BarTalk June 1999
Volume 11, Number 3

Public Legal Education Task Force Update

Through the efforts of Marvin Stark, QC, a task force has been assembled to examine the possibility of creating a public legal education program. The program would allow the public to learn and understand the way the law and the judicial system works as an integral part of society. The focus of the proposed program would be to create a series of lectures or seminars in which a number of distinguished speakers, from a variety of fields, such as political science, economics, social sciences and the law, will discuss the role of law in society.

The CBA Communications Committee has whole heartedly endorsed the task force, as has Doug F. Robinson, QC, outgoing President of the BC Branch. The initial members of the task force will be: Edward F. Macaulay; Doug F. Robinson, QC; Marvin Stark, QC; Wanda Cassidy, Director, Centre for Education, Law & Society, SFU; Margaret Nance, SFU; and Ruth Yates, SFU.

Thanks to Edward F. Macaulay, Chair of the 98/99 BC Branch Communications Committee for providing this report.

Cross/Sections

Don White, a mediator and arbitrator with extensive experience relating to the construction industry and Peter Baxter and Mark Wasarab, representatives of Canadian Dispute Resolution Corporation (CDRC) were guest speakers at the May 10, 1999 ADR - Vancouver Section Meeting. Mr. White, who has been an independent contractor for 23 years, provided background information and history leading up to the legislation under the Home Owner Protection Act and outlined the complex problems arising from faulty condominium design and construction. He took part in drafting the “Notice to Mediate” regulations arising from the Barrett Commission recommendations which are expected to become legislative requirements by July 1, 1999.

Mr. Baxter and Mr. Wasarab supplied information from the perspective of service providers specializing in construction and commercial disputes. A good service provider can bring the parties to the table, look after all administrative details and ensure that by the time the mediator becomes involved, the problem is halfway resolved.

Cross/Sections welcomes news from CBA Sections. If you have a story to tell, call Fran Hodgkins at 687.3404 or 1.888.687.3404 if you are outside the Lower Mainland.

What's the Best Technology for Lawyers?

No one knows what technology is being used today by BC lawyers. No one knows what software works best for certain areas of law practice, or what hardware has the most bugs. No one can tell you what the very best tech investments are for the new sole practitioner, and no one has figured out how to leverage the buying power of lawyers to get better products on the market. The CBA is about to change all that.

The BC Branch Member Services Committee has appointed Committee member John Ankemann to lead the 1999 BC Lawyers Technology Project. Members will be surveyed about their use of software and hardware, producing the most current assessment of what is being used by lawyers today and how well it is working on the “frontlines”. Based on the survey results, the Committee will explore opportunities with existing suppliers to improve products to meet the specific needs of lawyers. Items of interest include: voice recognition, PIMS, integrated firm practice suites, multi-function devices, Internet providers, firewalls, wireless headsets, eCommerce and privacy protection.

Watch for the survey this summer, with a final report available in mid-September. If you have questions or suggestions, contact the Technology Project staff liaison Stuart Rennie at the Branch office, 604.687.3404, ext 318 or at srennie@bccba.org.

We look forward to hosting our BC colleagues--be sure to include us in your summer plans.

These articles were published in the June 1999 issue of BarTalk and are subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.