Navigating Legal Tech Innovations: A Guide for Canadian Law Firms

In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate, the legal industry is not being left behind. Canadian law firms are uniquely positioned to leverage the latest legal technologies to not only streamline operations and improve client services but also to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing landscape. This guide explores essential tools, including case management software, secure client communication platforms, and AI-based legal research tools, providing Canadian legal professionals with the insights needed to thrive.

Case Management Software

Case management software is pivotal for law firms aiming to enhance efficiency and organization. These platforms offer a comprehensive suite of tools that assist with scheduling, document storage, task management, time tracking, and billing. Notably, platforms like Clio and MyCase stand out for their user-friendly interfaces and robust feature sets tailored to the needs of legal professionals.

  • Clio (Clio): A cloud-based law firm software providing case management, billing, and client collaboration features. Clio’s platform is renowned for its scalability, making it suitable for law firms of all sizes.
  • MyCase (MyCase): This software offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the day-to-day operations of law firms. Features include workflow automation, a secure client communication portal, and integrated billing.

Secure Client Communication Platforms

In the digital age, the importance of secure communication cannot be overstated. Law firms are entrusted with sensitive information, making it imperative to use secure channels for client communications. Platforms like Signal and Lexicata offer encrypted messaging services, ensuring that conversations remain confidential.

  • Signal (Signal): Known for its end-to-end encryption, Signal is a messaging app that prioritizes security and privacy, making it an excellent choice for sensitive client-lawyer communications.
  • Lexicata (Clio Grow): Previously known as Lexicata, Clio Grow offers a secure client intake and relationship management platform that integrates seamlessly with Clio’s case management system. It streamlines client engagement and improves the onboarding process.

AI-Based Legal Research Tools

AI-based legal research tools are transforming the way legal research is conducted, enabling lawyers to find relevant cases, statutes, and legal precedents faster than ever before. Tools like ROSS Intelligence and Blue J Legal harness the power of artificial intelligence to provide precise, efficient legal research capabilities.

  • ROSS Intelligence (ROSS): By leveraging AI, ROSS Intelligence delivers a powerful legal research platform that helps lawyers conduct faster and more comprehensive legal research.
  • Blue J Legal (Blue J Legal): Specializes in using machine learning to predict legal outcomes. Their platform, Tax Foresight, allows tax professionals to quickly gauge the likelihood of different tax positions, saving time and increasing accuracy in legal advice.

Embracing the Future

For Canadian law firms, embracing these technological advancements is not just about staying current; it’s about redefining the practice of law to be more efficient, secure, and client-focused. As these technologies continue to evolve, law firms that are early adopters will likely find themselves at a significant advantage, offering superior services while optimizing their internal processes.

Incorporating these technologies requires a strategic approach, considering both the potential benefits and the implementation challenges. However, the return on investment, in terms of both time saved and improved service quality, can be substantial. By staying informed about the latest developments in legal tech and proactively adopting these innovations, Canadian law firms can ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

The journey towards digital transformation is ongoing, and as new technologies emerge, law firms must continue to adapt and innovate. By leveraging the right tools and technologies, Canadian legal professionals can enhance their operations, improve client satisfaction, and secure their place in the future of legal practice.

Discover the Advantages of Wolf Law Chambers’ North York Location

Nestled in the heart of North York at 2 Sheppard Ave E, Suite 303, Wolf Law Chambers offers a sophisticated and convenient space for legal professionals. This modern, elegantly designed workspace is not just about its prime location; it’s about providing an environment that fosters productivity, networking, and professional growth. Here’s a closer look at why Wolf Law Chambers North York stands out.

Prime Location with Exceptional Connectivity

Strategically located with a direct connection to St. Sheppard-Yonge Station, the Chambers ensure seamless access to public transportation, making commutes easier for both the members and their clients. This prime location in North York, one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighborhoods, puts you in the middle of a bustling area filled with potential clients and networking opportunities.

