CBA Practicelink Young Lawyers

Today
Today

Negotiate your working conditions at a law firm

  • June 27, 2018
  • James Careless

When you’ve been freshly called to the Bar, do you have anything to leverage when negotiating the terms of your first job in a law firm? James Careless says it’s possible.

The argument for hanging out your shingle on a professional corporation

  • January 29, 2018
  • Ann Macaulay

There are a lot of things to think about when you’re breaking out on your own, not least of which is the appropriate business structure for your new firm. Ann Macaulay looks at a few options here, but the people she spoke with make a case for the professional corporation.

Great expectations: your first year as a lawyer

  • January 29, 2018
  • James Careless

Myths about what to expect in your first year of practice abound. You’ll work 800-hour weeks! You’ll be treated like dirt! Law school teaches you everything you need to know! Um … no. James Careless debunks these and several others.

The brave new (legal) world: Tips for alternative legal careers

  • January 29, 2018
  • Candice Ashley Pollack

To paraphrase Shakespeare, there are more things you can do with a law degree, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your law firm philosophy. Candice Pollack, a Young Lawyers member-at-large, gives some tips for finding a post-law-school career that you’ll love.

Are you ready for your close-up? Prepare before reporters come calling

  • October 26, 2017
  • Ann Macaulay

Most young lawyers will be the person carrying the files in the back of the shot while the partner talks about a case with the media. But it pays to be media-ready these days – being able to provide relevant information in a compelling way (without giving away the store, of course) can help you and your firm build profile in a competitive market.

Listening to podcasts can help your career

  • October 26, 2017
  • James Careless

Just because you’ve graduated from law school doesn’t mean you have nothing left to learn about your chosen profession. Outside of accredited professional development courses one good way to stay abreast of legal developments is to pop in your earbuds and check out a podcast. We have some suggestions.

Making it work: The point where quality, accessibility and profitability intersect

  • October 26, 2017
  • Kim Covert

University of Windsor assistant law professor Noel Semple believes it’s possible to provide access to justice while providing high quality legal work and being profitable to boot. He’s written about how innovation helps you hit that sweet spot in a book published earlier this year by the CBA.

Sitting on a board can improve your professional footing

  • June 22, 2017
  • Carolynne Burkholder

Even when the law firm is keeping you busy, it pays both professionally and personally to look at taking on a little outside work. Volunteering to sit on a board can connect you to your community, give you valuable insight into areas outside your specialty – and on top of that, it’s great for networking.