Law Society Deregulation Project
WHAT: Call for submissions, thoughts and ideas on the question of what regulatory changes could be made to enhance business opportunities for lawyers without unduly compromising the Law Society’s mandate to protect the public interest.

WHY: Preparation of a coordinated and considered Branch submission to the LSBC’s Business Opportunities Working Group, can be expected to have far more weight than a large number of submissions from individuals.

WHEN: By May 1, 2002 please. This is suggested with the objective of permitting preparation and assembly of these good ideas for the May 15 Executive Committee meeting, referral to Provincial Council itself on June 21, and transmittal to the Law Society by month end.

WHO: All CBABC members

WHERE: To Executive Committee member Michael Woodward
300-1676 Martin Drive, White Rock, BC V4A 6E7
Fax: 604-531-8402 Tel: 604-531-1421


BC Courthouse Library Society: New Services
Upgraded web catalogue
BCCLS recently upgraded their web catalogue. In addition to enhanced visual appeal, the catalogue is more flexible and offers more sophisticated searching capabilities than the previous version. Available on branch computers or by visiting www.bccls.bc.ca, the catalogue offers access to all BCCLS collections, in all library locations. Please see What’s New on the BCCLS Web site, or ask library staff for more information.

Electronic resources
BCCLS has purchased the Canadian Encyclopedic Digest, available in the six larger branches (Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Prince George, and Victoria), and LegalTrac, a legal periodical index, available in the 30 libraries with computers.

Scanning service
The Vancouver Courthouse Library has begun a new document scanning service which will allow electronic delivery of documents. In place of photocopying, a document will be scanned and e-mailed as an Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file attachment. Document delivery methods now include electronic delivery (email), fax, and hardcopy delivery (pick-up, mail or courier). Please contact the Vancouver library at 604-660-2841 or 1-800-665-2570 for pricing and details.


New Benchmark Rate for Pooled Trust Accounts
Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, recognizing the negative impact of low interest rates on the Law Foundation’s revenues and the need in the community for additional funding in the wake of government cuts, set a new Foundation benchmark rate of return to be paid on lawyers’ pooled trust accounts.

Effective March 1, 2002, interest paid on lawyers’ pooled trust accounts will be at a rate of prime less 2.5 per cent. Law Foundation Chair Don Silversides, QC thanks Wayne Richter, Cash Management Manager, Business Services, for ensuring that Vancouver City Savings Credit Union will again reclaim the leadership role in the rate of return paid to the Foundation.

Increased revenues enable the Law Foundation to fund programs designed to make the legal system accessible to British Columbians, particularly those people who may have the greatest problems of access to justice as a result of their economic, social, physical or mental special needs.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, the Law Society and the Law Foundation encourage lawyers to consider which financial institutions provide the best support to the Law Foundation when deciding where to place their trust accounts.


Ergonomic Tips
It’s no secret that technology’s rapid evolution is changing the face of business at record speed. Many people spend much of their workday in front of a computer making a few repetitive movements of their eyes, head and fingers. They retain the same body position for extended periods of time, making the incidence of body strain inevitable.

Most office employees work in environments that are ergonomically incorrect, such that the workstation is poorly fitted to the person’s body frame and daily movements. Effective office ergonomics, however, can help to combat this problem through proper workstation design, and utilizing equipment that helps prevent body strain. The primary goal of ergonomics is to minimize operator fatigue and discomfort. The result not only improves health and comfort but can increase productivity too.

Here are a few ergonomic tips:

• Organize your workstation so that everything is within a comfortable reach and use;
• Choose a chair with proper height and lumbar support to reduce muscle strain and body fatigue;
• Document holders allow the operator to view material without straining the eyes, neck, shoulder, and back muscles; and
• Height adjustable keyboard-mouse trays can reduce wrist and arm strain and promote better posture.

An ergonomic professional can determine your office needs and recommend equipment to help reduce injuries. All products should be installed to fit each user. Some suppliers will provide installation but not all provide product training. Training is essential because ergonomic products that are used improperly are not only less effective but can contribute to further damage. Protecting your employees’ health is key to happier and more productive workers.

David Jacoby is owner of Jacoby Office Innovations Inc. Visit www.jacobyoffice.com for more information.


Cost of Consumer Credit Disclosure Delayed
By Order-in-Council deposited February 22, 2002, the date for bringing into force the Cost of Consumer Credit Disclosure Act and the Cost of Consumer Credit Disclosure Regulation has been postponed until September 1, 2002. The date for bringing the legislation into force was originally set for March 1, 2002.

The delay was granted at the request of some members of the industry who have not been able to convert their systems to meet the original deadline. Lenders who are ready to implement the new requirements may proceed to do so as of March 1, 2002 if they wish.


Canadian Elected as LMA President-Elect
The Legal Marketing Association (LMA) is pleased to announce that Heather Gray-Grant, Marketing Director of the Vancouver Office of Fasken Martineau LLP, has been elected as President-Elect for the US-based organization. Gray-Grant is the first non-American to take on this leadership role.

The LMA is the voice of legal marketing professionals and lawyers at firms looking to develop their practices.


Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP)
LAP provides confidential support, counselling and referrals for lawyers, their families, support staff, judges and students suffering from alcohol and/or chemical dependency, stress, depression or just about any type of personal problem. For assistance or information on meetings and resources please call 604-685-2171 or toll free 1-888-685-2171. The LAP office is located at 415-1080 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T4.

These articles were published in the April 2002 issue of BarTalk. © 2002 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.