Navigating the Evolution: A Deep Dive into Canadian Legal Market Trends

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Canadian legal market, understanding current trends and the areas experiencing significant growth is crucial for law firms and legal professionals aiming to stay ahead. As Canada continues to make strides in various sectors, the legal industry sees a parallel shift, particularly in environmental law, technology law, and cannabis law. This blog post delves into these burgeoning fields, analyzing statistical data to uncover the growth trajectories and offering insights on how firms can adapt their services to meet the evolving needs of their clientele.

The Rise of Environmental Law

The increasing global emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection has propelled environmental law to the forefront of the Canadian legal market. According to recent statistics, the demand for legal expertise in environmental law has surged by approximately 20% over the past two years. This uptick is largely driven by the growing need for compliance with environmental regulations, sustainability consulting, and litigation related to environmental damage.

Firms looking to capitalize on this trend should consider investing in specialized training for their lawyers and forming partnerships with environmental consultants to offer comprehensive legal and advisory services.

The Tech Law Boom

Technology law is another area experiencing exponential growth, fueled by Canada’s burgeoning tech industry. With a year-on-year growth rate of 25%, tech law encompasses a wide range of services, from intellectual property protection and data privacy compliance to navigating the legal challenges of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.

To thrive in this niche, law firms must stay abreast of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Developing a niche expertise in specific areas of technology can provide a competitive edge, making ongoing education and collaboration with tech experts essential.

The Green Rush: Cannabis Law

Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, the legal landscape surrounding the cannabis industry has been complex and ever-changing. The demand for legal services in cannabis law has seen a remarkable increase of 30% in the past year alone. Legal professionals are needed to navigate licensing processes, regulatory compliance, corporate structuring, and intellectual property matters related to cannabis.

Law firms aiming to establish or expand their presence in the cannabis law sector should focus on building a deep understanding of the regulatory framework and fostering relationships with key players in the cannabis industry, including regulatory bodies.

Adapting to the Trends

For law firms to effectively adapt to these trends, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes:

  • Continuous Learning and Development: Encouraging lawyers to engage in lifelong learning and specialization in these high-growth areas.
  • Technological Adoption: Leveraging legal tech solutions to enhance service delivery, improve client relationships, and increase operational efficiency.
  • Strategic Hiring: Bringing in talent with specialized expertise in environmental, tech, and cannabis law can instantly boost a firm’s capabilities in these areas.
  • Client-Centric Services: Developing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of clients in these sectors can help law firms differentiate themselves.

Conclusion

The Canadian legal market is undergoing significant transformations, driven by the growth in environmental, technology, and cannabis law. By understanding these trends and strategically adapting their services, law firms can not only navigate these changes but also seize the opportunities they present. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and agile will be key to success in this dynamic market.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Law Firms Targeting Generation Z

In an era where the legal landscape is continuously evolving, law firms face the ongoing challenge of adapting their marketing strategies to reach new audiences effectively. Among these emerging groups, Generation Z—a demographic born between 1997 and 2012—stands out as a particularly unique cohort. With their distinct preferences, values, and media consumption habits, Gen Z presents both challenges and opportunities for law firms aiming to capture their attention. This blog post delves into effective marketing strategies tailored to resonate with Gen Z, ensuring your law firm remains relevant and appealing to the next wave of potential clients.

Understanding Generation Z

Before crafting any marketing strategy, it’s crucial to understand who Gen Z is. This generation has grown up in a digital world, with access to the internet, social media, and mobile devices from a young age. They value authenticity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. They are also known for their short attention spans but are highly adept at filtering and processing large amounts of information quickly.

Strategies to Engage Gen Z

1. Leverage Social Media and Influencer Partnerships

Social media is the lifeblood of Gen Z’s daily interactions. Law firms should not only maintain an active presence on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok but also engage in ways that feel genuine and interactive. Consider partnering with influencers who align with your firm’s values and can speak authentically about legal issues that matter to Gen Z.

2. Create Engaging and Informative Content

Content is king, but context is queen. Creating short, engaging, and informative content can capture Gen Z’s attention. Think about leveraging video content, infographics, and brief blog posts that highlight your law firm’s expertise, client success stories, or breakdown complex legal concepts in a relatable way.

3. Champion Social Causes

Gen Z is highly motivated by their values and are more likely to engage with brands that champion social causes. Law firms can attract this generation by clearly communicating their commitment to issues like social justice, diversity, and environmental sustainability. Highlighting your firm’s pro bono work, community service, or initiatives that address societal concerns can resonate with Gen Z’s desire to make a positive impact.