A Suite of Premium Amenities

Wolf Law Chambers North York is designed to cater to every need of a legal professional. The building highlights include:

  • Retail and Services: Having essential services and retail outlets within the same building brings unmatched convenience, saving you valuable time that can be spent focusing on your clients and cases.
  • Food Court and Coffee Shop: Whether you’re meeting a client over lunch or need a quick coffee break, having a variety of dining options right at your doorstep is a luxury that cannot be overstated.
  • Underground Parking: The availability of underground parking addresses one of the biggest concerns for anyone commuting to North York, offering a secure and convenient option for your vehicle.
  • Meeting Rooms: With access to well-equipped meeting rooms, you can host client meetings, depositions, or team discussions in a professional setting, enhanced by modern interior design that is sure to impress.
  • Modern Interior Design: The contemporary and sophisticated design of Wolf Law Chambers creates a professional and welcoming atmosphere, conducive to productivity and client confidence.
  • Proximity to Fitness Centre: For those who understand the importance of work-life balance, being close to a fitness centre means you can easily integrate physical wellness into your busy schedule.
  • Concierge Services: The convenience of concierge services adds a layer of luxury and efficiency, assisting with everything from greeting clients to managing deliveries.

The Professional Edge

Beyond the tangible amenities, Wolf Law Chambers North York offers an intangible advantage – the opportunity to work alongside like-minded professionals. This environment fosters networking, collaboration, and a sense of community among legal practitioners. Sharing a space with other lawyers and legal professionals provides unique opportunities for learning, mentorship, and business development.

Designed for Success

Wolf Law Chambers North York is more than just a workspace; it’s a strategic location designed for the success of legal professionals. With its blend of prime location, comprehensive amenities, and a professional environment, it’s the ideal choice for lawyers looking to elevate their practice and provide exceptional service to their clients.

In a profession where the details matter, choosing a workspace that supports and enhances your practice can make all the difference. Wolf Law Chambers North York offers just that – a space where lawyers can thrive, grow, and succeed.

7 Tips for Solo Practitioner Lawyers to Maximize Their Billable Hours

In the competitive and fast-paced legal industry, solo practitioners face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to managing and maximizing billable hours. Unlike larger firms that have departments dedicated to different aspects of the business, solo lawyers often wear multiple hats, from handling client cases to managing administrative tasks. However, with strategic planning and the right tools, solo practitioners can efficiently maximize their billable hours, ensuring a successful practice. Here are seven practical tips to help solo lawyers make the most out of their working hours:

1. Leverage Technology

Investing in the right technology is crucial for solo practitioners looking to streamline their workflow and increase productivity. Legal practice management software can automate administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and client communication, freeing up more time for billable work. Additionally, adopting document automation tools can significantly reduce the time spent on drafting legal documents.

2. Implement Time Tracking from Day One

Effective time management starts with accurate time tracking. Utilize digital time tracking tools to record every minute spent on a client’s work, including phone calls, emails, and research. This practice not only ensures that you are billing accurately but also helps in identifying non-billable tasks that might be consuming a significant portion of your time.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

For solo practitioners, work can easily spill over into personal time, making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time can help you stay focused and productive during work hours. This includes setting specific work hours and communicating your availability to clients.

4. Prioritize Tasks

Not all tasks are created equal. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, focusing on billable work that directly contributes to your revenue. Consider delegating or outsourcing non-billable tasks, such as administrative duties or marketing efforts, to free up more time for client work.

5. Batch Similar Tasks

Batching involves grouping similar tasks and tackling them together in a dedicated time block. This method reduces the mental load and time lost in switching between different types of tasks. For instance, designate specific times for client meetings, email correspondence, and legal research to improve efficiency.

6. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Burnout is a real risk for solo practitioners who try to maximize billable hours at the expense of their well-being. Ensure you’re taking regular breaks and setting aside time for personal activities and rest. A well-rested lawyer is more productive and can provide better service to clients.

7. Continuously Evaluate and Adjust Your Strategies

The legal industry and your practice will evolve, so it’s important to regularly assess your productivity and billing practices. This might involve reviewing your billing rates, evaluating new technology solutions, or adjusting your work habits based on what’s working and what’s not.

By implementing these seven tips, solo practitioner lawyers can more effectively manage their time, maximize billable hours, and build a thriving practice. Remember, the goal is not only to increase productivity but also to maintain a high quality of service for your clients and a balanced life for yourself.

How Wolf Law Chambers’ Business Hours Phone Answering Services Boost Efficiency

In the competitive and demanding field of law, every second counts, especially during business hours when the pace intensifies. Wolf Law Chambers recognizes the unique challenges law firms face in managing their time and resources efficiently. Their business hours phone answering services are designed to alleviate these pressures, ensuring that law firms can focus on their core activities while never missing an important call. Let’s explore the benefits of integrating Wolf Law Chambers’ services into your daily operations and how it can transform your law firm’s productivity and client satisfaction.

