 Keep your practice current
by Fran Hodgkins
The following are brief summaries of several recent Section meetings held throughout the province. More detailed information, minutes, and Section Papers from the Section meetings are accessible online at www.cba.org/bc for enrolled CBA members.
CORPORATE COUNSEL
MEETING: May 6, 2008
SPEAKER: John Leckie, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
TOPIC: What’s the deal with the skill-testing question? (and other common Advertising and Promotions Law questions)
John Leckie, a highly recommended practitioner in the area of Advertising and Promotions Law, recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada, and a partner in the Intellectual Property Group of Gowling Lafleur Henderson’s Vancouver office delivered an informative PowerPoint presentation on the regulations and common issues of Advertising and Promotions Law. He discussed the federal and provincial legislation governing advertising including false and misleading advertising, comparative and price advertising, contests and promotions, as well as online promotions, user-generated content and regional considerations. Mr. Leckie provided examples from the case law of the potential pitfalls in executing an advertising campaign or promotional contest. A lively discussion ensued after the enlightening presentation.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE – VANCOUVER
MEETING: June 26, 2008
SPEAKER: Hersh Wolch, QC
TOPIC: Compensation for the Wrongfully Convicted
Eighty members in attendance at the Section’s AGM were treated to a humorous and thought provoking talk by Hersh Wolch, QC who was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1962 and has become a leader in the field of representing wrongfully convicted individuals ever since. He was the only counsel to actually conduct a trial before the Supreme Court of Canada in the David Milgaard case. Mr. Wolch dealt with the thorny issues that occur in the aftermath of a wrongful conviction. He pointed out that law enforcement personnel and the prosecution looks for “after the fact” justifications for their mistakes and refuse to deal with the wrongs that have been committed by them. He said there are only two ways to obtain compensation for the wrongfully convicted: a negotiated settlement and an action in tort. He prefers the negotiated settlement over the action given the difficult issues in proving one’s actual innocence required in an action.
POVERTY LAW
MEETING: April 24, 2008
SPEAKER: The Honourable Judge Thomas J. Gove
TOPIC: Downtown Community Court Initiative
Judge Gove provided a background on the project and creation of Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court (DCC) scheduled to open July 2, 2008 behind the Provincial Court at 222 Main Street. The Downtown Community Court, which is on a three year evaluation contract, will be the intake court for a broad range of less serious offences relating to summary proceedings, such as theft, car break-ins, assaults and drug possession, that are committed in the geographic area defined as the downtown peninsula west of Clark Drive and north of Great Northern Way and False Creek. Such offences account for about 70 per cent of the crime in the area and involve about 1,500 accused a year. The goal is to have these accused appear in court within several days of the date of the offence and have cases resolved within the first or second appearance. A discussion period followed Judge Gove’s informative and interesting presentation.
YOUNG LAWYERS – OKANAGAN
MEETING: April 9, 2008
SPEAKER: Master Barbara M. Young, Supreme Court of B.C.
TOPIC: Surviving the First Ten Years in the Practice of Law
This well-attended meeting in Kelowna featured Master Young, who outlined tips and provided insight into surviving the first ten years in the practice of law. Some of her many useful suggestions included the following: set goals and review them on a regular basis; get a mentor and be a mentor; maintain a broad practice base for as long as you can; talk about your files with other lawyers early and often; and negotiate fairly for your clients and for yourself. Master Young also encouraged getting involved with legal organizations such as the CBA or the Trial Lawyers Association. At this meeting, Executive elections also took place, and four young lawyers volunteered to serve as officers for next year.
INSURANCE LAW
MEETING: June 19, 2008
SPEAKERS: Tony Saunders, Mr. Justice Christopher Hinkson, Chief Justice Lance Finch
TOPIC: Insurance Law Section Lawyer of the Year Dinner and Roast, and AGM
Two long-time contributors to the Section and B.C. insurance law in general were honoured at this AGM dinner meeting. Donald Yule, QC and Gordon Hilliker, QC were chosen Insurance Law Section Lawyers of the Year and were treated to hilarious roasts by Tony Saunders and Justice Christopher Hinkson, respectively. Chief Justice Lance Finch presented the awards, adding a few more serious and humorous remarks.
From the reception of approximately 150 attendees including friends and family members of the honourees, judges, lawyers and insurance industry representatives, it was obvious that Mr. Yule and Mr. Hilliker were extremely well deserving of their awards. Concluding the evening festivities, the Section Executive elected a new Secretary, Dana Romanick and thanked retiring Chair, Stacey Boothman, for increasing interest and attendance in the Insurance Law Section events over recent years.
From left to right: Donald Yule, QC, Gordon Hilliker, QC, The Honourable Chief Justice Lance Finch and The Honourable Mr. Justice Christopher Hinkson
Chatter With Chairs
“I find Section involvement to be an invaluable part of the practice of law. Not only do I learn about recent developments in the law and practice points, the collegiality and camaraderie that develops between counsel greatly increases the satisfaction I have in my practice.” David Halkett, Family Law, Westminster Chair 07/08
“Only in Section meetings do you have an opportunity to run ideas and questions by your colleagues in person in an informal setting, whether individually or in a group. Part of learning is benefiting from others’ experiences in the same field as you.” Charlotte Soloman, Civil Litigation, Vancouver Island Chair 07/08
“I can say, without reservation, that attending Section meetings enhances professional development. Not only do they provide valuable insight into recent case law, amendments to legislation and environmental trends, but Section meetings provide a forum for environmental lawyers to exchange ideas and discuss key topics that concern their practice.” Robert Lesperence, Environmental Law Co-Chair 07/08
“As Crown Counsel, the Sections are important to me as I practise only criminal law. Although the Crown provides many internal training opportunities, I think the opportunity to learn together with defence counsel and to hear their point of view allows me to maintain a more balanced perspective and to do my job better.” Carmen Rogers, Criminal Justice, Victoria Co-Chair 07/08 |
This article was published in the August 2008 issue of BarTalk. © 2008 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved. |
