on the cause of Canada’s access to a world-class facility. BT aboriginal people and was successful at the Supreme April 2008 BARTALK

LAW WEEK EVENTS

A W

Law Week 2008 Access to Justice: Breaking Down Barriers

Law Day is a national event created by the CBA celebrating the signing of Canada’s Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Held every April, Law Day provides an important opportunity to help Canadians learn about their justice system and to project a positive image of the legal profession. In many B.C. communities Law Day has expanded into week long activities. This year’s theme for Law Week is “Access to Justice: Breaking Down Barriers.” Law Week 2008 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Dial-A-Law Program. The following provides an overview of some of the Law Week events that will be held across the province. Additional information about these events can be found at www.bclawweek.org. We hope you will come out and join the events in your community!

W E E K www.bclawweek.org

Open Houses and Other Events in Local Communities Open Houses will be held in the following communities and will include a variety of fun and educational activities such as mock trials, free law classes, citizenship ceremonies, courthouse tours, displays and demonstrations from a variety of justice and social service providers, Q & A sessions with senior justice system representatives, and police seminars: Fort St. John – April 16th Kamloops – April 19th Kelowna – April 19th Nanaimo – April 12th New Westminster – April 15th • Port Coquitlam – April 17th • Vancouver – April 19th • Victoria – April 19th

Dial-A-Lawyer On April 19th CBABC will hold its province-wide “Dial-A-Lawyer” program between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. During that time, members of the public are invited to call and speak with a lawyer for up to 15 minutes on the following topics: Business Law, Wills Estates & Trusts Law, Criminal Law, Tort and Motor Vehicle Law, Family Law.

Student Contests

• • • • •

The following events provide valuable opportunities for secondary school students to improve their understanding about the law and the legal system. This year’s theme for these events is the “Law: Past, Present & Future.” • BARRY SULLIVAN LAW CUP Student participants from the 2007 Barry Sullivan Law Cup Public Speaking Contest

The Vancouver Open House will include a public forum moderated by Ian Hanomansing with Chief Justice Brenner, Chief Judge Stansfield, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass, VPD Deputy Chief Bob Rich, Vancouver Regional Crown Counsel Terry Schultes, QC, and LSS Executive Director Mark Benton, QC participating as panelists. 16

BARTALK April 2008

PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST

– This annual event is one of the cornerstone events held in B.C. during Law Week. Open to students enrolled in grades 11 and 12; this year’s event will be held on April 17th in the Vancouver Art Gallery Heritage Courtrooms. The Law Cup is named in memory of Barry Sullivan for his contributions to both the legal and educational professions. • ESSAY CONTEST – This contest is open to students in grades 8 to 12 from across the province.

LAW WEEK EVENTS

Fun Run

Student Mentor Program

Members of the legal and justice system community and their families and friends are invited to come out and participate in the fifth annual Fun Run that will be held on April 6th at Locarno Beach Park.

Lawyers and judges are matched to attend high school classes to provide a valuable learning opportunity for students who have an interest in pursuing a legal career.

Law Week Sponsors & Partners WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS OF THIS YEAR’S LAW WEEK EVENTS:

VICTORIA

Bar Association

Nanaimo Bar Association

IN ADDITION, WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS FOR ALL THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS YEAR’S EVENTS:

FINALLY, WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE MANY LAWYERS AND OTHERS FOR VOLUNTEERING THEIR VALUABLE TIME TO MAKE THESE EVENTS A HUGE SUCCESS.