Enhancing First Impressions

The initial contact between a law firm and a potential client sets the tone for the entire relationship. Wolf Law Chambers ensures that each call is answered promptly and professionally, providing a positive first impression that reflects well on your firm. This professional handling reassures clients and prospects of your firm’s commitment to excellence, even before they’ve officially become your client.

Efficient Call Management

During the hustle and bustle of business hours, managing incoming calls can be a significant distraction for your legal team, pulling them away from their critical legal work. Wolf Law Chambers’ phone answering services expertly manage your calls, allowing your team to concentrate on their tasks with fewer interruptions. This efficiency is vital for maintaining productivity and meeting the demands of your caseload.

Customized Call Routing

Not all calls require immediate attention from your senior legal staff, yet distinguishing between them in real-time can be challenging. Wolf Law Chambers offers customized call routing, ensuring that calls are directed to the right person at the right time. Whether it’s a new client inquiry, a call from the court, or a routine administrative question, their team can screen and route calls based on your firm’s specific instructions. This targeted approach prevents disruptions and ensures that high-priority calls receive the urgent attention they deserve.

Reducing Administrative Burden

Your administrative staff plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of your law firm. However, if they’re constantly managing a high volume of calls, their ability to perform other essential tasks can be compromised. By leveraging Wolf Law Chambers’ phone answering services, you can alleviate this burden, freeing your staff to focus on high-value activities that enhance your firm’s operations and client service.

Maximizing Billable Hours

Every minute your legal team spends on non-billable tasks is a minute not spent generating revenue for your firm. In the legal profession, where billable hours are a key metric of success, optimizing the time your team spends on client work is crucial. Wolf Law Chambers’ phone answering services play a pivotal role in ensuring that your legal team’s time is used as efficiently as possible, maximizing your firm’s profitability.

Strengthening Client Relationships

Timely and professional communication is the backbone of strong client relationships in the legal field. Wolf Law Chambers helps ensure that your clients’ calls are always answered within business hours, conveying a message of reliability and attentiveness. This consistent communication standard can significantly enhance client satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to your firm’s long-term success.

Conclusion

Incorporating Wolf Law Chambers’ business hours phone answering services into your law firm’s operations offers a strategic advantage, allowing you to optimize your time, enhance client satisfaction, and improve your bottom line. By entrusting your call management to their professional team, your firm can focus on what it does best: delivering exceptional legal services. Embrace the change and watch your law firm thrive in efficiency and client relations.

10 Crucial Questions to Assess Your Readiness for Launching a Law Firm


Starting your own business, especially a law firm, is a significant step that involves much more than understanding the law; it requires entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and a certain level of risk tolerance. If you’re contemplating this bold move, here are 10 essential questions to ask yourself. These questions will help you gauge whether you’re ready to dive into the entrepreneurial world of legal services.

1. Why do you want to start your own law firm?

Reflect on your motivations. Is it for the autonomy, the challenge, or a gap you’ve identified in the market? Understanding your ‘why’ can keep you anchored during tough times.

2. Are you comfortable with uncertainty and risk?

Running your own firm means dealing with financial instability, unpredictable work hours, and the constant pressure of finding new clients. Ensure you’re mentally prepared for this.

3. Do you possess the necessary leadership and management skills?

Leading a firm requires more than legal expertise. You’ll need to manage finances, human resources, and client relationships, among other responsibilities. Assess your readiness to wear multiple hats.

4. How unique is your value proposition?

The legal market is saturated. What makes your firm different? Whether it’s a specialization in a niche area of law or a unique service model, your firm needs a clear, compelling value proposition.

5. Are you prepared to invest significant time and energy?

Starting a firm is time-consuming and often requires long hours, especially in the early stages. Consider whether you’re ready to sacrifice personal time for the sake of your business.

6. How strong is your network?

A robust professional network is crucial for generating business and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Evaluate the strength of your connections within and outside the legal industry.

7. Do you have the financial resources or access to capital?

Startup costs can be considerable. Think about your financial readiness and options for securing funding, whether through savings, loans, or investors.

8. How resilient are you in the face of setbacks?

The path to establishing a successful law firm is rarely smooth. Consider how you’ve handled failure and adversity in the past as an indicator of your entrepreneurial resilience.

9. Are you committed to continuous learning and adaptation?

The legal landscape and business environment are always changing. A successful law firm owner must be eager to learn and adapt, whether it’s new laws, technologies, or business practices.

10. Have you sought advice from mentors or advisors?

Before making the leap, it’s invaluable to seek guidance from experienced professionals who can provide insights and advice on starting and running a law firm.

