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Communicating like its 1876: The continuing importance of telephone skills for lawyers

When the Western Union Telegraph Co. famously declined to purchase the telephone patent from Alexander Graham Bell, it was allegedly because they wondered why anyone would want to use such a frivolous and impractical device when a clear and concise written message could just as easily be sent by telegraph. This assessment seems less absurd… Read More »

Categories: Articles, Communications Errors, Content Type, Features, Law students/new lawyers, New Lawyer Issue

Perspectives on the future of law – How the profession should respond to major disruptions

The legal profession is in the midst of significant change, and is headed into a period where there will be even greater change. These changes are driven by disruptions that alter the very nature of how traditional legal services have been performed and provided to clients for decades. These disruptions include: access to justice client… Read More »

Categories: 2018 February Top Legal Disruptions, Articles, Content Type, Features, Future of law, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Legal Careers, Topics

Artificial intelligence: What is AI and will it really replace lawyers?

artificial intelligence

If you scanned social media or the headlines in many online or print-based newspapers or magazines published in 2017, you were pretty much guaranteed to see posts and articles on artificial intelligence (AI). Most of these articles suggest that AI is in the process of fundamentally changing our lives at work, home and play. And… Read More »

Categories: 2018 February Top Legal Disruptions, Articles, Content Type, Features, Future of law, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Legal Technology, Topics

The graceful exit: Leaving practice on a high note

images of retirement

In the last few years of their careers, many lawyers begin to think about the meaning of legacy. What has been my contribution? How will I be remembered? Part of being a professional means having a vision beyond simply working a job and earning money. Most lawyers are guided by personal values, a commitment to… Read More »

Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Articles, Content Type, Features, Firm Management, LAWPRO Magazine, Legal Careers, Succession Planning, Topics

Reflections on technology changes in real estate practice

Facilitating transfers of real estate has been the bread-and-butter of thousands of Ontario lawyers for generations. Despite occasional market wobbles, real estate business has helped firms to flourish in communities of all sizes, often supporting the delivery of family, estates, commercial and even criminal law services. Healthy real estate practices support both lawyers’ own families… Read More »

Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Areas of Law, Articles, Clerical / Delegation, Communications Errors, Cyber dangers, Features, Inadequate Investigation, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Legal Technology, Real Estate, Time Management, Topics

Litigation claims on the rise

marker drawing a line

In recent years, the growth in civil litigation claims has outstripped the overall growth in claims. For example, from 2006 through 2010 LAWPRO received an average of 708 civil litigation claims each year, and during 2011 through 2015, the average increased to 948 each year. This growth of 34 per cent vastly exceeds the 7… Read More »

Categories: 2017 August Managing Change, Admin dismissals/Rule 48, Areas of Law, Articles, Civil Litigation, Communications Errors, Content Type, Dabbling, Features, Inadequate Investigation, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Limitation Periods, Time Management

Putting your best brain forward

green traffic light in front of brain

The success of books like Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink and Norman Doidge’s The Brain that Changes Itself, has brought discussion of neuroscience out of the medical lab and into everyday conversation. The potential for what we know about the brain to be used to our advantage in the business and professional realms has spurred a growing… Read More »

Categories: 2017 February Neuroscience, Features, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type, Wellness

Reduce communication-related claims by understanding cognitive bias

neurons with words for emotions

Understanding cognitive biases can help reduce communication-related claims, which are the biggest source of malpractice claims. While many cognitive biases are dealt with by following some common sense principles, others are not as obvious. From anchoring effect to decision fatigue, knowing how your client makes decisions can help you build rapport with your clients, effectively… Read More »

Categories: 2017 February Neuroscience, Communications Errors, Features, Inadequate Investigation, LAWPRO Magazine, LAWPRO Magazine Article Type

Artificial intelligence and the “self-driving” lawyer

robot and human shaking hands

We all look forward to the day when we can jump in a vehicle that will drive itself to our desired destination. And while self-driving vehicles have been in our imaginations for many decades, vehicles from Tesla and others with driving-assistance technology suggest fully autonomous self-driving cars will be a reality in the not too… Read More »

Categories: 2017 Student Issue No 5, Articles, Features, Future of law

Common practice pitfalls: How to avoid them

Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) was created to insure lawyers against legal malpractice claims. Most (though not all) claims are brought by a lawyer’s own client and include an allegation that the lawyer made a mistake or did not meet the standard of care expected when delivering legal services. No lawyer is immune to a… Read More »

Categories: 2017 Student Issue No 5, Admin dismissals/Rule 48, Articles, Communications Errors, Features, Inadequate Investigation, Law students/new lawyers, Time Management

Land Acknowledgement

The offices of LAWPRO are located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. LAWPRO respects and acknowledges the histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit nations.

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