4. Optimize for Mobile and Speed

With smartphones being a primary device for Gen Z, ensuring your website and content are optimized for mobile is non-negotiable. This means fast loading times, easy navigation, and a seamless user experience across all devices. A mobile-optimized site not only caters to Gen Z’s preferences but also improves your firm’s overall online visibility.

5. Personalize Your Marketing Efforts

Personalization is key to standing out in the crowded digital space. Utilize data analytics to understand the behaviors and preferences of Gen Z, allowing you to tailor your marketing messages accordingly. Personalized email campaigns, targeted ads, and content that speaks directly to the interests and concerns of Gen Z can significantly increase engagement.

6. Foster Community Engagement

Gen Z values connection and community. Law firms can tap into this by creating spaces for engagement and discussion, whether through social media platforms, online forums, or hosting webinars and events that cater to young adults. Encouraging dialogue not only boosts visibility but also builds trust and loyalty among Gen Z clients.

7. Adopt a Multichannel Approach

Finally, while digital is crucial, adopting a multichannel approach that integrates online and offline strategies can enhance reach and engagement. This might include participating in community events, hosting workshops on legal literacy for young adults, or collaborating with educational institutions to provide resources and support.

Conclusion

Engaging Generation Z requires law firms to be authentic, agile, and adaptable in their marketing strategies. By understanding this generation’s unique characteristics and leveraging digital platforms creatively and strategically, law firms can not only attract Gen Z as clients but also build long-lasting relationships with them. Remember, the goal is not just to market to Gen Z but to engage with them in meaningful ways that reflect their values and preferences. With these strategies in hand, your law firm will be well-positioned to connect with and serve the next generation effectively.

Expand Your Law Firm with Virtual Offices in Ontario through Wolf Law Chambers

In the rapidly evolving legal landscape, law firms are constantly seeking innovative ways to streamline their operations, reduce overhead costs, and expand their presence in competitive markets. One emerging trend that has gained significant traction is the adoption of virtual offices. This model offers the flexibility and efficiency that modern law firms need to thrive, particularly in a bustling and diverse legal market like Ontario. Wolf Law Chambers is at the forefront of this movement, providing a comprehensive solution for law firms looking to expand their footprint without the traditional constraints of physical office spaces.

Embracing the Future of Law Practice

The concept of a virtual office is simple yet revolutionary. It allows lawyers and law firms to maintain a professional business address, access office facilities, and utilize administrative services without the need for a dedicated physical office space. This model is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized firms and solo practitioners aiming to establish or expand their presence in Ontario without incurring the substantial overheads associated with traditional office spaces.

Wolf Law Chambers specializes in offering tailored virtual office solutions designed specifically for the legal profession. Their services are not just about providing a mailing address; they offer a comprehensive package that includes access to fully equipped meeting rooms, private offices for client consultations, and administrative support from legal professionals. This enables lawyers to maintain a high level of professionalism and client service, regardless of their physical location.

Benefits of Partnering with Wolf Law Chambers

1. Professional Image and Credibility

Having a virtual office in prestigious locations across Ontario enhances your firm’s professional image and credibility. Clients often associate a firm’s location with its success and reliability. Wolf Law Chambers allows you to leverage this perception by offering addresses in sought-after locations.

2. Flexibility and Scalability

The virtual office model provided by Wolf Law Chambers offers unparalleled flexibility. You can scale your operations up or down without the constraints of long-term leases or the need to physically relocate. This is particularly advantageous in the current market, where agility and responsiveness to change are key competitive advantages.

3. Cost Efficiency

By eliminating the need for physical office space, law firms can significantly reduce their overhead costs. This includes savings on rent, utilities, office equipment, and maintenance. The funds saved can instead be redirected towards growth initiatives, technology adoption, or enhancing client services.

4. Access to a Supportive Community

Wolf Law Chambers is not just a service provider; it is a community of legal professionals. By joining this community, you gain access to networking opportunities, professional development events, and the chance to collaborate with peers across various legal specialties. This can lead to referrals, partnerships, and a stronger professional network.

5. Technology and Administrative Support

In today’s digital age, having the right technology is crucial for the success of any law practice. Wolf Law Chambers provides access to high-speed internet, teleconferencing facilities, and other essential technologies. Additionally, their administrative support services can handle call answering, mail management, and other clerical tasks, allowing you to focus on your legal work.

Conclusion

Expanding your law firm with virtual offices in Ontario through Wolf Law Chambers offers a forward-thinking, flexible, and cost-effective solution to traditional office spaces. It not only enhances your firm’s professional image and operational efficiency but also provides access to a supportive community of legal professionals. As the legal industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative solutions like virtual offices will be key to staying competitive and meeting the changing needs of clients. Wolf Law Chambers is leading the way in this new era of legal practice, and partnering with them could be the strategic move your firm needs to thrive in Ontario’s dynamic legal landscape.