April 2008 BARTALK

FEATURE

HONOURABLE WALLY OPPAL, QC

New Supreme Court Rules of Civil Procedure

ince release of the The result is expected to be November 2006 report, a streamlined, more accessible Effective and Affordable Supreme Court system. We want Civil Justice, Deputy a justice system where matters that Attorney General Allan Seckel , QC can be settled are settled quickly and Chief Justice Donald Brenner and affordably, and matters that have travelled across B.C., conneed a trial move through the sulting about justice reform gencourts in a timely manner. erally and, more specifically, It is very difficult to summaabout proposed new civil rules rize changes to 400 pages of civil of procedure. rules in a paragraph. Interested Honourable Wally Oppal, QC Feedback from lawyers, law readers may want to consult the Attorney General and Minister firms, Bar associations, CBA civil rules online consultation Responsible for Multiculturalism Sections, chambers of commerce, forum at: www.bcjusticereviewfoservice clubs, law schools, and other organizations rum.ca/civilrules/ for more detail. Briefly, it is fair to to the over 40 information and consultation say the new civil rules will: sessions they have hosted, has generally been pos• adopt a new case initiation and defence proitive. Final drafting of the proposed new rules cess that requires parties to accurately and is underway, with useful input from the Rules succinctly state the facts and issues in dispute; Revision Committee. • require the parties to provide a plan for conAs background for those of you who haven’t ducting the case and achieving a resolution; participated in the consultations, the Civil Justice • limit discovery, while requiring early disclosure Reform Working Group Report envisions a justice of key information; system that provides everyone, regardless of their • limit the parameters of expert evidence; means, with access to civil justice. The Report can • streamline motion practice; be found on the B.C. Justice Reform Task Force • consolidate all three regulations regarding the website at: www.bcjusticereview.org/. (A summary notice to mediate into one rule under the of the ministry’s other justice reform initiatives Supreme Court Rules; and can be found at: www.ag.gov. • provide the judiciary with “We want a justice system bc.ca/justice-reform-initiapower to make orders to where matters that can be tives/index.htm.) streamline the trial process. settled are settled quickly and A key Working Group We anticipate the new civil recommendation was that rules will be ready for Cabinet affordably and matters that British Columbia’s civil rules consideration in 2008 and, if need a trial move through the should be reviewed and rewritCabinet approves, they will courts in a timely manner.” ten based on the principles in come into force in 2010. This the report: proportionality, matching the process to will allow time for the Bar, the judiciary, the public the type of case, increased judicial involvement in and the court system to prepare for the changes. case management, an expanded role for lawyers and I will keep you informed as the changes to the preservation of the rule of law. civil rules progress. BT 18

BARTALK April 2008

CHIEF JUDGE HUGH C. STANSFIELD

FEATURE

Access to Justice

as the recent and that remains is whether we are doing material erosion of more than “moving the deck chairs.” public confidence In the Provincial Court, we in public justice syshave begun a civil pilot with lawtems reached crisis proportions? It yer/adjudicators providing a “oneis a serious question that deserves stop shopping,” expedited (oneserious consideration. hour) and dispositive hearing for Lawyers and judges often sugdisputes under $5,000. Simple debt gest the lack of confidence reflects claims have another one-step sumonly the public’s failure to undermary process. Disputes between stand what it is we do; but com$5,000 and $25,000 are being mediChief Judge Hugh C. Stansfield munication connotes a two-way ated by non-judge mediators. Provincial Court of B.C. exchange. We need to listen to the Trials are simplified and expedited public we serve. While there is in fact public misapprethrough brief pre-trial conferences. hension regarding justice issues, I hear lots of criticism We continue to resolve a very high percentage of from reasonable persons who are reasonably informed. parenting disputes through non-adjudicative mediaBeyond the over-arching retributive cry for tion-styled case conferences which not only generate more people to be sent to jail for longer, much public better outcomes and reduce collateral damage to chilcriticism relates to broad considerations of access to dren, but are as understandable in process as a discusjustice, or at least the lack thereof. sion around the kitchen table. We have numerous Whether our justice system regains public concriminal reform initiatives: the first Community Court fidence will be determined to a great extent by in Canada; a continuing and successful Drug Court; whether we – the Bar, the Bench, and government B.C.’s first restorative justice First Nations Court; – effect material improvements in access to justice. “Compliance Court” to expedite alleged breaches of Our seeming incapacity to change – to really change court orders; movement of non-adjudicative work away – may in large part be attributable to the fact that we from judges; and creating a new class of lawyer/JJPs to operate in systems which were designed by lawyers determine bail and search warrant applications. and judges to serve the needs and interests of lawyers As worthy as these initiatives are, we need to do and judges. We have tended to ignore or to discount much more in listening and being seen to listen to the the perspective of our “customers,” the average citipublic, creating access points for the public to parzens and small businesses who need, and increasingly ticipate in and gain some sense of ownership in “their” expect, speedy, inexpensive and simple processes justice system, and to demonstrate that all of us within through which they can resolve disputes. the justice system share the public objective of achievLike the dinosaur, we must adapt or perish. In ing safer communities, and faster, simpler, and more our case “perishing” likely means having much of understandable resolution of civil and family disputes. what we believe to be most valuable overtaken by “Access to Justice” is the essential goal which legislation which has, as its genesis, public cynicism should be shared by all of us. If we don’t adapt our as to our ability to serve the public reasonably. processes to meet the needs of the community more The good news is that all courts in B.C. are trying effectively, why should they reasonably bestow upon us to make changes that will improve access. The question the precious commodity that is their confidence? BT April 2008 BARTALK