By honestly answering these questions, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your readiness to start your own law firm. Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. If you’re prepared to commit, adapt, and persevere, opening your own law firm could be a fulfilling next step in your legal career.

We are in Toronto

We have double the reason to celebrate this Canada Day. We have found the best place to open our Law Chambers in downtown Toronto! Our third location will be opening on July 1, 2021 (Happy Canada Day!) in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre on the 29th floor. We have a beautiful view of the city and the CN Tower. Join the Wolf Law Chambers community today and revel in the stunning views of Toronto.

Wolf Law Chambers Toronto

Legal professionals in Toronto will finally have access to the industry’s leading services offering full-service office space for small and medium firms, which are also located in Mississauga and Oakville.

Wolf Law Chambers provides an elegant workspace to allow legal professionals to grow their business and network while maintaining their independence. We offer spacious and fully furnished private offices, secretarial workstations, and boardrooms, along with a full range of administrative and support services found in established law firms so that you can focus on your legal practice. 

At Wolf Law Chambers you will belong to a community of legal professionals that actively share knowledge, experience and referrals; the ideal conditions to help your practice grow and succeed.

Wolf Law Chambers members are able to focus their time on what really matters: practicing law. We take care of the administrative tasks involved with running an office. From furnishing your office, to setting up the security system and maintenance, our professional team takes care of your packages, greets your clients and makes sure that you and your clients are in a safe and clean space, disinfecting the common areas regularly.

Your private office in Toronto

At Wolf Law Chambers Toronto you will find spacious offices with lots of natural light and big windows providing a stunning view from the 29th floor.

All you need to bring are your computer and files. The offices are furnished with L-shaped desks, lockable filing cabinets and chairs for you and your clients. We leave the decoration of the office up to you.

You can “hang your own shingle” and have your nameplate on your door and at reception.

You will have a private and secure internet connection, as well as printer, scanner and fax services. A shredding service will guarantee the safe disposal of your confidential documents.

At the front desk, our office coordinator greets your clients, receives and sends your packages and manages the maintenance of the office.

For your convenience, we have several services available online, including a booking app to book the boardroom and a messenger app to communicate with colleagues and the Wolf Law Chambers team. 

Basically, with a private office at Wolf Law Chambers Toronto all you need to care about are your practice and clients.

You will have access to the office 24/7 including the boardroom. So you can meet your clients in our sophisticated/elegant boardroom after hours and on weekends.

Premium Virtual Office in Toronto

If you are looking to expand your practice to Toronto or work from home, the Virtual Office is a great option for you. You will have a professional address in the core of downtown Toronto where you can meet and impress your clients.

With a virtual office you are a member of the pack, so you will have access to our referral network and our social and CPD credit events. On top of that, we will help you to promote your practice with a micro-website and social media posts.

Like other members, our office coordinator will take care of your packages and clients, and not even notice that your office is not physically with us.

Remember: We want you to succeed!

Location, Access and Parking

Wolf Law Chambers Toronto can be found on the corner of Adelaide St. West and York St. in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre within the financial district, steps away from the entertainment district and deep within downtown’s vibrant business community.

Our offices can easily be reached by car, transit, bike or on foot.

Our building is easily accessed from the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway. There is underground parking as well as other nearby parking options, such as the parking lot at City Hall.

If you prefer to take transit, the King and St. Andrews subway stations are minutes away, and Union Station and the Go Transit services are close by as well. The Richmond-Adelaide Centre is also connected to the PATH that connects Toronto underground enabling you to avoid the wind, snow and rain.

If you prefer to take your bike, the Richmond-Adelaide Centre has underground bike racks and changing rooms on the premises.

Premises

The Richmond-Adelaide Centre is a beautiful building with many amenities such as a food court, car wash and care, a fitness centre, outdoor space, and a concierge. Anything you could think of to make working away from home easier, this building has it, including dental clinics, a pharmacy and printing services.

The Richmond-Adelaide Centre has a beautiful patio and outdoor space where you can bring your food to eat and enjoy the sun. In 2020 a large sculpture, Dreaming by Jaume Plensa, was unveiled in the courtyard by Oxford Properties. Plensa hopes the sculpture will inspire all who see it to look inward, contemplate and dream of the future. 

Services

Wolf Law Chambers has many services designed to help make our members’ practices run more smoothly and to free up their time to focus on the law and their clients. Included among our many amenities we have binding services available for binding court documents, live reception services where we greet and welcome clients as well as send and receive packages. As part of our community, legal practitioners also have unique access to our referral network and readily available witnesses and commissioners.