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

Finding the Right Client for Your Practice

On February 19, Wolf Law Chambers welcomed Kim Piller from Sandler Training to give a talk on how lawyers and paralegals can increase their sales effectiveness.

Thanks to everyone who came!

Dezso Farkas, the Director of Wolf Law Chambers, started the evening with a summary as to why lawyers and paralegals don’t like to sell. When it comes down to it, there’s a negative connotation associated with sales. There’s also a general feeling that sales are not what the legal practitioner is trained to do. Law is what they trained to do. But as sole practitioners or small firms, the reality is that finding clients, promoting your practice is something you have to do.

In his presentation, Kim Piller spoke about why some sales fail: “winging” the sales pitch, lack of a plan, not really knowing what you’re selling, no process in place, and sometimes a sheer lack of compatibility. But all of that can be overcome. He provided tips and techniques to help make connections and land new clients. 

He advocated for putting a system in place to help you sell. With a system, you’ll know what beats to hit in your sales pitch and this will help you maintain control, save time, stay on track, duplicate positive results and recognize any problems.

The goal is to get a positive result: a yes, a no, or a referral. Although getting a “no” may be counterintuitive as a positive result, it can lead to a lesson learned or simply saved time. Maybe’s are the negative result; causing you to bleed time and resources. 

In the end, he reminded everyone, the thing to remember is people decide to purchase or choose you as their legal practitioner based on emotions. They will justify it later intellectually, but the emotions they feel are the deciding factor. 

  • Look at their personal needs.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Understand why they are coming to you.

No Detail Is Too Small: Thamar Abdu

Thamar Abdu of Thamar Bilingual Legal Services Ontario provides legal services in both French and English. After becoming a licensed paralegal in April 2018, Thamar started her practice in May 2018. She focuses on Small Claims Court matters and commercial litigation, such as a contract dispute between two businesses or between a business and an individual, as well as Landlord and Tenant issues. Her true love, though, is anything to do with contracts: going through the terms, finding the defects, examining the details. 

Background

Up until three years ago, Thamar lived and worked in Quebec. She spent many years working in the financial industry before working for the government of Quebec. Both of these jobs played a role in where she has ended up today. 

Her first encounter with the law as an employment opportunity was when she was asked to fill in for a colleague in the legal department of her employer’s company. To her delight, during her training she discovered an aptitude for law, understanding the concepts and aspects quite easily. As she did not have a legal education at the time, it remained a delightful discovery about herself, nothing more.

A few years later, Thamar was working for the Quebec government in a job that required her to know governmental procedure quite well and be very familiar with the law that intersected with her work. When her uncle visited from Ontario, she accompanied him to court on a minor matter, both for moral support and because she was familiar with the structure of a governmental/legal organization. Her uncle, seeing how much she enjoyed the visit to the Quebec courthouse, told her that in Ontario she could go back to school and become a licensed paralegal and provide legal services to the public.

At this point, a yearning for a new challenge had been quietly residing in the back of her mind for some time, specifically a chance to start her own business. But Thamar is not a person who works with her hands and so was not sure what her business would focus on. With no focus or outlet, the desire for her own business remained an idea.  When her uncle told her about the paralegal educational opportunity, her dream came into laser sharp focus. Within a month she had resigned from her job in Quebec and enrolled in a paralegal education program in Ontario. Although it was scary and daunting to leave behind an established life as well as a secure and well-paying job, Thamar was also excited to be setting out on a new challenge, a challenge that she relished. She’s never looked back.

Puzzle Pieces

Thamar loves examining details, investigating terms, searching for information and uncovering facts. Every case is made up of thousands of tiny pieces and she enjoys putting them together to see the big picture. In another life, she might have been an investigator. As a paralegal, her passion for facts and details help her to understand each case fully. She examines every facet of a case thoroughly, looking for anything that might help or hinder her client. Although this level of detail might be daunting to some, Thamar thrives on it. She uses her drive to understand everything to her advantage, to enable her to grasp the situation a client might be facing and examine and present each possible outcome. She never underestimates the value of one detail. Although this passion for detail may cause frustration, it can also have the benefit of finding that one piece of the puzzle that changes the perspective of an entire case.

Although she is still building experience and her practice is young, she doesn’t let her newness stop or intimidate her. She throws her heart and soul into preparing for every case.  All doubts and inexperience can be overcome with preparation and knowledge, she says. When asked how this translates to helping her clients, Thamar says that she is very thorough and outlines all possible outcomes that may arise. Her goal, she says, is not winning per se, but getting the best possible outcome in the circumstances for her client – be that money, an order from the judge or something else entirely.