FEATURE

DAVID EBY

Law Grad Debt Blocks Access to Justice

19,850 is not just the mandatory fees which routinely down payment for a run more than $1,000 per year. This decent first apartment, it average includes much lower-cost is also one year’s tuition Quebec law school tuition fees that at the University of Toronto Law run about a third the cost of other School. Beyond that, $19,850 is provinces’ tuitions. A 2004 study also a number that is reducing showed 40 per cent of law students access to justice across Canada. currently graduate with at least Since 1999, the University of $40,000 in debt. Thirteen per cent Toronto Law School has led the graduate with at least $70,000 in charge in escalating law tuitions, debt. a growing trend that is now While a recent University of David Eby is a lawyer practising with Pivot Legal undermining law schools’ long Toronto study found that access to Society in Vancouver history of turning out graduates law school by groups defined by able to practise law on behalf of gender and race remains consistent low-income groups or address the public interest despite rising tuition, over the 4-year study period issues of the day. graduates from all law schools in Ontario, including “Many law grads that have long histories volunU of T, became more likely to article in large firms. teering with Pivot face a major financial hurdle in The study also showed a decline in the proportion of joining our practice,” says John Richardson, Executive graduates working in non-firm settings for Ontario, Director of Pivot Legal Society in Vancouver, a but was unable to study the effect of rising tuitions non-profit organization that serves Vancouver’s on access to public interest or legal aid career choices. poorest neighbourhood. “Lots of them, even years Richardson says that he doesn’t need a study to after graduation, have to turn down positions with us tell him that grads struggling with significant debt due to continuing student debt obligations.” loads have difficulty taking public interest jobs; he It would be incorrect to suggest that U of T hears it often enough to know it’s a major factor. “It’s alone is failing to turn-out law grads financially able something we’re really trying to find innovative ways to provide legal services around,” says Richardson. to low-income groups, or “We want people that “Many law grads who have long who can address public come from the commuhistories volunteering with Pivot interest issues like the nities we’re serving to be face a major financial hurdle in environment. In fact, with able to practise with Pivot. joining the practice.” an innovative back-end That’s our goal.” debt relief program for those working in access-toRichardson adds that Pivot is searching for ways to justice related careers after graduation, U of T is deal with the barrier, examining options for everything actively addressing the issue; many law schools across from subsidized housing for staff, to seeking dedicated Canada don’t have comparable programs, but do funding to help employees pay down loans. For now, have comparable tuitions. however, law grads struggling with debt will continue For the 2005/2006 academic year, law school to have difficulty taking lower paying jobs that place tuitions across Canada averaged $6,722, before an emphasis on providing access to justice. BT 20