Security

As we are lawyers ourselves, we understand the paramount importance of confidentiality and security. To that end each private office will have their own separate internet connection. All the furniture as well as the offices are equipped with locks. We have installed an internal surveillance system to maintain the security of the Chambers at all times. Confidential documents can be discarded in a locked container which will be emptied and destroyed by a certified company. Working amongst a community of legal practitioners has the added benefit of a shared understanding amongst all the members regarding the importance of confidentiality and security. There is no better or safer space to set up a law practice.

Meet Clients in a Professional and Impressive Space

Wolf Law Chambers Toronto, like our other locations, has been exquisitely designed by the interior designers at Silver Elephant. The vibrant artwork is inspiring and motivating. Canyon-inspired walls and carpets complement the sleek finishes of the furniture. Natural light beams through tall windows and even on rainy days, the view is magical. Our boardroom combines the comfort of a meeting space, accents of Earth’s natural wonders and the inspiring view of the Toronto skyline to make a space that is both functional and destined to impress your clients.  

Join Wolf Law Chambers Toronto!

Wolf Law Chambers is the place to be. It will help you save money in a professional and safe environment. Be surrounded by people that understand what your profession demands and will help you avoid distractions so that you can grow your practice. The best thing is: you are not alone. Our regular social events and office activities will keep you connected, supported and help you decompress. 

Don’t waste time; schedule a tour or a phone meeting with a member of our team NOW. 

Click here to schedule an in-person meeting to see our beautiful facilities.

To get more information about our services, schedule a phone meeting here.

If you want to learn more about our locations click here.

We will help you grow your practice.

At Wolf Law Chambers, we’re here to help you succeed

Litigation, With Care and Compassion: Alycia Rose

Alycia Rose of A. Rose Law specializes in civil litigation. She was called to the bar in 2017. After working for a couple of years for a few firms, she decided that she wanted the freedom and autonomy that comes with running her own practice.

In late 2019, she incorporated and started A. Rose Law. Her cases in civil litigation focus on property disputes that include real-estate, construction liens, breach of contract and debt repayment.


Background

Before doing her undergrad, Alycia worked part time in a hospital. She worked in almost every department, learned a lot of medical jargon and even gained the ability to read doctors’ handwriting. Sheenjoyed the work and considered continuing there after school, but the desire to be a lawyer had always simmered in the back of her mind. She decided to take the plunge and go to law school. She did her research and chose the University of Leicester in England. She liked the idea of learning law from multiple jurisdictions. Within the first couple of weeks, she knew she had made the right decision. Law was her true love.

At the end of law school, Alycia came back to Ontario; she did a Masters degree in Law before being called to the bar. From her time working at the hospital, Alycia knew that she wanted to work with people who’d been affected by injury, illness, disability and mental issues, so she took a job at a personal injury law firm. The work was rewarding.  While she was there, she got a lot of litigation exposure and found she really enjoyed it. Each case was different, there was a lot of interaction with clients and she loved going to court. She enjoyed the thrill of it, the nervousness as well as arguing and trying to prove a point.

So, she decided to branch out further into litigation. Her next job was at an insurance defence firm, where she mainly focused on cases within the scope of property damage. Over time this evolved and led to civil litigation which is where she spends most of her time now. She also does real estate and construction liens and has continued with some personal injury cases as well.

Be Healthy and Happy

One of her goals in life is to focus on being healthy and happy both physically and mentally. She wants the same for her clients. The common denominator from her time at the hospital and her career as a lawyer is that both jobs focus on helping people in times of emotional and physical distress. All her life she’s been the person people come to for help and advice and she likes doing that, being there for friends and family. She wants to be able to do that for her clients as well as they go through events that are emotionally charged and painful. When clients come to her with their problems, she is dedicated to taking the stress away and putting it on herself. She’s ok with that. She’s trained for that. She has the resources and the knowledge to navigate the issues they’re dealing with, and at the end of the day she’s helping someone. “I’m a compassionate person and I put myself in the shoes of other people and empathize with what they’re going through,” she says. If she has the ability and the means, it seems to her a waste not to help people.     

The Limitation Period

Litigation covers all manner of cases but the most important issue is the limitation period. The fact that there’s a general two-year limitation period within which people can file a claim is not well-known. “That’s probably the most important thing I do,” she says, “because most of the time people don’t know they’ve only got two years.” It’s not uncommon for people to come to Alycia really close to the deadline or sometimes even too late. To make things even trickier, sometimes it’s difficult to decide when the date of loss was, when exactly the limitation period countdown clock started ticking.

