March 9, 2023

New Learning Centre Modules

The Law Practice Essentials course in the Law Society’s Learning Centre is intended to assist lawyers through the review of key practice management areas. It does not attempt to cover a complete knowledge base for each area but rather captures, highlights and provides an overview of core concepts.

 

We are pleased to introduce three new modules:

 

Communication


Lawyers who maintain a professional standard of communication are less likely to face complaints to the Law Society, are better able to serve their clients in a professional manner, enjoy better professional relationships, and enjoy greater respect from their clients, their peers and the judiciary.

 

Learn more about effective communication.

 

When a Lawyer Leaves a Firm


A lawyer's departure from a firm often tests the professionalism of the lawyers involved and raises many ethical, legal, business and personal issues. Lawyers’ ethical obligations are best fulfilled when the departing lawyer and firm agree to engage in cooperative discussions, designed to protect the interests of the clients they serve. 


Learn more about firm departure considerations.

 

Time Management



Time management is key to a successful practice. The ability to effectively manage time leads to improved efficiencies, less stress and feeling more satisfied in day-to-day practice.

 

Learn more about time management strategies.

Applications for the Viscount Bennett Scholarship Now Open

The Right Honourable Viscount Bennett, PC, KC, LLD, DCL, sought to encourage a high standard of legal education, training and excellence. In 1943, he established a trust fund with 100 shares of Royal Bank stock, valued at $100 per share. The value has increased significantly, allowing the Viscount Scholarship Selection Committee (Committee) to award up to three scholarships annually.


Award


An award of up to $20,000 may be paid annually to provide for post-graduate studies in an institution of

higher learning, in common law, approved by the Committee. If, in the opinion of the Committee, no suitable application is received, no award will be made. Up to three awards may be made annually if, in the opinion of the Committee, there is justification based on the eligibility requirements.


Eligibility


Applicants must be law graduates or members of the Law Society of Alberta, ordinarily resident in, or if not presently resident in, then with an express intention to return to Alberta. Awards will be made by the Committee based primarily on the academic excellence displayed by the applicant in both university and law school. The Committee may also have regard for the applicant’s:


  • degree of involvement in law school, university, community and legal affairs;
  • financial need; and
  • other scholarships or awards.


Application


Applications are to be sent to Barbara Billingsley, Dean of Law at the University of Alberta via courier or email by May 1, 2023. Find out more information about the scholarship and application process in this guide or on the University of Alberta website.


Note: Electronically submitted references and transcripts must be sent directly from the reference or university. These documents will not be accepted if the applicant submits them on behalf of another person or institution.

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New Mentor Moment Available

Mentor Moments shares the stories and experiences of the mentors in our mentorship programs. The initiative is meant to acknowledge the contributions made by volunteer lawyers and to encourage other Alberta lawyers to consider participating.


Read our latest Mentor Moment.


For more information on Mentor Connect, Mentor Express or the Indigenous Mentorship Program, visit our website.

Read the Mentor Moment

Osgoode Hall Law School PhD Candidate Survey: Judicial Decisions

Jon Khan, PhD Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School, is conducting research to explore ways to improve Canada's legal system, with a specific focus on judicial decision-making and judicial decisions. 


To aid in his research, Mr. Khan invites Alberta lawyers to participate in a short survey. The survey takes 13–15 minutes and covers:


  • judicial decisions & judicial decision-making; 
  • accessing information about what occurs in Canadian courts and about Canadian judges; and
  • keeping up with jurisprudence and preparing for litigation.  


Participation is voluntary and all responses are anonymous. 


To find out more about Mr. Khan or his research, please visit his research webpage or contact him directly

Alberta Court of Appeal Announcement

The Honourable Justice Marina Paperny to be Sworn Out as Justice of the Court of Appeal of Alberta


The Honourable Marina Paperny will be sworn out as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Alberta on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 4 p.m. in Courtroom 1801 at Calgary Courts Centre, 601 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta.


View the announcement.

Upcoming Events


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