Practice Resources

by Patricia Jordan

At the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), we are working to provide better access to resources that will assist you in your law practice. I invite you to visit CBA websites and explore the wealth of information provided online. Here is a brief introduction to a few practice resources at cba.org/bc.

CBA PracticeLink: Starting Out
Whether you are starting your career or charting a new career course, firsts can be challenging. CBA PracticeLink has several insightful articles that focus on new lawyers as well as solo and small-firm challenges. Recent articles include:

• Better Public Speaking for Lawyers
• Independence Day: Starting Your Own Law Firm
• Secrets of the Business of Law – Opening Your Own Office: What Will It Cost?
• Solo Practitioners Explore a Range of Networking Options
• Starting a New Firm: Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid and Top Ten Tips for Success
• What You Didn’t Learn in Law School: Top Tips for New Lawyers

Media Relations Kit
Whether you initiate contact or a reporter calls you, you need to have a clear understanding of your ethical limits as a lawyer and the key messages you or your client want to get across. This kit offers media relations tips and the basics of what to do when you are on camera, on the air, or on record. Learn more in “Information Kits and Standard Forms” under “Practice Resources.”

Lawyers for Literacy Project
This Branch initiative helps lawyers improve their client communications, particularly when their clients’ literacy skills may not be adequate to deal with written legal material. Lawyers who want to learn more about adapting their practice procedures can get a free copy of the kit by calling 604-687-3404 or toll free 1-888-687-3404.

Practice Advisory Panels
Practice Advisory Panels (PAP) are listings of senior practitioners who volunteer to assist other lawyers seeking advice on a particular aspect of the law. The PAP member has usually practised for more than 10 years, and is generally experienced enough in their particular area of law as to be capable of making a CLE presentation on the subject. A list of lawyers is available in “Practice Resources.”

CBA/CBABC Section Listservs
Section listservs are discussion groups that come to you through your email. They are provided and administered by CBA for the professional benefit of its members. Section listservs are intended to provide an effective and active vehicle for member communications respecting professional interests, including matters of law, practice and procedure, and legislative developments. Visit “Practice Resources” at cba.org/bc for information about listservs.

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

This article was published in the February 2009 issue of BarTalk. © 2009 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.