No matter when a client comes to her, that clock regulates what she can and cannot do to preserve that client’s rights and whether or not they’ve been precluded from pursuing those rights. It’s not a very lenient piece of legislation, she admits. But when asked if that was the end of the line and there was nothing to be done after a limitation period expired, she said, “It depends on the case. There may be a way to fight it even if the deadline passed.” There are things that can be done, limited options that have no guarantee of working but she’s willing to try for her client’s rights.

The thing she wishes everyone did was as soon as they realized something was wrong, was make a call for a consultation even if it’s just to find out what the limitation period is. Although the general limitation period is 2 years, others are much shorter, some are even 10 days. “It’s important to call and ask what do I need to watch out for if this incident develops into something bigger,” she says.

Choosing Wolf Law Chambers

Becoming a sole practitioner can be daunting, even more so when you’re a young lawyer. “You suddenly wear all these hats, not just lawyer, but also, accountant, manager, marketer, advertiser, customer service representative, IT technician…” Alycia says, “but nothing compares. It’s awesome.” Despite the risk of setting out on her own, Alycia is proud of herself for taking the leap. 

When looking for an office to base her own practice out of, Alycia started her search with Google. Out of the several options that popped up, one was Wolf Law Chambers. She made an appointment with the owner, Dezso Farkas, and the Marketing Director, Isabel Alves. “I loved Dezso and Isabel. I really felt like I would be taken care of and respected. I felt that my career would flourish with the support that it seemed that they would be able to give me. And so far I haven’t been wrong,” she says.

She liked the location; it was central for her clients and easily accessible being close to the highway. She also liked that there was a second location in Oakville which she has access to. “Both offices are beautiful, especially the boardroom. Clients are always commenting on it.” As a litigator, Alycia is either serving someone or being served. She laughs. “It sounds insignificant, but it’s all I do.” So having a receptionist available to receive packages and a process server available, as well as a courier system in place is exactly what she needed. Once she settled in, the biggest thing that stood out was that there was a sense of community and collaboration, not competition which she appreciates. Working out of Wolf Law Chambers gives her the flexibility to work from home or from her Chambers office while still being able to work collaboratively. “It goes back to my goals: have a good work life balance and [Wolf Law Chambers] is the way to do it,” she says.

If you’re facing litigation, if you’re facing a property dispute, if you have a question about the limitation period of your case, give Alycia a call.

Counsel in Focus: Sodaba Rameh

Sodaba knew she wanted to be a lawyer from a young age. It didn’t matter what area of law because everything was rooted in law. No matter the focus, no matter the field, no matter the specialty, Sodaba would be a lawyer and help people. As she progressed in her education, Sodaba reviewed her choices and chose to specialize in immigration law. She covers everything from refugee matters, to economy class (people who want to work, study or visit in Canada) to business class (people who want to start businesses here or transfer their business from another country).

Law is one of those fields that touches every aspect of life – whether it is immigration, business, or criminal; everything we do is somehow rooted in law.

– Sodaba Rameh of Rameh Law

Background

Sodaba went to law school in Canterbury, England at the University of Kent. She chose an overseas school because she wanted an international experience. It exposed her to the judicial systems of other countries: what they focus on and how they operate. She traveled to France and Belgium to work with refugee camps, and she also worked on legal projects in Gaza, Palestine. Returning to Canada, Sodaba completed a Masters of Law specializing in Canadian common law, in order to gain a Canadian law experience.

Before choosing immigration, Sodaba worked at a criminal law firm. There’s a lot of criticism around defending criminals, but it was a valuable experience for her. “What that area of law taught me was that no matter who [you] are or what situation you are in, you need representation,” she says. She brings that mentality to immigration as well. Everyone deserves representation and everyone deserves to have a judgment that’s fair and free of mistakes.

While she was in school, she had the opportunity to join Amnesty International and be part of the teams that visited the refugee camps during the Refugee Crisis of 2015. They did their best to provide financial and medical aid but too often it felt insufficient considering all that the people had gone through, fleeing their homes and being separated from their loved ones. Sodaba spent many hours talking to them, hearing their stories, sharing their pain and their hope for the future. It became personal. It intensified the desire to help, to do something that will brighten someone’s day, change someone’s life. Her time with them left a deep and lasting impression.