Wolf Law Chambers

Choosing Wolf Law Chambers as the home for her practice is another decision Thamar has no regrets over. When she first started as a licensed paralegal, she worked out of a home office for a year but found it to be lonely work. She realized she needed to have other professionals around to talk about work, get opinions, brainstorm, get advice or even just to have a quick chat about coffee. Wolf Law Chambers provided this as it is a community of legal professionals. “It feels like a family,” she says. She found that her productivity soared when she was around other professionals and as an added boost, Wolf Law Chambers is more convenient for her practice. There’s a professional space readily available to meet clients, the boardroom, and if a client has problems in other areas of law, there are other legal professionals just outside her door who could help.

One of the benefits from starting her own business that Thamar enjoys is the freedom she’s gained to structure her day. As an early riser, Thamar long ago discovered her most productive hours were early in the morning. Once, those hours were needed to prep to get to the office for 9. Now that she runs her own practice, she can use those hours more effectively and efficiently because she can work from anywhere.

Although starting her own business has been challenging, Thamar focuses on the positive. She took the leap of faith to open her own business and pursue her love of law and details and contracts; what someone else may find tedious, Thamar finds fascinating.

Thamar and her eye for detail is ready to help you with your contract issues.

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.

Scale up Your Legal Practice – A Successful Event

We would like to send out a huge thank you to everyone who came out on the evening of November 28, 2019 to our event Scale up Your Legal Practice. We had a great turnout of both paralegals and lawyers (and a printer who specializes in business cards!)  We listened to presentations given by Amanda Russell from Legal Shield, who sponsored the event, and Dezso Farkas of Farkas Law about the importance, advantages and opportunities of networking while also having the opportunity to put their advice into practice.

Amanda Russell

Amanda Russell started the evening with a presentation about Legal Shield, an organization that is dedicated to providing legal access to its members through a network of law firms.

Legal Shield wants to help middle-income people who are priced out of hiring lawyers. They want to give these people access to law firms in case they need help with contracts or setting up a will or really, any legal issue. Legal Shield wants to connect people with lawyers or paralegals who can help.

The question then becomes how can lawyers or paralegals practicing on their own become involved with Legal Shield?

Amanda explained that Legal Shield is always looking for individual lawyers and paralegals to add to their referral network. If the designated law firm chosen by Legal Shield as their in-province representative is too expensive or can’t meet the needs of the client, a referral is made to a lawyer or paralegal within the network who can do so. It can become another way for lawyers and paralegals to gain clients and increase their network.

Amanda Russell and Dezso Farkas

Though it may seem ironic to have a talk on networking at a networking event, Dezso Farkas’s presentation was informative and humorous. He spoke about the principles of networking (and how similar they are to dating) and the different personality types that might be found at networking events.

He addressed the pitfall that many of us fall into: going to these events with a specific goal or person in mind to connect with. Throughout his talk he emphasized the benefits of having no expectations, to take the opportunity to have fun, meet people and explore all the different and unique ways collaboration could be possible.

Did you know there were six personality types that show up at networking events? Dezso discussed their attributes, the benefits of knowing what type you might be, and how to recognize the different personalities at an event so that you might connect more effectively. To name just a couple, there was “the detective” who does their research on attendees beforehand to initiate an informed conversation, and “the comedian” the person who wins everyone over with humour.

The evening ended as it began – with mingling and conversation as the attendees introduced themselves, what area of law they specialize in and what they’re looking for, but also enjoying chats about the holidays and good food.

As Dezso said, networking is a numbers game. The more you go to, the more practiced you’ll be, the more meaningful connections you’ll make. If you missed this one, there are more coming. There’s always a chance to practice your networking skills. Feel free to join us, start a conversation and have some fun.

The Best Virtual Office For You

Working from the comforts of your home is definitely viable for legal professionals as it offers economic flexibility due to varied reasons. There is no commute, you get to stay in your pajamas, customize your environment, and are able to create a flexible schedule for yourself. One important shortcoming though, is the lack of a professional office space to meet clients, a registered business/corporate address, and space for storing away documents and/or items that are not needed immediately. Let’s face it, a home is a home and a workplace is a workplace. There is a certain limit to conducting business from your home. You will probably function optimally if you complete work assignments in designed workspaces, which have the resources to help you succeed in your area of legal practice.

