Shared Articles Registry

by Patricia Jordan

The CBABC, along with UBC, UVic and the Law Society of B.C., identified a need amongst law firms as well as law students to initiate a program that expedites and makes more accessible the concept of shared articles. The Shared Articles Registry provides a centralized resource for students and all British Columbia law firms who are interested in the shared articles option.

A searchable database where firms may post their need for an articled student, specifying length of articles available, and practice areas covered is available at www.cba.org/BC in “Initiatives.” Look under “Shared Articles Registry” for information on available shared articles, the Law Society’s Admission Program, and the law firm registration form.

Women Lawyers Forum
Did You Know?

• The Women Lawyers Forum (WLF) has its own area under “Professional Development” at www.cba.org/BC.
• WLF reports are published in “Women Lawyers Forum” under “Professional Development.”
• WLF events are posted on the events and Sections calendars and on the home page under “Events Calendar.”
• Information on the Mentoring Program is available online.
• WLF members can join their listserv by sending an e-mail to webmaster@bccba.org.
• Information on the National WLF is available at: www.cba.org/CBA/new_Conferences/Women_Lawyers

Ask the Webmaster
What is phishing?
Phishing is the practice whereby a fraudster sends an e-mail fallaciously claiming to be a legitimate enterprise in an attempt to trick the recipient into disclosing private information. If the recipient clicks on a link within a deceptive e-mail, a window opens with what appears to be the site address of a legitimate business or financial institution. Phishers often set up fake sites at one location on the Net, while making it appear as if the recipient is accessing a legitimate site elsewhere. Another method is the use of a URL that appears to be the name of a well-known company but is slightly altered by intentionally adding, omitting, or transposing letters.

Phishing quick facts:

• In June 2006, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (www.antiphishing.org) reported that more than 11,900 fraudulent (phishing) sites were discovered in May.
• The average length of time a fraudulent site is online is five days.

How to avoid a phishing scam:

• Be suspicious of any e-mail with requests for personal and financial information.
• Don’t click on links in a suspicious e-mail to get to any website.
• Use anti-spyware, firewall, and anti-virus software.
• Ensure that your browser and security patches are up to date.

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

This article was published in the August 2006 issue of BarTalk. © 2006 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.