BARTALK April 2008

NICHOLAS TSOI

FEATURE

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program

THE PROGRAM

THE CHALLENGES

he Greater Vancouver LSLAP is currently in the middle Law Students’ Legal of a three-year family law initiative Advice Society funded by the Law Foundation of (GVLSLAS) is a nonB.C. This has enabled us to provide profit organization incorporated legal advice and representation to in 1978 by students attending the clients in Provincial Court orders Faculty of Law at the University of and uncontested divorce matters. British Columbia. The GVLSLAS LSLAP is making continued efforts operates the Law Students’ Legal to inform the general public of this Advice Program (LSLAP), program, but LSLAP believes that Nicholas Tsoi through which the law student a long-standing belief still exists Executive Director 2007/2008 volunteers provide free legal advice that LSLAP cannot help with famLaw Students’ Legal Advice and assistance to low-income Program, UBC ily law matters. Therefore, LSLAP E-mail: ntsoi@interchange.ubc.ca individuals and to members of encourages lawyers to spread the Website: www.lslap.bc.ca other disadvantaged communities word that LSLAP offers advice and in the Greater Vancouver Regional representation in this area of law. District. LSLAP operations are funded via the generous There are also limits to the types of services that support of the Law Foundation of British Columbia. LSLAP can offer. LSLAP cannot represent clients LSLAP’s primary goal is to offer free legal with land/property matters including those involvadvice and representation to those who cannot ing wills and estates. LSLAP also cannot advise or afford it. LSLAP achieves this by both providing represent in immigration matters, an area of law that direct assistance to the client and educating the layoften involves clients who cannot afford a lawyer. person in the use of the legal system. Furthermore, LSLAP cannot represent clients with LSLAP runs a number of legal advice clinics criminal charges if they have a prior criminal record, throughout the Greater Vancouver area. During the face an indictable offence, or if Crown Counsel is school year, the clinics take place in the evening, seeking jail time. Finally, LSLAP clinicians cannot in order to fit with the students’ class schedules. appear before a Superior level court (unless it is an In the summer, LSLAP hires approximately 25 uncontested divorce matter). This means that LSLAP students to run full-time clinics during regular cannot represent clients with matters before the British business hours. Columbia Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal. Students will meet with clients for an initial halfHOW CAN CBA MEMBERS HELP? hour interview at one of LSLAP host sites to open a Our program relies on the students that make up the case file. Once this is done, the students will return body of clinicians. LSLAP also depends on members to the campus to do research and to meet with one of of the Vancouver Bar to volunteer as supervising the full-time staff lawyers. Brian Higgins is the prolawyers at the evening clinic sites. If you are interested gram’s Supervising Lawyer and Joni Worton is the Family Law Supervising Lawyer. LSLAP also has in providing two hours of volunteer time, please two full-time administrative staff members to help contact LSLAP. It is a great opportunity for you to with the file work. provide advice and direction to future lawyers. BT April 2008 BARTALK

EVENTS

The Women Lawyers Forum Has Done It Again! On February 13th, 2008, WLF hosted a sell-out crowd of more than 300 people at the Four Seasons Hotel for the second Signature Event Luncheon which featured an inspiring and thoughtful speech by Maureen McTeer.

Featured event speaker Maureen McTeer mixes and mingles with attendees of the Women Lawyers Forum Signature Event Luncheon.

Maureen described a fascinating life in the law while raising her daughter and supporting her husband, the former Prime Minister and Conservative Leader, Joe Clark. She reminded us about how much has changed for women and women lawyers from the not so long ago days when she was criticized for daring to keep her own name and not take on her husband’s. Maureen’s remarkable legal career of research, teaching, international advocacy (especially on issues relating to women’s health), the intersection of biotechnology, and ethics and the law were an inspiring example of what one woman lawyer can achieve.

While these vignettes resonated with the women attending, the most important message was that barriers facing women in our profession still exist. Ms. McTeer referred to the “maternal walls” that she said were “to keep us inside the box – even when we thought we had cracked the glass ceiling.”* We were all exhorted to stand together “as we did in the late 1970s to protect and promote the values on justice and fairness that are at the heart of s.15 and s.28 of the Charter.”* Ms. McTeer was not projecting a message of gloom, but of energy and inspiration. Many guests appeared to be moved by her message to rally and engage in positive action. Maureen McTeer was a most delightful guest. She was gracious and personable to all who spoke with her after the luncheon, and was quick to share laughter and insights with all of us. * cited from Ms. McTeer’s speech reproduced in full in The Vancouver Sun, February 29, 2008 at A-15.

The Women Lawyers Forum Presents the 2008 Education Day: What Women (Lawyers) Want. This series of documentary shorts, featuring a high profile cast, will provide you with valuable tips on how to achieve a happy family life, strong mentoring relationships, leadership skills, new opportunities through volunteering, prosperity, and a collegial workplace. Friday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Hotel in Vancouver. For more information, contact Angela Dunn, WLF Education Committee Co-Chair at 604-901-1262 or Fran Hodgkins, CBABC Sections Coordinator at sections@bccba.org. For B.C. lawyers, participation in this program can be listed as up to seven hours of continuing education in completing your Annual Report to the Law Society. 22