Such a spaces exist in the heart of downtown Mississauga and downtown Oakville. Welcome to Wolf Law Chambers. This workspace has virtual offices to fulfill your professional needs and requirements. The benefits of renting a virtual office space at Wolf Law Chambers include accessibility to an elegant boardroom to seat and meet with your clients, a registered mailing address, clerk office spaces to use and complete your tasks, access to mail and courier services, a readily available printer for copying/faxing/scanning, and access to a private internet network. We also have diligent and reliable process servers whose services you can use, IT support for your practice, and office coordinators always available to help. Wolf Law Chambers is the perfect office space for legal professionals looking to operate from a virtual office, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Here at Wolf Law Chambers, we aim to provide legal professionals with all the tools they need to succeed. Our goal is to build a community of legal professionals that can work together in collaboration and grow together. Although the legal professionals operate under their own professional corporations, they are able to work in collaboration on matters which encompass their areas of expertise. We have marketing and content creating specialists who are able to write and publish articles in your area of practice. We are constantly looking to promote everyone within our community. We provide the best platform we possibly can to all of our members and want to see them grow in their practice at all times. We host onsite events, seminars, and CPD workshops with some of the industry’s leading professionals. At these events we leave the floor open for anyone from Wolf Law Chambers to share their experience and expertise in their field. We aim to give all members of our chambers as much exposure as possible.

In providing extensive support and promoting your practice, we want to see you flourish in your legal practice. Come and visit Wolf Law Chambers at 90 Matheson Blvd. E. in Mississauga and 277 Lakeshore Road East in Oakville and see how we can help you build your practice and provide a sustainable platform for you to thrive in your legal career.

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Learn How You Can Survive the Law Society Audit

Wow, what an amazing turnout on the eve of October 10th, 2019 at Wolf Law Chambers! We had Mark Dormer of Cosgrove give a very insightful presentation to our electric audience. It was a true success, so much so that we are hosting another in depth presentation on readying your practice for the Law Society audit in the early part of 2020. We host a variety of seminars, workshops and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives but the Law Society audit is one that touches base with all legal professionals. We have all gone through an audit by the Law Society or will be going through one in the near future. Instead of leaving things to the last moment and stressing yourself, the best approach is to ensure that you are complying with the outlined practice strategies for your area of practice from the beginning. This ensures that the proper processes for record keeping are already in place and excellent habits are developed. Thus, you will not only ‘survive’ the audit, you will thrive and excel in your legal practice.

Mark Dormer, owner and president of Cosgrove, possesses grassroots knowledge of law firm management and is able to transfer is effectively to legal professionals in all areas of practice. These techniques help improve profitability and guarantee that the fear of Law Society audits is alleviated. Marks Dormer suggests that in preparation for the audit, legal professionals should:

  • Develop processes for record keeping procedures that are compliant
  • Maintain those systems
  • Maintain up to date records
  • Be proactive

Instead of panicking and scrambling things last minute, doing the above will most definitely yield the right results for you. The keys for a successful audit and practice management established by Mark Dormer are financial and client record keeping.

For financial record keeping:

  • Record method of receipt for trust and general transactions (cheque, wire, etc.)
  • Record method of payment for trust and general transactions
  • Prepare a Form 9A for electronic transfers out of trust
  • Maintain valuable property record
  • Maintain cash receipts book
  • Maintain Referral Fee Journal

For client record keeping:

  • The client’s full name.
  • The client’s business address and business telephone number, if applicable.
  • If the client is an individual, the client’s home address and home telephone number.
  • If the client is an organization, the organization’s incorporation or business identification number and the place of issue of its incorporation or business identification number, if applicable.
  • If the client is an individual, the client’s occupation or occupations.
  • If the client is an organization, other than a financial institution, public body or company that is not a private company, the general nature of the type of business or businesses or activity or activities engaged in by the client, where applicable.
  • If the client is an organization, the name, position and contact information for those individuals authorized to give instructions with respect to the matter for which the licensee is retained.
  • If the client is acting for or representing a third party beneficiary or a principal, information about the beneficiary or principal as applicable.
  • Verification of identity when receiving, paying or transferring funds.    

It is clear that a successful audit requires for a legal professional to execute proper record keeping techniques that are in compliance with the Law Society’s code of conduct. Building the right habits from the initial stages of your practice will establish processes that allow for you to manage your practice with the highest efficiency. It is very much possible that an auditor may note down a few areas of concern despite your aim for perfection but that is nothing to be worried about. The auditor is only trying to HELP YOU! Take note and consideration of their recommendations and speak openly to them about how you can improve.

For future seminars, workshops, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, you are welcome to visit Wolf Law Chambers at 90 Matheson Blvd. W, Suite 101, in the heart of Mississauga. We aim to provide a shared workspace for legal professionals to flourish by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.