Her involvement with Gaza, Palestine was through a partnership between her school and Legal Aid in Palestine. The objective was to find a way to follow the Palestinian laws while empowering women and giving them a voice all within the boundaries of the law. They focused on women and the struggles they were facing. It required becoming familiar with Palestinian culture and its legal framework. This was an invaluable experience and provided insight into a legal system completely unlike that of Britain or Canada.

Any type of immigration work you do will impact someone’s life directly.  That’s what she loves about the law and immigration as well as what challenges her about it. She is delighted when her clients can stay in Canada aided by her efforts. “It’s very rewarding, helping a family gain the life in Canada that my family was able to get,” she says. Sodaba relishes each one as an opportunity to grow and to wrestle with the law, to see it in a different perspective until the desired end result is achieved. Not unlike her time spent at the refugee camps.

Choosing Wolf Law Chambers

Through LinkedIn, Sodaba found Wolf Law Chambers and the CPD they were hosting: “Surviving Your First Audit.” After the seminar, Sodaba joined a group getting a tour of the offices at Wolf Law Chambers, and had a chat with Dezso Farkas, the Director. “I really got his vision as to what he’s doing and I really appreciate what he’s trying do for the legal community,” she said. When the principal lawyer at the criminal law firm Sodaba worked at was called to the bench, Sodaba decided to branch out and start her own practice. She knew that Wolf Law Chambers would be a place she could flourish because there would be other people around that were business-minded as well as legally focused.  Wolf Law Chambers was a perfect match because there was a built-in community, a place where she could foster relationships and collaborate with other legal professionals, receiving advice and help as well as giving her own expertise in return.

She’s especially grateful for the different services that Wolf Law Chambers offers. On her own, she had to oversee every aspect of her business. Now, she really appreciates that she can trust someone else to arrange for her packages to be sent out giving her more time to focus on her clients.  “What I appreciate about Wolf Law Chambers, I don’t have to worry about the administrative side. They cake care of the major aspects,” she says.

The cornerstone of Sodaba’s life is the relationships she develops and cultivates with the people around her. They excite her, motivate her and drive her to make a difference in their lives. She’s very passionate about all her clients getting the justice they deserve. She wants to make sure that regardless of right or wrong, regardless of how many times they’ve tried, they are represented. By taking care of her client’s legal needs and advocating for their rights through what can be a complicated process, she hopes to lessen the burden and enable her clients to focus on building a life here in Canada.

If you are facing difficulties with your immigration application, give Sodaba Rameh a call. She is here to take care of your legal needs so that you can live your life.

Presentation Skills for Lawyers – Webinar Event

We would like to give a huge thank you to Max Beaumont from Potato Chip Communications for adjusting his presentation “Presentation Skills for Lawyers” to fit an online medium. Although we were not able to participate in some of the interactive exercises that were originally planned before COVID-19 arrived and online meetings became the norm, Max still made the session fun, interactive and memorable. 

Everyone has experienced the nervousness that comes with giving public presentations, perhaps reminding us of that first middle school presentation that felt like a flop! Max understands this nervousness and outlines six major things to focus on to improve our presentation skills: mindset, body language, audience interaction, conversational delivery, and simple messages.

The biggest takeaway was mindset and audience interaction. 

Max Beaumont from Potato Chip Communications

Our natural bent when explaining our presentation before our peers or others is to focus on ourselves: not messing up, slowing down our speech, getting sales, how we’re coming across.  Bottom line?  We’re thinking about ‘me’.  Max challenged us to change our mindset, shifting it from the mechanics we’re engaging in to get our message across, to instead think about our audience, to listen to ourselves as if we were sitting in their shoes.  In addition, he let us in on the ‘secret sauce,’ the key ingredient to channeling our nervousness into a presentation that achieves a conversational style and engages our audience in an accessible way. By the end, we all left the meeting with something to think about.

This is one of the benefits of being a member of Wolf Law Chambers, that from time to time we come together as a community of professionals to participate in ongoing educational seminars that are also open to friends of Wolf Law Chambers.  And of course, the credits gained by attending count towards a legal practitioners’ annual requirement for continuing education. 

We invite you to join us for our next seminar. Who knows? Maybe Max will be back. 

Determination and Perseverance Always: Gideon McMaster

Gideon McMaster of McMaster Law practices in the areas of criminal defense, civil litigation and commercial law. He was admitted to the bar in Trinidad and Tobago in 2012 and upon moving to Canada in 2017, started the accreditation process to be a licensed legal professional. Gideon has now been a Foreign Legal Consultant in Ontario since May 2017. He currently maintains his practice in Trinidad & Tobago, separate from his practice here in Ontario, which is new and growing quickly. 