BARTALK April 2008

EVENTS | CALENDAR

Women’s Law, Women’s Rights, Women’s Issues: An African-Canadian Dialogue Co-sponsored by the CBABC Women Lawyers Forum, Law Courts Education Society of B.C., and West Coast LEAF

Thursday, May 29, 2008 Law Courts Inn Restaurant 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. $20/person for CBA/West Coast LEAF members $30/person for non-members Join us for a rare opportunity to hear from African and Canadian women lawyers about women’s law, women’s rights and women’s issues. Speakers include: Ms. Mahdere Paulos, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association; Adv.Tsidi Kambula, National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa; Ms. Nytia Iyer; Ms. Jennifer Conkie, QC; and the panel will be moderated by the Honourable Judge Shehni Dossa, Provincial Court of B.C. For more information or to register please contact: info@lawcourtsed.ca.

(see cba.org/bc for details)

Branch and Bar Calendar

April – May 2008

CBABC Women Lawyers Forum Award of Excellence WLF announces a unique award to recognize an exceptional woman who has taken risks, fostered change, and ultimately opened doors for women lawyers. Nominations must be submitted before April 15, 2008. Nomination forms are available from the CBABC at 1-888-687-3404 or 604-687-3404 or www.cba.org/bc.

April 9

Lawyers Assistance Program Workshop: Self Esteem Group (Vancouver)

April 11

CBABC Executive Committee Meeting (CBABC Boardroom)

April 12-13

CBABC Planning Meeting

April 14-20

Law Week 2008

April 16

Lawyers Assistance Program Workshop: Creating Happiness (Vancouver)

April 19

CBABC Dial-A-Lawyer Day

April 19

Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada Lecture Series (Robson Square Theatre)

April 22

North Shore Bar Association Meeting

April 23

Lawyers Assistance Program Workshop: Self Esteem Group (Vancouver)

April 30

Fraser Valley Bar Association Meeting (Sonoma Grill, Langley)

May 7

Lawyers Assistance Program Workshop: Self Esteem Group (Vancouver)

May 15

CBABC Executive Committee Meeting (CBABC Boardroom)

May 21

Lawyers Assistance Program Workshop: Creating Happiness (Vancouver)

May 28

Aboriginal Law Student Scholarship Trust Spring Reception (Douglas Reynolds Gallery, Vancouver)

May 29

Women’s Law, Women’s Rights, Women’s Issues: African-Canadian Dialogue (Law Courts Inn Restaurant, Vancouver) April 2008 BARTALK

MEMBER SERVICES

For information on the highlighted Member Services suppliers and several we have not mentioned, check out the CBABC website under the “Member Savings” section in “Membership” for information on suppliers, contact numbers, and order forms. Alternatively, you can e-mail members@bccba.org and request information or call the CBABC office for assistance.

Playhouse Theatre Company The Playhouse Theatre Company is pleased to offer CBA members a discount of 20 per cent on regular and season tickets. Consider taking in True West until April 19th. “Many consider Sam Shepard to be our greatest living playwright. Others have called True West the best play of the twentieth century. There’s a reason John C. Reily and Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Malkovich and Gary Sinise took on and devoured these roles on Broadway – this is a true actor’s play, with crackling dialogue and brilliant character studies.” t

Playland/PNE This year’s program offers CBA members and their families savings of up to 33 per cent on tickets to various PNE events, including Playland, The Fair at the PNE, Fright Nights, and other special events held throughout the year.

Auto Leasing/Sales Pro Group was founded in 1985 with the purpose of serving members of professional groups and associations with an easy and hassle-free car buying or leasing experience. See the CBABC website for more information on how they can assist you with your next automotive purchase, lease, or trade-in.

Accommodation Book B.C. hotels online with meetingmax. CBA members receive exclusive savings when they book hotel rooms through meetingmax. Members can view room rates, amenities and photos of hotels in British Columbia offering members exclusive discounts.

y tes ur Co

Park ‘N Fly Airport Parking

Stanley Theatre

Ha wa ii O pe r a Th

eatre

Purchase your tickets at the Corporate Rate and enjoy Mel Brooks’ Tony award-winning show The Producers. “‘We have to find the worst play ever written!’ When Broadway producer Max Bialystock and neurotic accountant Leo Bloom discover they can make more money with a theatrical flop than with a hit, the zany schemers begin a madcap search to find a ‘guaranteed-to-close-in-one-night beauty.’ They rejoice when Springtime for Hitler lands on their desk. Surely, a musical homage to the Führer couldn’t possibly succeed – or could it?” Running May 15 - July 13, 2008.

