BarTalk June 2003
Volume 15, Number 3

by R Dale Janowsky QC

The only way in the modern service industry that lawyers can be successful is to demonstrate value added service. “Value added” is best represented by the fact that lawyers are trained to do their “due diligence,” provide insurance and practise by a stringent code of ethics, all designed to protect and benefit clients.

Lawyers provide clients with advice based on legal education, knowledge, training and experience. Our goal is to act in the best interest of the client.

Why are many lawyers reluctant to become involved in property transactions? Is it a fear of reprisal by realtors not referring transactions to them? Are lawyers unsure of how to proceed? Is it image?

Our experience has indicated that clients prefer to have their lawyers conduct the entire property transaction. In essence, it is a one-stop service for the client. The lawyer is able to provide all property services to clients by using staff and third party service providers. Most property transactions conducted by our members originate from the lawyer’s files or within his/her firm.

Why refer a long-standing client to an unknown realtor?

The practice of law is being eroded and encroached upon by financial institutions that prepare their own security documents, financial advisors that suggest estate planning tips and mortgage brokers that purport to have the best deal.

Support The Network. It is an opportunity to share information and opinions with every B.C. lawyer. Our strength is in the collective years of experience and numerous business and client contacts that we represent or associate with daily.

Complacent lawyers that remain on the fence may find that one day they have been legislated out of business.

Send comments and opinions in regard to proposed changes of the Real Estate Act. Visit www.fin.gov.bc.ca

R Dale Janowsky, QC, in his 38th year of practice is President of The Lawyers Business & Property Network. In April 2001, Mr Janowsky decided to take solicitor property sales to a new level and created the non-profit society for lawyers to share information and views on all aspects of the practice of law (www.thenetwork.ca).

This article was published in the June 2003 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.