Gideon is grateful for the experience he gained in Trinidad and Tobago that shaped him into the lawyer he is today and where he has been involved in numerous high-profile cases. He values being licensed to practice both there and in Ontario and believes that both jurisdictions continue to develop him as a lawyer in their own unique ways. Gideon is inspired by top litigators who win difficult cases, especially those in which it seemed all hope had been lost. 

The Choice to Become a Lawyer

Gideon’s choice to become a lawyer gradually formed from several factors. Since childhood Gideon has been outspoken, independently minded and passionate about the things in which he believes. Gideon’s interest in law as a career path developed through his association with persons involved in law and politics during his adolescence, including close friends of his family. His home is well known by relatives as a battleground for political debates. Gideon viewed the legal profession as a viable avenue through which he could generate positive changes in his environment. On the business side of things, he saw his parents build a very successful business from the ground up. Watching them, Gideon recognized that all success and failure would come through his own grit and determination. He understood that these qualities would also bring fulfillment in his life’s work.

Philosophy

Gideon sees his philosophy of life as consistently working towards being an agent of positive change in any environment he is in. He believes that determination, grit and a burning desire to succeed even when the odds are against you are the hallmarks of most successful individuals irrespective of profession. That’s the kind of lawyer Gideon desires to be.

The Mark of a Good Lawyer

Litigating is a superb career choice for people who like to argue, and Gideon thrives on arguing! While this might lead to difficulty in other professions, it is an excellent asset for litigators. It is the job of the litigator to argue for his client’s rights and it is one of Gideon’s goals to become a top litigator in the province. Litigating is not about winning – even though a love of arguing implies a love of winning. While Gideon loves competition, it is simply not the most important thing to him. He commented that winning is simply expected of lawyers, a by-product of their true purpose to fulfill their civic duty. 

He freely admits that while winning has its benefits, he feels that making litigation about winning is not a true test of a lawyer’s skill or aptitude since there are many factors that may skew the results and make them look positive: choosing only “winnable” cases, getting a sympathetic judge, or having at one’s disposal considerably more favourable evidence. Because of these factors, Gideon believes that what makes a good lawyer is skill, not necessarily the lawyer’s record of wins. 

To him, being a top litigator is more about honing his skill and doing the job with excellence and perseverance. It is about helping the people who come to him with the very best of his ability – this is Gideon’s passion.

Gideon describes a good lawyer as a person who:

  • Understands the importance of the client and their obligation to them,
  • Understands that in many instances people come to lawyers at the worst points in their lives, and,
  • Shows compassion to those seeking out their services. Of course, every lawyer needs to have paying clients in order to make a living but Gideon believes there are times that a lawyer may need to take on a case pro bono, and he has personally found much fulfillment in doing so. 

He has been fortunate to have won the vast majority of his cases, but he refuses to put a number to his win ratio. He attributes it to good trials and good luck together. Instead Gideon prefers to focus on his passion to help people who are in need of a skilled litigator.

Choosing Wolf Law Chambers

Gideon is excited to be a part of Wolf Law Chambers and the benefits it brings to his practice.  Since he doesn’t need to worry about administrative details such as internet, phone bills or going to the post office – it’s all taken care of in-house – this allows much more time to be focused on his case load. Gideon chose Wolf Law Chambers because of its structural similarity to the law chambers model which exists in Britain and the Caribbean, where he was trained. He also practices in a law chambers in Trinidad & Tobago. Gideon is attracted to the idea of lawyers working in close proximity to one another as it fosters an environment in which lawyers can bounce ideas off one other, work collaboratively, have an intellectual exchange, and have the opportunity to learn and help one another.

Gideon is a very determined, goal-oriented lawyer. His belief that there is always room for growth inspires him to continue striving for excellence as he builds up his practice in Ontario and continues to hone his advocacy skills. His love of arguing and his sincere desire to help his client get everything they deserve make him a valuable addition to Wolf Law Chambers. Gideon never gives up… just like his favourite soccer team.

Gideon is an avid supporter of Manchester United. Attending Law School in Manchester, UK, gave Gideon plenty of time to observe the team’s story and philosophy of sheer determination and doggedness; to see them as a team that never says ‘die’ and fights to the bitter end. He believes that this is consistent with his own outlook and philosophy of life. Gideon is also an amateur soccer player and plays in the Burlington Soccer League with Squire FC.

If you have any legal matters pertaining to criminal defense, civil litigation or commercial law, feel free to contact Gideon for a consultation.