Vancouver Opera The Vancouver Opera is admired around the world for presenting exciting productions of high quality, for the estimable playing of its orchestra, and for attracting artists of international stature. Check the website for CBABC discounts and buy your tickets now for La Boheme, starting April 26.

BARTALK April 2008

Show your CBA membership card to receive a 25 per cent discount off regular rates at the Vancouver International Airport. To save time and avoid line-ups inside the airport, use the Park ’n Fly on-site Check-In Counter (Air Canada or Air Tango only, not available for U.S. destinations).

Sign Me Up! q Yes, please send me monthly updates on

the latest CBABC promotions.

Name: ____________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________ Please complete this form and fax back to 604-669-9601/ toll-free 1-877-669-9601 or sign up by e-mailing your information to members@bccba.org.

BAR MOVES

Bar Moves

Have you recently changed firms or opened a new firm? Send submissions (maximum 25 words) to Bar Moves at cba@bccba.org.

SEAN O’NEILL has joined the Securities Group in the Vancouver office of Lang Michener.

His legal practice assists clients in the areas of general corporate, commercial and securities law, as well as private equity financing. Johns Southward Glazier Walton & Margetts is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate, MAUREEN ABRAHAM. Maureen will be pleased to assist current and new clients in the area of general civil litigation. ERIC KERR has joined Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP as an associate with the Real Estate Group. He articled with

Johns, Southward, Glazier, Walton & Margetts in Victoria, B.C. and was called to the B.C. Bar in March 2005. Koffman Kalef LLP welcomes ERIN K. TAIT to the law firm partnership. Erin practises in the area of commercial real estate development, leasing, acquisition and sale. GILLIAN CANNIFF has joined the firm of McQuarrie Hunter as an associate. Ms. Canniff practises at McQuarrie

Hunter’s Surrey office on 104th Avenue in the areas of family law, general civil litigation, and employment law. North Shore Law (formerly Bradbrooke Crawford Green) is pleased to announce that ROBERT MERLO, JEFFREY BRYANT, and VANESSA MARSHALL have joined the firm. Robert and Vanessa will practise in the Insurance Defense group, and Jeffrey will continue his practice in family and commercial litigation. Chen & Leung is pleased to announce that STEPHEN ANDREA has joined the firm in February 2008 as an associate, adding his courtroom experience to the general litigation section. JENNIFER DEVINS has joined Roper Greyell LLP, Employment + Labour Lawyers as an associate, after

articling and practising briefly at a large national firm. After spending seven years with Miller Thomson in Vancouver, JEREMY CHAN recently joined Methanex Corporation as Corporate Counsel at the company’s headquarters in Vancouver. Johns Southward Glazier Walton & Margetts welcomes their newest associate, CRAIG YOUNG. Craig will be practising corporate/commercial, real estate and estate planning. SARAH KLINGER, formerly of Waddell Raponi, has joined Cardinal Law in Victoria to further develop her

plaintiff’s personal injury practice. ANN HOWELL, formerly of Whitelaw Twining has joined Nathan Smith Law as an associate where she will

practise in the area of medical malpractice litigation. Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP is pleased to welcome CRAIG A. ASH as a partner of the firm. Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP is pleased to welcome JENNIFER A. MARLES to the firm as an associate. ELAINE M. DAVIES left Carr Buchan and Company and has set up her own sole practice in Victoria as Elaine

M. Davies Law. Elaine continues to practise in the areas of conveyancing, wills, estates and family law. TONY FOGARASSY joined NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc., an offshore wind power developer, as Director

of Corporate Projects and General Counsel. CATALINA RODRIGUEZ leaves Roper Greyell LLP to continue to practise employment law as an Employee

Relations Advisor with Best Buy Canada. April 2008 BARTALK

CBABC PARTNERS | MEMBERSHIP

NEW MEMBERS The CBABC Branch welcomes its newest members! The following new members joined in the months of January and February of 2008:

