BERESKIN & PARR FOUNDER DIES
One of the founders of Bereskin & Parr LLP, Richard Parr, died last week following a battle with Parkinson’s disease and other illnesses he lived with for almost 10 years.
“He continued to work hard until the end,” the intellectual property firm noted on its web site last week. Parr died on April 2.
“For us, Rick’s wisdom and moral character have shaped our firm in innumerable ways,” the firm noted. “His values live on and are his enduring legacy.
We are indeed privileged to have had him as a partner, mentor, and friend for over 45 years.”
SAULT COURTHOUSE REOPENS
The Sault Ste. Marie courthouse has resumed all proceedings after a fire caused significant damage to the building last year.
The fire broke out in the east end of the courthouse’s basement last August in offices used by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police, according to a press release by city police Sgt. Lisa Kenopic. Authorities, who have yet to determine the cause of the fire, classified it as suspicious at the time.
The courthouse has undergone seven months of renovations and repairs since then, with court cases moved to several downtown locations in the interim. Court services officially resumed on April 2.
DISBARMENT OVER TAX EVASION
The Law Society of Upper Canada has revoked Windsor, Ont., real estate lawyer Kevin Fanick’s licence after the regulatory body found he had engaged in professional misconduct related to a conviction for tax offences last year.
Last June, Fanick pleaded guilty to evading more than $23,000 in taxes. The LSUC had indefinitely suspended Fanick’s licence since 2011.
FASKENS EVENT FOR AT-RISK KIDS
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP will host a fundraiser for the Shakespearience Performing Arts this month.
The event on April 23 will benefit the group’s literacy programs for at-risk kids and will feature actors Colm Feore, Jennifer Dale, and Ted Dykstra, members of the cast of the musical War Horse, a live auction, and artistic-themed prizes.
For more details, see shakespearience.ca.
BOWLING CHALLENGE SURPASSES GOAL
Organizers hoping for strong participation in this month’s bowling fundraiser for the Lawyers Feed the Hungry program got their wish.
The fourth annual law firm bowling challenge raised $140,000 this year, surpassing its original goal of $125,000.
“This event remains an important component of the overall fundraising efforts of the program because it brings Toronto lawyers together in the spirit of charity, fun, and renewal of our sense of community and commitment to helping this city’s most vulnerable,” said Joseph Neuberger, co-chairman of the event.
OBA AWARDS ANNOUNCED
The Ontario Bar Association has announced the winners of its 2012 awards.
Former Superior Court chief justice Patrick LeSage of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP will receive the President Award for his contribution to the advancement of justice in Ontario and elsewhere.
The Linda Adlam Manning Award goes to Mark Berlin for his volunteer activities with the OBA.
In addition, the OBA is honouring Patricia DeGuire, J. Alex Langford, J. André Marin, and Jamie Trimble with its Award for Distinguished Service.
The OBA will honour the recipients at its awards gala on April 26 at the OBA Conference Centre.
WINDSOR IMMIGRATION LAWYER CHARGED
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have laid charges against a Windsor, Ont., lawyer after she allegedly counselled individuals to misrepresent themselves to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Sandra Zaher and her assistant Diana Al-Masalkhi are facing one count of counselling misrepresentation, one count of misrepresentation, and one count of fabricating evidence.
“The RCMP is committed to pursue charges against those responsible for the fraudulent abuse of Canada’s immigration system,” said Sgt. Steven Richardson of the RCMP’s Windsor Detachment.
“We want to ensure that the integrity of our national programs are maintained.”
Zaher and Al-Masalkhi will appear in court on April 26 in Windsor.
SETTLEMENT REACHED OVER AFRICAN MINES
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP has reached a settlement for $1.25 billion on behalf of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. following a dispute over its operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As part of the deal, the parties agreed to settle all outstanding disputes related to three mining properties in the country on April 3.
“This outcome demonstrates Fasken Martineau’s ability to advance a multidisciplinary and international approach to meet the client's needs,” said John Turner, leader of Faskens’ global mining practice group.
CPD PROGRAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The Law Society of Upper Canada will host a program on employment law and social media this month as part of its 2012 special lectures series.
The program will feature practical advice on how to advise clients on matters related to social media and the workplace. It takes place April 25 and 26 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Speakers include Adrian Ott, CEO and founder of Exponential Edge Inc., and lawyer, blogger, and author Nicole Black.