Regular Members

MELISSA KLAGES Christopher H. Johnston Law Corporation Revelstoke

JOE CARANGI Watson Goepel Maledy LLP Vancouver

CHRISTOPHER MISURA Fiorillo Glavin Gordon Vancouver

ALISON COWAN Horne Coupar Victoria

CHRISTOPHER SOLL Soll & Company Kamloops

CHANDAN K. DHAHAN South Point Law Centre Surrey

JAMES THORNBACK Camp Fiorante Matthews Vancouver

ERIC A. KERR Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP Vancouver KIMBERLY A. MARSCHALL Albas Wahl, Lawyers Penticton AMANDA MEADE ICBC-Litigation Department New Westminster SATINDER K. SIDHU Clark Wilson LLP Vancouver ELIZABETH M. THAMPY Stikeman Elliott LLP Vancouver

Articling Students JEN BYE Guild, Yule and Company LLP Vancouver

Law Students CAILEN BRUST Victoria BRENDAN HODGE Delta DEVIN LARSON Abbotsford GILLIAN PIGGOTT West Vancouver BRAD SOLLIS West Vancouver BEN TARNOW Richmond NATHANIEL TSANG Richmond EMILY YUEN Victoria

CLEBC Update NEW COURSES AND PUBLICATIONS CLEBC will be presenting several new courses this spring and fall. Strata Property: All Stacked Up will be held on June 5, and will complement CLEBC’s newest publication, the Strata Property Practice Manual. Members of the book’s Editorial Board will present and lead discussions on important strata property law issues including privacy, Strata Property Act section 164 applications and remedies, insurance, “sections” created under Strata Property Act sections 192 or 193, duty to repair and maintain, and human rights. Fall courses under development include China Business Law, Statements by an Accused, and Pro Bono Practice. The latter course will be presented on September 17 in conjunction with the 2nd National Pro Bono Conference, which is being held on September 18 and 19 in Vancouver. The new Annual Review of Law and Practice, current to January 1, 2008, will be released in late March. The Annual Review is published to update the profession on all major areas of legal practice. Written by B.C. lawyers with recognized expertise in their practice areas, the 17th edition contains 33 chapters, and reviews 2007 legislative amendments, case law and practice changes. This publication is an affordable and reliable way for busy British Columbia practitioners to monitor legal and practice changes during the last year.

The Lawyers Show April 18th & 19th, 2008 Jim Poyner (Poyner Baxter LLP) and Scott Johnston (Koffman Kalef LLP) practise different law but both have something in common, having both performed in all six of the Lawyer Shows, an annual fundraising event for two charities – the Arts Club Theatre Company and Touchstone Theatre. In April, they will once again join other Lower Mainland lawyers to perform in Once in a Lifetime, a fast paced, screwball comedy of 1920s Hollywood. The Lawyer Show runs two nights only on April 18th & 19th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets include the show, a post show reception and a tax receipt. For further information call 604-687-1644.

BARTALK April 2008

GRANTS APPROVED

The Board of Governors of the Law Foundation of B.C. met on December 1, 2007 and approved funding for a number of continuing programs and projects. Chair, Dev Dley, QC is pleased to announce that funding totalling $4,968,100 was approved for the following 17 continuing programs: $3,599,750 LEGAL SERVICES SOCIETY Operating Grant

$175,610 DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Advocacy Services Program

$76,000 LAW COURTS EDUCATION SOCIETY Northern Public Legal Education Program for First Nations Communities

$167,000 UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, FACULTY OF LAW First Nations Clinical Program

$71,500 LAW SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA CANLII Virtual Law Library

$166,920 GREATER VANCOUVER LAW STUDENTS’ LEGAL ADVICE SOCIETY Operating Grant $153,590 B.C. COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Advocacy Access Program UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, FACULTY OF LAW $120,000 Graduate Fellowships $58,000 Undergraduate Scholarships $27,500 Project Grants $27,000 Entrance Awards $94,000 LAW FOUNDATION LAY ADVOCACY EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND Education and Training for Law Foundationfunded lay advocates

$70,000 B.C. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ASSOCIATION Law Reform/Public Legal Education Program UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA, FACULTY OF LAW $60,000 Graduate Scholarship Program $58,000 Entrance and Renewal Scholarships $27,500 Project Grants $15,730 DEBATE AND SPEECH ASSOCIATION OF B.C. Law Foundation Cup Debates

For full details of the programs and projects that received funding, please visit The Law Foundation of British Columbia’s website at www.lawfoundationbc.org.

Seeking Nominations – New Work Life Balance Award The Work Life Balance Committee of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch, has established a new award to recognize lawyers, law firms, or organizations who demonstrate leadership in promoting work life balance within the practice of law. The Work Life Balance Award is designed to reward innovation and creative thinking in work life balance and to recognize a CBABC member, law firm, or organization who demonstrates this balance in their practice or who is a leader in the development and implementation of work life balance strategies to assist others to achieve work life balance. The Work Life Balance Committee is seeking nominations for the Work Life Balance Award. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the CBABC website at http://www.cba.org/bc/home/ main/ under the Spotlight section and must be received by the CBABC Committee Coordinator by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2008. The Work Life Balance Committee, in consultation with the Awards Committee of the CBABC, will select the recipient of the Work Life Balance Award at the end of May, 2008 and will present the Award in June, 2008. All nominations should include a brief description of how a nominee has achieved, encouraged, or facilitated initiatives to achieve a healthy work life balance.

Discounted tickets available for two great shows for you and the family to enjoy! STACCATO Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Genre: circus theatre; Age Group: ages 5 and up; Duration: 50 minutes.

COMEDY 4 KIDS Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Genre: comedy; Age Group: ages 6 and up; Duration: 50 minutes. April 2008 BARTALK

CLASSIFIED ADS

APRIL 2008

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

CLASSIFIED (per line)

CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations Next deadline: May 9

$25 $50

DISPLAY

3” x 2.5” CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations 6” x 2.5” CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations Next deadline: May 9

INSERT (all of B.C.)

CBABC Members/Firms Commercial Organizations Next deadline: May 14 Next mailing: June 6

$450 $900

LOCUMS – OnPoint Law Corp. is looking for exceptional litigators and solicitors to join its Locum Division. Successful applicants must have at least five years experience in one area of law, and be available for flexible placements. Please send a resumé to Sarah Picciotto at spicciotto@onpointlaw.com or call 604-879-4280.

$810 $1,620

$1,200 $2,400

Direct BarTalk advertising inquiries to: Jesse Tarbotton BarTalk Senior Editor Tel: 604-646-7856 or 1-888-687-3404 E-mail: jtarbotton@bccba.org

SERVICES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Let us assist you in providing protection for your clients. Douglas B. Thompson Law Corporation – Registered Patent Agent, Registered Trade Mark Agent. Practice restricted to Intellectual Property, Victoria, B.C. (www.BCpatents.ca) E-mail: doug@BCpatents.ca.

LAW PRACTICE AVAILABLE A small solicitors practice on the Sunshine Coast is a available, effective immediately. The present

Practice Restricted To WCB Sec. 257 Determinations, Opinions and Court Applications on referral

604-267-3033

J. G ORDON T HOMSON L

Claims and appeals Vice Chair at Review Board for 6 years More than 25 years personal injury litigation

CO R P O R A T I O N

B ARRISTER & SOLICITOR R E G I S T E R E D PAT E N T AG E N T REGISTERED TRADEMARK AGENT

Practice Restricted to Intellectual Property Law

Vahan A. Ishkanian

Phone: (250) 418-3250 E-mail: gordonthomson@shaw.ca

Barristers & Solicitors Cell 604-868-3034 Fax 604-264-6133 vishkanian@pepito.ca

Endorsed by: 390 Howard Ave. Burnaby, B.C. V5B 3P8 Canada

Visit Us Online:

BARTALK April 2008

lawyer is retiring, and would like a good home for his clients and files. For further information, call Mike Crowe, at 604-883-9875.

2008 Golf Tournament The 2008 New Westminster/Fraser Valley Bar Associations’ Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 3 at Guildford Golf Course in Surrey. Stroke play or Texas Scramble, at your option. For information, contact Richard Molstad at 604-526-1821.

WCB & CPP

DISABILITY APPEALS

FREE CONSULTATION Over 16 YEARS of Experience

604 . 591 . 8187 info@gosalandcompany.com

Sarj Gosal

Gail Sahota

B.A., LL.B.

B.Comm., LL.B.

www.gosalandcompany.com

GOSAL & COMPANY BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

254 - 12899 76th Ave. Surrey, BC V3W 1E6